Indianapolis, Indiana – The Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) Board of Commissioners is inviting students, parents, educators, and community members to a series of Community Conversations this November, offering residents a chance to engage directly with the ongoing work of the Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA) and share their perspectives on the future of education in the city.
The conversations are designed to foster open dialogue about the ILEA’s efforts, including school governance, facility management, and transportation, and to gather community input to help shape recommendations that will guide the future of IPS and charter schools. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about IPS Board recommendations, provide feedback on key issues, and contribute ideas that the alliance can consider as it finalizes its proposals.
“Your voice and feedback are needed at the upcoming IPS Community Conversations,” the district emphasized, encouraging residents to participate in shaping decisions that will impact the educational experience for thousands of students across Indianapolis.
The schedule for the Community Conversations is as follows:
• November 3 — In-person at the Board room at The John Morton Finney Center for Educational Services, 120 E. Walnut St., from 6 to 8 p.m.
• November 11 — In-person at Anna Brochhausen School 88, 5801 E. 16th St., from 6 to 8 p.m.
• November 13 — Virtual meeting hosted via Microsoft Teams, from 6 to 8 p.m.
The district noted that language interpretation and refreshments will be provided at the in-person meetings to ensure accessibility and a welcoming environment for all participants.
The Indianapolis Local Education Alliance, established by the Indiana General Assembly, is tasked with developing plans that address a wide range of operational and academic concerns, including school facilities, transportation, governance structure, and efficiency improvements. The alliance’s work is aimed at fostering stronger collaboration between traditional public schools and public charter schools while enhancing the academic experience for all students in Indianapolis.
The ILEA will finalize its recommendations in the coming weeks and is required to submit a report to district, city, and state leaders by December 31, 2025. Community input gathered during these November conversations will directly inform the alliance’s decisions, making public participation a key component of the process.
Residents interested in attending are encouraged to register for an upcoming IPS Community Conversation, ensuring they have a voice in the discussion and can share their thoughts on the future of the city’s education system. Additionally, information on past ILEA meetings, including agendas, materials, and recordings, is available for those who wish to review the alliance’s ongoing work.
These conversations represent a critical opportunity for Indianapolis residents to help shape the direction of their public schools, from governance and operational improvements to educational policies that affect the city’s students every day. By attending, community members can engage directly with board commissioners, ask questions, and provide feedback that will help guide the ILEA’s recommendations and ultimately influence the future of IPS.
The IPS Board of Commissioners is calling on all community members—parents, students, educators, and residents alike—to participate, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and that the future of Indianapolis education is shaped collaboratively.
