March 2020 – Public Comment

Monday – March 16th:
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My name is Annette Murdock Wooldridge and I would like to show my support for the Jump Start
imitative of Arlington Woods Elementary. I have been teaching at Arlington Woods Elementary
school since 2014 and I have seen the transformation of our school. I believe in the work that we
are doing for students and their families. As a member of the 2015 school design team I realized
that autonomy was not enough to meet the needs of our school community. I believe restarting
our school through innovation would allow us to continue to partner with both IPS as well as our
community partners. Many of you have visited our school community and have seen the
transformation yourselves. Please allow our team to continue to do what’s best for students.
Thank you

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What is happening for IPS employees who are considered 12 month employees as it relates to
their pay?

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IPS has done a good job serving families, mitigating risks, and keeping the public informed.

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I am thrilled to make this comment in support for Principal Henderson and Sankofa School of
Success. I have been working with Mrs. Henderson and her colleagues for some time now on the
design and planning of the school and I am convinced that they are deserving of this charter. In
just a short time, Principal Henderson has made great strides towards a successful turnaround.
When I am in the halls either for a walkthrough or a field visit with the University of Indianapolis it
is more than evident that students feel safe, are happy to be there and are high engaged in
learning. She has embedded social and emotional structures and support for students allowing
them to progress in self-awareness and emotional intelligence. Her efforts are also evidenced by
the remarkable success in student achievement measured by benchmark assessments in which
the students have already met their annual goals set b the district.
As a global scholar in the field of educational leadership, I am impressed with the foresight the
Mrs. Henderson has demonstrated in her framing of the key design elements of the school.
Those elements include student achievement, educator effectiveness, cultural preservation and
transformation, and all are facilitated in the context of community participation and health and
well-being. Essentially, Sankofa School of Success will develop in students a sense of place and
purpose that will drive student achievement and unlock their potential to become responsible
citizens and savvy contributors to our community.
-Dr. Jennifer Grace
University of Indianapolis
School of Education

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I am writing, as a parent, to share my support for all four Innovation Network Schools as I believe
they are such an important school option for our district. Ms. Alicia Hervey is an incredible
educator with significant experience working with students in Indianapolis that make her the
perfect leader to restart Stephen Foster School 67 with The PATH School. This type of school will
be so good for students in IPS as it focuses on academics as well as social and emotional
development which is so important for our kids. I also support the restart of Emma Donnan
Elementary School and Middle School with Adelante Schools. Emma Donnan students have so

 much potential to thrive and Mr. Rangel and Mr. Rooney are great leaders to make this a highquality option for parents. I am also very supportive of Arlington Woods School 99 becoming an
Innovation Network Schools. Eastern Star Church has done so much to support the Arlington
Woods neighborhood and Ms. Henderson continues to be a dedicated and high-quality leader for
School 99. Lastly, I support the successful Phalen Leadership Academy network to restart Louis
B. Russell School 48. Thank you to each of you for all you do for our children, especially during
this unknown time. As a parent, I am grateful to each of you for your service and dedication to
ensuring our kids have high-quality public school options in our district.

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Lydia Spotts & Nick Zimmerman
Bates-Hendricks residents
317-916-6987
lydspotts@gmail.com
Please accept this letter as a confirmation of our support for Adelante Schools’ efforts in opening
an elementary school in Indianapolis that focuses on civic engagement, social identity
development, and academic excellence. The strong leadership backgrounds of both Mr. Rangel
and Mr. Rooney are impressive. Our community would benefit from their combined experience in
education and entrepreneurship and we would be delighted to welcome school leaders of their
caliber to serve our students.
When we purchased our home in the Bates-Hendricks neighborhood, we committed to investing
in and improving the neighborhood for current and future neighbors. After ten years of advocating
for basic infrastructure, addressing abandon housing, organizing bi-annual clean-ups, and
reinvigorating our greenspaces, we are seeing the benefits of our labor. Good sidewalks and
updated play structures in well-maintained parks attract families, but when parents begin looking
at school options, we have noticed many neighbors select schools outside of our area or elect to
move. We are delighted to see increasingly more children in the community and feel strong
educational options on the near south side like Adelante Schools will serve the youngest BatesHendricks residents and continue the positive trajectory of our neighborhood. We are heartened
by the collaborative approach of Adelante Schools and their commitment to engaging the
community by seeking out partnerships with families, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
In our experience, Matthew Rooney’s passion for quality education and commitment to his
students is unparalleled. Over nearly 15 years of friendship, we have witnessed the evolution of
his career as an educator and administrator and have been inspired by each honor and accolade
he has earned. Through the years we have had the pleasure of hearing about the impact of his
talent and hard work in Korea and New York, and so are delighted he is bringing his knowledge
and skills as a high-achieving elite educator to our area. Matthew has our strongest
recommendation as a personal friend and we are confident the breadth of his and Mr. Rangel’s
experience and professional expertise will transform education in Indianapolis.
It would be our honor to welcome Mr. Rangel and Mr. Rooney to our community as partners and
support Adelante Schools in their endeavor to serve hundreds of students and families in
Indianapolis.
Please vote "yes" to approve the innovation agreement with Adelante schools at Emma Donnan.

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My name is Bernadette (Bernie) Price and I am the President of the Bean Creek Neighborhood
Association. We have discussed with our Bean Creek neighbors, the Adelante Schools mission
statement as well as their success rate. Please know that

 the BCNA is in full support of a "yes" vote to approve the innovation agreement with Adelante
Schools at Emma Donnan. Emma Donnan is physically in the Bean Creek boundaries.
We are also very impressed with how Matthew Rooney and Eddie Rangel have embraced the
Bean Creek neighborhood groups, by attending numerous meetings in the area, conducting one
on one meetings with neighborhood leaders and asking for advice. I do not recall any other
outside educational group even taking the time to communicate as well as this group. In the
process, Matt and Eddie have made us feel very comfortable with their visions for Emma Donnan.
This is certainly a win-win situation for our neighborhood as well as for the children that attend
Emma Donnan. First and foremost their mission is to create the best educational atmosphere that
is possible for our children, our teachers and our administration.
This group has also reached out to the private Catholic Grade School in Bean Creek, which is
Central Catholic School. The Central Catholic Principal, Mrs. Ruth Hurrle has also connected with
Matt and Eddie. Again, this is a win-win for our neighborhood.
Thank you so much for your deep consideration, as we would welcome the Adelante Schools with
"open arms and open hearts".
Sincerely,
Bernadette (Bernie) Price, President
Bean Creek Neighborhood Association

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My children have attended Innovation schools for several years. What I like most is how they
engage with the parents, smaller class room, students able to move at their own level. I have two
kids that have graduated from an A-rated charter school In Indianapolis, and both were college
ready after graduation! I have no regrets! I support Innovation schools! - Deborah Zinerman

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Innovative schools are rigorous yet rewarding. As a student who attended these schools I was
prepared for the college scene and even had already earned some college credits. Innovation
schools are a great opportunity for a kid seeking more options, who is bound to a specific district.
I support Innovation schools! - Chris Zinerman Jr.

