The Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) Parent Council connects and empowers families to advocate for equitable, well-funded public education in partnership with educators and district leaders. We work to ensure that every student has access to a high-quality, safe, and inclusive learning environment within a publicly accountable school system. As part of our commitment to a thriving public school system, we call on the newly formed Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA) to meet the following baseline standards as they propose recommendations regarding facility use and upkeep, transportation logistics and costs, governance structures, and strategies for operational efficiency for managing public education within IPS boundaries.  Our priorities are guided by the principles of equity, transparency, and accountability, with the goal of supporting fair, student-centered decision-making.

The following demands apply to the formation, operations, and guiding principles of ILEA. They are intended to ensure transparency, public accountability, and community trust throughout the group’s deliberations and decision-making processes.

1. All ILEA meetings should be open to the public. In the event of closed-door sessions, the following must be published on the ILEA website at least 72 hours in advance:
   • Time and location
   • Full agenda
   • Participants
   • Meeting notes or summaries, within 5 business days of the session
2. All ILEA recommendations must be based on current, valid, and reliable data.  All data used in ILEA deliberations - including, but not limited to, enrollment figures, building capacity / utilization rates, facility conditions and specifications, survey results, financial models and feasibility studies must be made publicly accessible and clearly explained in plain language.

The following demands must be met in the scope, substance and implications of the  ILEA’s recommendations. These priorities reflect the values of our community and seek to protect public education, ensure equity, and maintain democratic local governance of our schools.

1. Enforce an immediate moratorium on all new charter schools authorized by any entity operating in the State of Indiana.  No new charter schools or expansions may occur within IPS boundaries through 2035 (four years after the full implementation of property tax sharing). Prohibiting the opening and/or expansion within the IPS boundary through the end of 2035, 4 years after the full implementation of property tax sharing. Indianapolis is oversaturated with schools, and a pause is required to assess community needs, capacity, and long-term sustainability.
2. Our democratically elected IPS School Board must retain all governing authority over IPS schools.  No powers may be transferred, delegated, or eroded through partnerships or advisory entities.  IPS governance must remain locally accountable and fully transparent to the public.
3. Recognize that school closures are deeply disruptive for students and communities. They must be treated as a last resort—only after community-led, equity-centered alternatives have been fully explored. If a closure occurs, it must:
   • Provide clear criteria for any school closure/consolidation decisions.
   • Provide public release of rationale for any proposed school closure/consolidation.
   • Prioritize minimizing harm to the most vulnerable
   • Ensure all deliberations are transparent, with meaningful inputs from community members at stake.
   • Provide a minimum of 12 months’ notice for families, teachers, and staff.
   • Guarantee language-accessible navigation and enrollment support for families.
4. Repeal the “dollar law” (HB1012 in 2012 and/or SB 270 in 2024) that forces IPS to sell unused buildings to charters for $1. IPS buildings and land are public assets—built, maintained, and funded by taxpayer dollars. IPS, as a steward of public resources, must have the ability to recoup and reinvest appropriate value when it divests property, just like any other public agency. IPS must regain full authority to lease or sell facilities at fair market value. Additionally, IPS must be allowed to charge charter operators full cost for services and district owned facilities use.
5. All innovation and charter partnerships must be reviewed by the IPS Board for alignment with district priorities, community fit, and school climate.  To receive shared resources, partner schools must agree to:
   • Be free and open to all students
   • Provide transportation and uniform assistance
   • Employ licensed, qualified staff
   • Offer school counselors and restorative justice practices
6. All innovation and charter school contracts in the IPS district should be limited to a 5 year renewal limit (as opposed to the current 15 year limit) to ensure safeguards to guarantee accountability for both charter schools and their authorizers.  Further, all innovation and charter school partnerships receiving IPS resources must submit annual reports to the IPS School Board, including:
   • Full financial statements
   • Disaggregated student achievement data
   • Enrollment and discipline data
   • Teacher qualifications and turnover rates