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I'm a proud parent of 2 IPS students. My girls attend an IPS choice school and we're very pleased
with the experience that they are having -- and we feel that their school works hard to meet the
needs of all of its students. I wanted to express my support for the district's difficult decision to
restart Louis B. Russell, IPS 48. School 48 is the closest non-choice school to our home and I'm
sad to say that it isn't a school, based upon its track record, that we seriously considered when
we chose a school for our kids. I fear the same is true for many of my neighbors whose children
are either in private schools or in other IPS choice programs. While I know that restarting a school
is a VERY difficult step for all members of a school community. I know that there are great
teachers who have been working hard on behalf of the students at School 48, but it seems to me
that a more dramatic change is needed change the atmosphere and, hopefully, the outcomes for
School 48 students. I commend the district for doing so and hope that this significant step will
lead to improved outcomes for students. Thank you for your courage on this challenging decision.

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Hello, I'm writing in support of Alicia Hervey and The Path School. Alicia is a friend and colleague
and I'm so excited for her to lead students at School 67 to new heights. As a parent who works in
the education field, my friends often ask me for recommendations on what to look for in a great
school for their own kids. Fortunately, there is a long list of Indianapolis schools that are doing
great things for students that I can recommend without hesitation. I'm confident that The Path

 School will soon be on that list of schools. Alicia has painstakingly designed a program and model
to ensure that the needs of every student are met and that no students fall through the cracks.
Alicia approaches her work with an immense sense of humility and personal responsibility - she's
more than ready to pull up her sleeves and get to work for kids. I fully support the districts
decision to partner with Alicia Hervey to operate School 67.

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Hello, I am current Emma Donnan employee and I am writing today to ask the board to approve
the partnership with Adelante schools.
Over the past few months we as a staff and community have been in limbo about the future of our
school. I feel that Adelante will be an asset to the community and to our kids. I personally have
had many conversations with Mr. Rangel and Mr. Rooney. They have shown a genuine passion
and drive for education that not many people have. They have been transparent about their plans
moving forward and were willing to answer any questions asked.
Again, I ask that you make a decision today so that teachers and students can plan for their next
steps.
Thank you for your time.

Tuesday – March 17th:
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To Whom It May Concern:
My name is Fatima Johnson and I have worked in education and community engagement within
the Indianapolis community for over the last seven years. For a couple of those years, I had the
pleasure of working with Matthew Rooney and had the additional pleasure of being the parent of
one of his former students at KIPP Indy College Prep Middle School. I still remember the day he
was hired and my first interaction with him. Matthew’s authenticity, kindness, humor and passion
for education came across immediately when we met. I knew that he was going to be a great
asset to the team and the community. Matthew was hired to teach middle school music and
inherited a program with little resources and students who were upset by the abrupt departure of
their former teacher. Despite limited resources and guarded students, Matthew began connecting
with students, one being my daughter, and community partners to take the music program to the
next level. Before we knew it, drums and xylophones were being delivered, paid for through
community partnerships, and hearing the music coming from his classes were the best parts of
our days. The students adored him and he was often labeled the student’s favorite teacher.
In addition to his classes, Matthew soon formed the Percussion Ensemble, which was made up of
students who had natural talent and a strong interest in learning more about percussion. My
daughter, Jamya, was fortunate enough to be selected for the ensemble. Because of Matthew,
my daughter learned how to play five different types of drums and three different xylophones. She
even began to sing and display her vocal talents publicly. Matthew taught the students how to
lead each other and perform like professionals. As a co-worker and a parent, I made every effort
to assist Matthew and the ensemble, whether that was transporting instruments, transporting
students, taking pictures or chaperoning. I was always willing to help, because I knew that
everything he did was for his students and the opportunities and experiences they had because
of his efforts in and outside of the classroom would stick with those students forever. In addition
to being a music teacher, Matthew was also a mentor and trusted adult in our building. Students
always felt safe talking to him about their problems in and out of the classroom. I remember him
coming to my office and our talks in the hallways about ways to help the students beyond the

 classroom. For as long as I have known him, he has always put students and their families first
and I think that this is one of the reasons he has always been loved, admired and respected by all
that know him.
The day he decided to leave KIPP Indy to become a school leader at Democracy Prep Harlem
High School, in Harlem, New York was not only a very difficult day for him, but for the students
and staff as well. I remember he and I sitting in my office tearing up as we discussed his decision.
It was an amazing opportunity and his decision was not made lightly, but we all understood and
knew that he was going to be an amazing school leader. As a parent, I was really looking forward
to the day that he would teach my son. I wanted him to have the same amazing experience that
his sister had had to learn to love and appreciate music the way she does because of her time
with Matthew. Now that he is back and positioned to be an innovation school leader with
Adelante, I am so excited that more students in our city will have an opportunity to have someone
who will genuinely care, be passionate about their success and do everything in his power to
ensure that students have the best experience and education possible. I know that bringing
someone unfamiliar into a community can be difficult, but I also know that I cannot think of
anyone who I trust more to create a positive, safe, productive and encouraging environment than
Matthew Rooney. He is the most selfless and caring human being I know. He is a leader, change
agent and mentor. As a parent, I am truly thankful for all that he has done for my daughter and
the students of KIPP Indy and any student who has had the privilege of sharing their educational
experience with him will remember the impact on their education for years to come, just like many
of the KIPP students who we are still are in touch with today.
As a former co-worker, parent of one of his former students and friend, I can honestly say, that
Matthew Rooney will put forth every effort to ensure that the students and families of Emma
Donnan are equipped with everything necessary to be successful in their educational journey.
Vote “yes” to approve Adelante, to ensure that the students of Emma Donnan get school leaders
whose primary focus will be to see them excel and who will genuinely care about the students,
families and community surrounding the school. It takes as village to ensure that we are
developing the future leaders of tomorrow, please allow Adelante to become a foundation in that
village, so the students of Emma Donnan get everything they need to be successful in school and
beyond.
Sincerely,
Fatima Johnson
Volunteer and Community Engagement Manager
School on Wheels
fatima@indysow.org
317-502-4783

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Dear IPS School Board,
Please accept this letter as a confirmation of Shepherd Community Center’s support for Adelante
School as the innovation partner at Emma Donnan in Indianapolis that focuses on civic
engagement, social identity development, and academic excellence. The strong leadership
backgrounds of both Mr. Rangel and Mr. Rooney are impressive. Our community would benefit
from their combined experience in education and entrepreneurship and we would be delighted to
welcome school leaders of their caliber to serve our students.
Mr. Rangel brings several years of national education experience to the school, including
leadership experience at a local high performing charter network in the city and Mr. Matthew

 Rooney, brings several years of experience in education from charters in Indianapolis and a highperforming school in New York. He has served as a teacher, assistant, principal, and principal of
schools in those communities.
Shepherd Community will continue to support Mr. Rangel and Mr. Rooney in any way we can. We
have been especially encouraged with their neighborhood engagement over the past few months,
as they have sought support for their plan. We cannot think of stronger leaders to launch as
innovative partners at Emma Donnan, and we offer our unreserved support for their application.
Sincerely,
Andrew Green
Assistant Executive Director
Shepherd Community Center

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I am IN FAVOR of IPS restarting low-performing schools, for Emma Donnan to continue to be an
Innovation Network School with Adelante Schools, and for Arlington Woods 99 to become a
jumpstart school. The PATH School and Phalen Leadership Academies are led by effective
educators who are highly experienced in turnaround work. Adelante is led by educators who have
proven their ability to drive academic success, build up teachers, and create a strong community.

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My name is Erin Brown. I am the co-chair of the Education Committee of the Garfield Park
Neighbors Association. I have been a Garfield Park resident for 15 years now. I have worked as a
teacher for IPS at Manual High School, and have been involved with the Education Committee
now for over two years. It has been a pleasure to get to know more about the school communities
in our southeast side. Honestly, it’s been a great continuing education for me.
As a neighborhood we struggled with transparency and information from Charter Schools USA as
an organization. This was not the fault of their school staff, who would often get involved in the
business of the neighborhood which was always appreciated. It was a top/down issue. We have
honestly been nervous about another partner coming in and having similar issues. When IPS was
in the process of trying to decide how to proceed with Emma Donnan, I’m not going to say that
we weren’t initially disappointed. Many really hoped for a choice option on the south side of
Indianapolis, which doesn’t exist outside of an innovation school on the south side or even a
traditional middle school, as there is space in our neighborhood elementary schools. Adelante
reached out to us, and many more community partners based on what I’ve heard, and asked to
meet with us.
These two are clearly passionate educators. They talked with us about their educational vision.
What they see for the school and how important the community fits into that equation. They
wanted to know who we thought was important to connect with in the community. They answered
all of our questions, and I left that meeting significantly less concerned. Then I started seeing
them at Garfield Park neighborhood meetings. They have made it clear that they want a
neighborhood school for our neighborhood. Following our meeting we were asked to complete a
survey about community educational needs and successes. And I’m already getting newsletters
from them! These guys want to be here, in this community, and we so appreciate the outreach so
early on in the process. My concern about transparency is not an issue with them. They have
been honest with us and clear in their intention.
This process has had to happen very quickly once IPS ended their partnership with CSUSA. But
the students and families at that school, and honestly the staff who are interested in staying as

 well, deserve to know sooner than later what will be happening there next year and who they
need to apply to. So we hope the decision will be made soon. The Garfield Park Education
Committee is comfortable in having Adelante as that new partner.

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To whom it may concern,
I have two grandchildren who attend Thomas Gregg Neighborhood School. Daisy Jett, a 3rdgrade student, and Shawn Jett, a 4th grader. Both have attended TGNS since Kindergarten and
are special needs students in Life Skills Class. I attribute a lot of their growth to the teachers and
staff who have been hands-on with teaching them some of the necessary skills needed for them
to be successful in the real world. A lot of their growth is also accredited to programs, support,
and services available such as Midtown and Social-Emotional Learning.
The three scheduled PIT Day’s a year have been very helpful in keeping constant communication
of what areas of study need the most attention and what they are doing well. I think this all
significant and essential concerning their overall growth and independence. TGNS has been
helpful with connecting me to other sources such as the Boner Center for utility assistance and
Community Partners like Westminster, who provided our Family with Christmas Baskets during
the holiday. All the resources and support are beneficial for someone like me, who is retired and
depends on a monthly fixed income.
Lastly, I would like to mention I love being involved in school activities and events. I have
attended the PIT Days, Haunt the Hallways, Third/Fourth Grade Family Night, Valentine's Dance,
Parent Café/ University, and Bulldog Bash. Twice a month, I volunteer for the Food Group as well
as receive much-needed groceries. I believe Thomas Gregg is a model School for all IPS
schools.
Please continue the work of Innovation Schools/Restart for our children!
To all the teachers and Staff, I say keep up the good work!
Mr. Ricky Jett

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Just want to thank Phalen Leadership Academy @103 for doing a great job and going the extra
mile they go everyday for my child learning and striving academically on him doing a great job in
school and in class.

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As with all areas concerning our youth, “it takes a village to raise a child”, this especially true with
education!!! We need to work together to ensure our youth are achieving socially, emotionally and
academically! We have forgotten the reason we have been entrusted with such a vulnerable
population and refuse to see that Innovative schools are a part of the village we have been
creating and will assist with our current educational dilemmas. Superintendent Johnson has had
the foresight to make a difficult but courageous decision to engage “the village” in the education
process, so let’s join her in doing what is best for our babies and vote yes for innovative schools!

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I appreciate the opportunity to share my support for all four of the proposed Innovation Network
Schools, set to support the students at Stephen Foster, Louis B Russell, Emma Donnan
Elementary and Middle School, and Arlington Woods.
Over the past six years, I have had the privilege of supporting educators across the Innovation
Network Schools already in existence and have seen the positive impact the process has had on

 students. In Innovation Schools, I am witnessing strong leaders making decisions at the groundlevel based on the strengths, desires, needs, and dreams of their students, families and
communities. As I walk the buildings after the conversions, student needs in regards to safety,
social-emotional learning, academic rigor, and student agency are markedly improved. Buildings
feel welcoming, parents feel included in their students' learning process, teachers have greater
agency in their classrooms, and resources feel aligned to the students. The flexibility to hire
additional/alternative staffing allows leaders to better service their students by aligning adult skills
to student growth and stretch opportunities provides a much more individualized education for our
students.
It has been a pleasure to see the proposed leaders and Innovation models shared with the public
over the past few weeks/months in accordance with the district timelines. I support Alicia HerveyThe PATH School, Earl Phalen-PLA, Matthew Rooney and Eddie Rangel-Adelante Schools, and
Tihesha Henderson- Sankofa Schools as each of them has spent significant time focusing on
how their unique model will improve the lives for children in their respective
neighborhoods/communities.
Alicia Hervey has done a great job of moving in tandem with the community on the Westside. As
a parent of two children on the westside, I appreciate the wrap around services by way of PATH
Teams, reassuring me that my child would have multiple adults that are in alignment with the
unique strengths and aspirations of my children. Her goal of continuing to foster partnerships with
community organizations also feels like an important step in the continuity of the learning process
for students.
Earl Phalen and his team have provided strong outcomes at their Fresh Start and Restart schools
on the Eastside. I have appreciated PLA's focus on small group instruction models including
online one-to-one opportunities. I have appreciated Mr. Phalen's relentless drive to ensure the
physical and social-safety of scholars.
Matthew Rooney and Eddie Rangel have worked to support the community on the Southside as
they navigate the transition from CSUSA to Adelante. I have appreciated their intentionality in
their model for authentic practice and normalizing feedback consistently with staff and with
students. Adelante is also focused on a curriculum that is reflective of the diversity of the
students.
Finally, Tihesha's model to jumpstart her model to convert Arlington Woods to Sankofa Schools is
such a win for our community on the Eastside. It's been very refreshing to visit her school and
see the drastic changes in systems for staff to be more intentional on rigorous curriculum in front
of students. I have seen an increase in teacher feedback and sense of community among the
staff which is translating to better outcomes for students.
I could continue to cite additional successes and look forward to sharing those when these
schools have the opportunity to launch and offer great outcomes for our students. Please
continue to provide students and our communities the very best opportunities at a great education
by empowering these leaders in the Fall of 2020-2021.

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March 17, 2020
Dear IPS Board of Commissioners,
I am submitting this letter of support for Sankofa (AW School 99) to receive Innovation Network
School approval. The Bright Stars Mentoring Program (of Eastern Star Church) has partnered

 with Arlington Woods Elementary over the past five years. We have seen the school make strides
toward academic excellence through the strong leadership of Principal Henderson. In addition,
we partnered to implement social emotional learning on a school-wide basis as well as in our
after-school mentoring program using the research-based curriculum "Second Step."
We believe that the school will achieve even greater academic outcomes by earning innovation
network school status. This also aligns with the vision of Eastern Star's ROCK initiative, i.e., to
establish an innovative educational pipeline in the Arlington Woods community to help shape
positive futures for our children and youth.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Darnae' Scales, MSW, LCSW
Missions Manager
Eastern Star Church CARE Center

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As a parent, I would like to share my support for the four Innovation Network Schools up for vote.
I strongly support the restart of Stephen Foster School 67 by The PATH School as Ms. Hervey is
an incredible educator that would be perfect to lead this school. Additionally, I support Louis B.
Russell School 48 to be restarted by Phalen Leadership Academy; Emma Donnan Elementary
and Middle School to be restarted by Adelante Schools; and School 99 to be jumpstarted by
Sankofa School of Success. Thank you for considering all four of these schools to become
Innovation Network Schools to ensure that our children have high-quality schools to attend.

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I would like to voice my support for the restart of Stephen Foster School 67, Louis B. Russell
School 48, Emma Donnan Elementary & Middle School, and Arlington Woods Elementary School
99. The partners who plan to restart these schools are talented individuals who are committed to
making sure that every student who attends these schools attains success and experiences an
innovative school model that can engage and inspire them, which will be more important than
ever after all the missed instructional time this spring. I am confident that a vote to restart these
schools is a vote toward more positive outcomes for our city's youth.

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March 17, 2020
Dear IPS Board of Commissioners,
We are submitting this letter of support for Sankofa (AW School 99) to receive Innovation
Network School approval on behalf of the Arlington Woods Neighborhood Association.
The Arlington Woods Neighborhood Association is registered with the City of IndianapolisDepartment of Metropolitan Development and represents more than 2700 residents. As we seek
to engage our neighbors and invite new neighbors into our community; having quality education
options for their children is paramount for our neighbors.
This is why we strongly support AW School 99's bid for innovation network school status and
highly recommend your approval. Thank you for your consideration!
Sincerely,
Arlington Woods Neighborhood Association
(Representatives Alice Brooks, Talia Shivers, Darnae' Scales)

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Please consider sending out a message about coping with street and Dept of Child Services
number in case of an emergency. Maybe helpful resources for stressed parents. Very helpful as
CPS cases might increase.

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March 17th, 2020
IPS Board of Commissioners
Dear Commissioners,
The mission of WIDC is to identify community resources, promote community assets and
implement programs and activities that increase housing opportunities and improve the quality of
life in West Indianapolis.
This letter is written in support of Adelante Schools’ efforts to open an elementary school in
Indianapolis that focuses on civic engagement, academic excellence, and the development of
social identity. And specifically as this applies to Emma Donnan. As a former Mayor’s
Neighborhood Liaison for the area, Mr. Rooney asked for my assistance in identifying key
community partners for the school as well as my advice on how to best reach the community and
ask for support. After spending some time speaking with Mr. Rooney I believe that Adelante
Schools could be a great provider of quality education for students in Indianapolis.
While West Indianapolis Development Corporation and the community that we serve is not in
near proximity to Emma Donnan, which school choice it is possible that students in our
community may attend school there. And the bottom line is that good quality schools are highly
desirable in our community as a whole, as their impact on the youth in our community affects us
all. We would ask that you strongly consider their application for Charter status as that benefit for
all.
Kindest Regards,
Lisa Laflin
Executive Director
West Indianapolis Development Corporation

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I've been personally involved with Herron and Riverside High Schools, Purdue Polytechnic High
School, and Matchbook Learning. All of these IPS Innovation Network schools are delivering
unique and powerful educational value to the families they serve. I strongly encourage the
Commissioners of IPS to continue supporting these schools as well as add more innovation
network schools to the district's diverse portfolio of schools.

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Good Evening Board,
I am submitting public comment on PATH School and Arlington Woods. I have worked closely
with both leaders, and as an experienced educator I fully support their models and believe they
will continue to be transformational in the Indianapolis area.
PATH-I have witnessed Hervey and Taylor work tirelessly with students at Urban Act this past
year during their pilot, and they have gone above and beyond (working nights and weekends) to
ensure that their teachers and students got what they needed. Their focus, passion, and
dedication to the children of Indianapolis is clear. Please give Alycia Hervey the opportunity to restart School 67, she has shown that she is up for the challenge.
Arlington Woods-Mrs. Henderson is a phenomenal leader. She has worked within the constraints
of our public school system, and created an awesome learning environment for her students. She

 doesn't complain, she is focused, and she has soaked up everything around her to create an
amazing school. She has earned the right to have some flexibility and financial freedom to make
sustainable changes at Arlington Woods. I hope we give Mrs. Henderson all the resources she
needs to continue to fly.

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Board members, I want you to know what this change has meant to me and my family. I wasn’t
confident in the education my niece and nephew was receiving. Honestly, leadership at the
school had become satisfied with the way things were at the school. That kind of attitude should
not be okay with any parent, teacher, or IPS board member.
IPS board members - are you okay with keeping a school the same if it isn’t working? Are you
okay with using the same game plan that has been used for years with no results? Innovation
Schools are needed throughout our city. I see the difference in my nieces and nephews at PPHS
and Herron.
Thank you for your time.

•

Innovation schools provides parents & students options for education. As a former Collegiate
Head Coach I’ve always believed in the end game. Education for all is a means to the end game,
it offers youth different forms of learning and preparation for any and all college and careers
paths. Vote yes for innovative schools to help make a difference in the community and in the lives
of our students to afford them opportunities to keep up with our ever changing society.

Wednesday – March 18th:
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My name is Courtney and I am here to speak in support of Innovation Network Schools. I am an
alumna of IPS schools, a former para professional of an innovated school, and a proud parent of
a current IPS scholar in an innovated school. My child attends Cold Spring School, on the west
side of Indianapolis near Marian University. I want to share with the board and with other parents
that I am in favor of this type of school. Because it works not just for my student, but all scholars. I
am for a school system willing to make changes in the way our children are being taught by
introducing new methods, ideas, and services. In this new year, new decade, new era of
education children are learning at advance levels, to code and create engineering software
systems, design and build using 3D printing technology, solve critical thinking problems
concerning the environment and even economic statuses. The possibilities are endless to what
they can do when they are challenged to reach their full academic potential outside of just their
neighborhoods. I want that for all children not just my own. In my humble opinion Innovation
Network Schools are not replacing traditional education they are greatly increasing the academic
values already there. Like IUPUI, Butler University, U of I and Marian University, Indianapolis is
known for its high standards in quality education, Innovation Network Schools creates the same
standards of learning for grade school, middle school and high school levels. Again, I know this
type of school might be confusing to people. I only hope my experience can help provide some
understanding. Thank you for listening to an Innovation School Parent.

•

Good evening… Superintendent Johnson, School Board Commissioners, Executive Members,
IPS Family and Friends
My name is Arthur Hinton, and I am grateful to serve as the principal of Louis B. Russell Jr.
Elementary #48. I come to you as humbly as I know how, and with all due respect to each of you.

 January 21, 2020…a day that our school community will always remember. I try not to use always
and never, however, always is appropriate in this case; this is the day our school community
received news that we would be recommended to be a restart/innovation school.
The news was surprising (at that moment) because the conversations leading up to that point had
been positive. Conversations related to our SQR, conversations with community, conversations
with families, conversations with staff, and conversations with students. The vast majority of folk
believed that we were turning this thing around. Why was this the belief? I’m glad you asked.
• IREAD 3 – Growth (74.1% passing)
• ILEARN – Growth (if measured on growth alone = C)
• NWEA – Growth (2nd and 3rd grade showing double digit growth from BOY to MOY, almost
50% growth for both Reading and Math (school) students assessed from BOY and were still with
us at MOY)
• Climate/Culture – Growth (’18-’19 = 114 discipline referrals, ’19-’20 = 87 discipline referrals,
over 200 discipline referrals ’17-’18)
• FACE – Growth (some real influential community partners due to personal relationships built
and sustained  – TAB Church, Eli Lilly, Salesforce, Broad Ripple Kiwanis, IUPUI, Butler College
Mentors, etc.)
Now, I have listened over the past couple of months to many individuals speak negatively about
our school/school community members. That is their right, and I respect them. However, I do not
agree with them. When one signs up for a position like ours, one of leadership, it comes with the
fact that you will have haters, you will have opposition, you will have individuals that see things
from a different perspective (my wife encourages me to lean into the tension/that’s how you
grow). Some of these individuals, seem though to have an agenda to create tension filled
situations that benefit them simply because they may not be agreed with at the time. This is what
one has to navigate through when signing up for positions like ours. One could become tired and
weary, and, this tension could begin to impact the thinking of why one signed up for leadership in
the first place.
However, when you are called to positions like ours (you will catch that on the way home) one
must rest in the belief that no weapon formed against you will prosper. It’s not that the weapons
won’t form, or that the weapons won’t come against you – the beauty is that they will not prosper.
I have listened to individuals speak so negatively about our school/school community members;
speak as if they understand exactly what happens on a daily basis in our school, speak as if they
understand the dynamics and the rhythm of our school. The great majority of those speaking
have not spent enough or any time in our space to get an understanding, to volunteer, to support,
or even to dialogue about their concerns. They have had this platform to degrade, demean, and
undermine the hard work that goes into our school each day. Unfortunately, they have no clue
about our space. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder. We are committed, daily, to being the
rain that falls on the beautiful flowers planted in our school.
We own the number of F’s that continue to be lifted as the main reason for this recommendation.
We also own the tremendous GROWTH that is taking place in our school. We have heard that
the potential operator wants to build on what we have done (that’s another conversation) but
when you restart, you have to rebuild, meaning you have to start over.
We have areas of reinforcement and we have areas of refinement and we use the feedback
provided to change, shift, alter, increase, and continue any practices (as needed) to positively
impact the academic and social development of our students/staff/families/school community. We

 are not perfect. I’m definitely not perfect; but we are striving for perfection every day.
I can only imagine the challenge you have had in front of you related to this decision. The
influences that come from so many people…politically, socially, economically; community based,
school based, etc. A decision that will impact the lives of people. I shared with you the last time
Proverbs 4:7; if you have not read it, check it out.
Whatever you decide, it’s your decision, and one we will have to move forward with. But before,
during, and after that decision, know this…The victory belongs to Him…
May God Bless and Keep you. Thank you for your time.
Yours in service,
Mr. Hinton

•

Hello IPS School Board members.
Why do I support Innovation schools.
These schools are helping students in our city. I think we can do better for IPS students. I think
we are on that road, but need to continue.
I want to thank Superintendent Johnson, the board, the staff, and anyone else that is responsible
for the focus on racial equity. Not everyone is thinking like that, so I want to commend you on
doing something different and innovative to make a difference for kids.
Now, let's not stop there. We cannot wait to make sure that students are reading well, have their
social/emotional issues addresses, and have the ability to be taught by great teachers. I think this
district is thinking differently about a lot of things, and I want that to continue.
I think it is telling that the schools people usually lift up are CFI or Butler Lab schools. Those
schools are great, but we need more than just them to be able to serve all of our kids. I support
school leaders who are willing to do the hard work of making a school better for everyone. I hope
you support them as well.
Hola miembros de la Junta Escolar de IPS. Gracias por permitirme hablar hoy sobre por qué
apoyo a las escuelas de Innovación.
Estas escuelas están ayudando a los estudiantes en nuestra ciudad. Creo que podemos mejorar
para los estudiantes de IPS. Creo que estamos en ese camino, pero necesitamos continuar.
Quiero agradecer al Superintendente Johnson, la junta, el personal y cualquier otra persona
responsable del enfoque en la equidad racial. No todos piensan así, así que quiero felicitarle por
hacer algo diferente e innovador para marcar la diferencia para los niños.
Ahora, no nos quedemos ahí. No podemos esperar para asegurarnos de que los estudiantes
estén leyendo bien, tengan sus problemas sociales / emocionales abordados y tengan la
capacidad de ser enseñados por grandes maestros. Creo que este distrito está pensando de
manera diferente en muchas cosas, y quiero que eso continúe.

 Creo que la gente suele resaltar a las escuelas CFI o Butler Lab. Esas escuelas son geniales,
pero necesitamos más que esas ecuelas para poder servir a todos nuestros niños. Apoyo a los
líderes escolares que estén dispuestos a hacer el trabajo duro de mejorar la escuela para todos.
Espero que también ustedes los apoyen.
Gracias,

•

Hello. My daughter Evelyn Peter is a student at CFI 27. In 5th grade they have a big community
project that is a big part of their grade. My daughter suffers from many food allergies and we both
are big advocates at the school. A few years ago I was given an inclusion award with my
involvement on the subject of food allergies during an IPS board meeting. My daughter is basing
her project on "Food Allergy Awareness". She would like to raise money to have signs put in at
IPS playgrounds to remind students and adults about food allergies. Below is an example of what
the sign will say. Each sign and pole will cost around $40. She would like the IPS School Board
and FMD to approve her project!
Did you know 1 in 13 children has a food allergy?
Did you know allergic reactions can happen on contact?
You can keep our children safer with these simple steps:
1. Eat only at picnic areas, no food or drink on playground equipment
2. Clean your hands with a water based wipe after eating
The 8 most common food allergens are: Milk, Wheat, Soy, Eggs, Peanuts, Tree-Nuts, Shellfish
and Fish
Thank for hearing us!
Melissa and Evelyn Peter

•

Superintendent Johnson and IPS Board Commissioners
As a soon to be graduate of Herron High School I want to make sure that the IPS Board
understand it is because I had a choice in my mom selecting my school and I not having to go to
my neighborhood school, I am grateful. I have had an amazing 4 years at Herron High School.
They prepared me for my next journey which is college. I have been accepted with a full ride to
the University of Evansville. Thank you Superintendent Johnson and IPS Board for allowing me to
be a part of the Innovation Schools Network. Board please continue to vote YES for Innovation
Schools and schools that deserve to be restarted so that all students can have a choice.

•

Superintendent Johnson and IPS School Board
Like all Innovation Network Schools, restart schools are still IPS schools. Kids that go to these
schools are IPS students. Thousands of parents, like me, are happy with these schools because
they are offering something different, something that is working for our students.
I believe as a community we should offer something different, something that can work, for
students. IPS Board PLEASE VOTE YES TO INNOVATION!

•

Superintendent Johnson and IPS Board Commissioners
Innovation schools are helping students in our city. I think we can do better for IPS students. I

 think we are getting there but need to continue.
I want to thank the Board of Commissioners for voting yes on previous Innovation School and
restarts. I want to commend you on doing something different and innovative to make a difference
for kids. My daughter is a former INS student and because we moved in another school district I
had to send her to another school. She is not getting what she was getting in the way of
academics at an Innovation School.
I think the IPS District and Board are willing to make things better for our Indianapolis community
and students. Please continue to vote yes for Innovation and Phalen Leadership Schools.

•

Superintendent Johnson and IPS Board
I want to thank Superintendent Johnson, the board, the staff, for continuing the work with
Innovation Schools. Not everyone is thinking like that, so I want to commend you on doing
something different and innovative to make a difference for kids.
IPS Board Commissioners please continue to vote for Innovation Restart Schools for Phalen
Leadership Academies.

•

Amidst the anxieties of school transitions, bus striking, and Coroavirus school closings I have
been more than impressed by the high sense of communication between the school my children
attend, superintendent Johnson, and the staff & board of IPS. I feel as though efforts were made
early and often to help parents understand the factors at play in making difficult decisions even if
we didn't have all of the answers that we wanted right away. Although Coronavirus has
dominated the news, the bus cancellations may have been one of IPS's greatest achievements
by helping to provide bus access with only one day of closures. It may be a tough season of
learning, but it has been a bright spot for those at IPS helping parents feel their children are well
supported.
Thank you, Rick Rush

•

Support for Sankofa

•

The Sankofa educational program is a pathway for academically underprepared students to have
their educational needs met in a culturally relevant way. Sankofa practices will provide our
students with individual learning plans, high quality intervention, and teachers who understand
the relational importance of leaning. Everything our children need to thrive!

•

Thank you for the opportunity to still share public comment during this unprecedented time. I am
a parent of a young child and have spent the last couple of years looking at education options for
my children. Innovation Network Schools, and the progress they are making, are such a great
opportunity for our community. I am writing today to share my support and request your vote for
the four Innovation Network Schools up for vote on this agenda. The PATH School, Adelante
Schools, Phalen Leadership Academy, and Sankofa School of Success all have experienced
educators who will make excellent leaders for these schools that are up for restart. More highquality school options in IPS is needed and these schools have strong potential to provide more
opportunity for high-quality school choice to other parents like me.

 •

Superintendent Johnson and members of the IPS Board of Commissioners,
I have emailed this board several times about school 48 because I have three grandchildren who
attend this school.
My granddaughter [redacted] is an IPS 48 student and on ADHD medication. She is supposed to
take medication at 8:45 A.M. and another pill after 1 P.M.
Last year, the school was giving her the 1 P.M. medication at 11—at lunch -- because that was
more convenient for them. Her mom went and tried to talk to the school four or five times. I went a
few times as well. This year, we had to stop sending the second pill. She takes her pill when she
gets home from school now----after she’s eaten --- and since that is almost 5 P.M. by the time
she’s eaten and her morning medication has fully worn off, she usually can’t start her homework
until 6 P.M. or after. For me, this is a big issue, I’m sure there are other children who need
medication during the school day at #48.
But this isn’t just a medication issue, it’s a communication issue. This school doesn’t
communicate with families. One day, [redacted] was hit in the head by another child, but the
school never called. I wouldn’t have even known if [redacted] wouldn’t have asked me if the
nurse called that day.
As an advocate for my grandchildren, another prime example of the lack in communication is not
knowing what the SQR meeting even was until someone told me after-the-fact. When less
important things come up, I sometimes get automated calls or flyers, but for this important
meeting—we got a 2inch by 2inch “parent meeting” note with no details about an SQR on the
bottom of a flyer, the day before the meeting. I also heard mixed reports on if the school has a
sensory room. Some said yes and others said no. It turns out the room does exist, but it is not
complete and not being used.
Looking back on my grandchildren’s experiences at this school and now that I have received
more information, have had a chance to speak to other parents and tour Phalen leadership
Academy, I believe that innovation is a good idea.
While I would like to see the good teachers kept on if they choose to stay and the run club kept at
the school, I would also like to see some big changes. The kids at this school deserve a quality
school, quality teachers, small group learning, 1:1 computers, different languages, more
transparency and communication from the school, a better discipline structure that keeps kids in
schools, and parent access. I also hope to see monthly meetings to help with transition.
Thank you for your time,
Melissa Damm 

•

Ms. Johnson and members of the IPS board,
I am a mother of a fourth grader at IPS school 48, Alaina. I believe my child will benefit from new
teachers, a new school leader and a new approach.
Alaina has been at school 48 since kindergarten. She wants to grow up to be a lawyer, and I
know it will take a good education to help her get there. That’s why I’m here to advocate for
bringing innovation to school 48.

 I’ve been in the classroom with my daughter, and I talk to her about her experience at 48. I’ve
seen that teachers are not teaching students as they should be. Alaina doesn’t have much
homework, which is a concern. And when she does, she’s not prepared to do it. Teachers aren’t
showing her step by step how to do the work. Instead, they are telling students to read the
directions. Reading instructions and truly understanding the work are two different things. I feel
like teachers aren’t giving Alaina and the kids in this school the attention they truly need. When I
told the teacher that my child needs more support and help in the classroom, she told me that she
doesn’t get paid enough to do that. Now my daughter feels like her teacher doesn’t want to help
her in class. No child should ever feel this way.
Also, I worry about bullying and kids picking on my daughter. I have shared concerns with the
principal, and while he said he’d take care of it, the problems continue.
I recently toured PLA 103, and I was impressed. They are keeping students and families up to
date about how children are doing in school. And I liked the small teaching groups I saw at PLA.
I am asking you to approve the partnership between school 48 and PLA. If innovation is not
approved, then I will remove Alaina from school 48 because she’s not getting what she needs
now.
Thank you for listening to me and other parents,
Tamika Shelton

•

Superintendent Johnson and members of the IPS Board of Commissioners,
I have four children, three of them attend School 67. I spoke at a recent board meeting to tell you
that while I am upset about the lack of communication with parents in this process, I think there
are positive changes that need to be made at my children’s school.
As an IPS 67 parent, I love the current school leader and I am going to miss her and the staff.
The teachers communicate well about how the kids are doing in school, they understand my
sons’ condition and my daughter’s condition. I didn’t even know about the change until two weeks
after IPS district announced the decision. You should have given us a heads-up last school year
about our school failing.
This impacted a lot of parents and that’s why we were so upset. When something happens to one
us, it affects us all! No one told us! There are little things that have to change and have to be
replaced. There are things that should be put in place to help the teachers. The school has very
low funding to get things done like having books and classroom resources. They need more
support for students with disabilities and better staff to support those students.
With the changes, I hear that the teachers will get more support and work as a team to help our
children in the school. My son wants to be an engineer and he should be learning engineering
skills. I believe PATH will be good for him and for the other students. I loved what the PATH
Team told me about the anti-bullying practices that will exist in the school because my kids are
bullied for their disabilities or their differences and I am excited about that! I am happy that
Midtown will stay, but we need more. A lot of kids in this school have been through a lot of things
and so have I: I have been homeless, experienced abuse as a kid and as an adult, as well. I have
to be sure the kids always have supports to be on track.

 I am supporting the PATH team because this will help my kids accomplish their dreams in their
life and unfortunately, they are not getting this in the current system. Most of all, I feel like the
PATH team heard our voices and are trying their best to accomplish what we are asking for.
Parents should always be at the table when big decisions and changes are made. I am ready for
a school that can academically help them accomplish their dreams to do something they love to
do! I want my kids to do better than me while I still work to accomplish my dreams too! I feel like
PATH will help guide them to the place where they need to go! I believe that the PATH principal is
willing and ready to build a great relationship with my kids and the others because my kids have a
great relationship now and I believe the PATH team is ready to love and teach our kids too.
I am raising an engineer, doctor to work with children with mental and physical disabilities, and a
musician, actor and model. I plan to hold IPS and the PATH Team accountable for my babies to
be on track to accomplish their dreams.
Thank you,
Flor Schutt

•

Superintendent Johnson and members of the IPS Board of Commissioners,
I have two students at IPS 48. They started in the middle of last year and are in the 1st and 2nd
grades.
When I spoke at the last board meeting, I told you about my daughter having dyslexia. She was in
special reading classes for around two weeks before she told me they stopped pulling her out of
classes to go read like she was supposed to. The school did not notify me to tell me these
pullouts would stop. I try to communicate with her teacher—she’s always busy. I understand she
has a lot of students, but in general…I don’t get communication from anyone at school 48.
I am product of IPS and I didn't have a good experience. I don't want my daughter to have the
same experience that I had. I am also dyslexic and I went into the fifth grade not knowing how to
read. I only read today because I spent an entire summer locked in my room sounding out words
and letters.
I'm doing everything in my power to help my kids, but I need support from the school as well. I
just want my children to have the best education and to be on track. I refuse for my daughter to
have the same experience that I had and not get what she needs. She is not getting what she
needs at 48. It’s a struggle at night with her homework—she gets frustrated and she shuts down
and she starts crying. It breaks my heart to see my daughter like this.
My son is not getting the help he needs either. His grades are slipping. He never brings home
homework. My daughter does get a packet on a weekly basis. It’s a daily thing for his “teacher to
forget.” He was on track before he came to 48. My son is very smart—I can show him something
once and he gets it.
With all the talk about restarting IPS 48, I went on a tour of Phalen Leadership Academy. After
this tour, I think that the students of 48 would benefit from the change.
I like the focus on the children and the support at Phalen. The children were very focused and

 looked very happy to learn. Phalen has a plan and I believe it will work. I love the fact that it's
more than one teacher in the classroom to help these students learn. The small groups they
break the children into are great. I can go on and on about how well this school is operated.
I would do whatever it takes to see this change at my children’s school. 
Thank you,
Tesha Chapman

•

Superintendent Johnson and members of the IPS Board of Commissioners,
When I spoke at the last board meeting, I told you I have a deep connection with Louis B.
Russel School 48 because I attended this school from kindergarten through 5th Grade. I told you
how the school was very different then compared to today, but I didn’t know that until after my two
children were enrolled in IPS 48. I removed my children from this school, but I am writing this
letter because I am taking a stand for our children and I believe in bettering our school system as
a whole.
Since I removed my babies from school 48, they now have access to better in education. I have
visited Phalen Leadership Academy along with other concerned mothers and fathers. PLA
actually showed and provided insight. They gave me hope for a prosperous new beginning for
future IPS 48 students under PLA’s guidance.
Phalen Leadership Academy has many solutions to offer and the tour alone helped lift our
troublesome thoughts about our loved ones and children enrolled at school 48.
It’s about now! In this moment, all children deserve a better chance at a successful education
through Phalen Leadership Academy!
These kids all deserve a chance and I think they can get one if they have the care Phalen can
offer.
Thank you for listening to parents,
Tranitra Tipton

•

Superintendent Johnson and members of the IPS Board of Commissioners,
I spoke at a recent IPS board meeting about my daughter in pre-K at IPS 48. I told you how my
wife, who was a bus driver for IPS, passed away two years ago and how she would have known
the school was a failing.
When I enrolled my daughter in IPS 48, I just wanted her in a preschool and getting ready. I didn’t
know what questions to ask and I didn’t assume the school was failing because my daughter’s
experience in the preschool was positive.
Even though I appreciate and value her preschool teacher for all she has done to help JoRiah, I
do not believe my daughter will continue to grow at this pace in kindergarten at a failing school
and I agree with the choice to restart school 48.

 At the first listening session at school 48, I was scared and uninformed. Before the meeting, I was
only told that it was important and that I needed to be there. When I arrived, I heard people
panicking about the school being in trouble, saying all the teachers would be taken, and the
school would close.
It didn’t make any sense to me and I was emotional because my daughter has done so well in her
class. I thought I was putting my daughter in a good school. I was not aware of an SQR process
or given any indication that the school was failing for so long or not up to par.
I have now done my research and attended additional meetings.
I feel innovation is the best choice for IPS 48. The poor test scores and failing grades are
unacceptable. I want my daughter in a school to accelerate her learning so that she can catch up,
get a quality education and be all that she can be.
With the release of recent letter grades, Louis B. Russell IPS 48 has now failed for the last seven
years. It doesn’t make sense to continue to let it fail. If innovation with Phalen can make the
school better, we need to try it. Based on the information that Phalen presented, it sounds like a
great partnership and would benefit the students and the community. Mr. Phalen is willing to
listen to parents and share information. His other schools are doing well, too.
The bottom line is that these students deserve better. I hope that the recommendation to restart
this school is approved so that parents like me can feel confident about where they send their
kids. If the school is not restarted, I will go looking for another school for my daughter to attend
when she starts kindergarten because I know that is what my late wife would have wanted.
Thank you,
Joeseph White

•

Superintendent Johnson and members of the IPS Board of Commissioners,  
My daughter Emily is currently a student at school 48. I have attended several meetings for
school 48 so far for the innovation. When we had our first meeting in January-- we as parents
were lied to about what was initially going on with our school. The principal and teachers were not
upfront with us about anything. As a parent of this school, I feel I have a right to know what is
going on.
We as parents should have the right to have a say in our kid's education. We should not have to
be in the dark on the matters that involves our children. Those are our kid's. That is our kid's
education that is being compromised. If our school can be made better by partnering with a
charter school, then we should do that. Our children deserve the best education that can be given
to them.
If school 48 stays the way it is now, it will not improve. It will still be an F school and our children
deserve much better than that. Without the proper tools and teaching techniques then our
children cannot perform at the levels that they should be. The students will not be able to achieve
their goals. In order to help our students, we have to improve our school. 
My daughter Emily has medical problems. She has ADHD, mirror mimic and a sensory disorder
and she gets bullied and made fun of for behavior she can't always control. Other students are

 cussing at her and using foul words and she is coming home saying that she is stupid. I am
outraged that my child who just turned 7 has to go through all of this and on top of it being called
stupid so much that she truly believes that she is. She is by far not stupid and no child should
ever be told that they are stupid and no child should be getting cussed out by other students - not
just at school but on the bus as well. All anyone had done was say "I'll deal with it". Not once has
it ever been dealt with. Our school needs to change to make it better.
Our children need chance to learn. I want this innovation to happen to help my children. Recently
my daughter has come home and told me and her grandma that she had to go to the nurses
office because another student punched her in the head and once again she came home to tell
us that the same child that punched her in the head was chasing her around the class room trying
to hit her again. My daughter was the one that got in trouble and not once was I contacted by the
school. Nobody at school 48 called me to tell me anything about what happened to my daughter.
Our school has to change. This should not be happening nor allowed to continue to happen. It's
concerning that I'm never called or told what happens to my child while she is at school. I should
be able to trust my child's school will call me if anything happens to her, but it doesn't happen. I
want this change. The students at school 48 will benefit from it greatly. 
Please take time to consider my concerns and worries before voting. 
                    
Thank you for your time, 
Isabella Chitwood

•

Adelante Schools is the perfect operator to serve students as a restart for Emma Donnan. With
the upheaval after the contract with CS USA being revoked, Emma Donna students and families
deserve an answer that will help them heal and once again make a home in their school.

•

Superintendent Johnson and members of the IPS Board of Commissioners,
I spoke at a recent board meeting to share my concerns with you and urge you to restart IPS 48.
I’m writing the same letter to you today because I fully believe this school cannot continue to be
run the way it currently is operating.
My daughter, Demia, attends this school and has been the victim of unnecessary retaliation for
the last few months.
In addition to being a mom, I work for a public school system in Indianapolis, which makes this
even more troubling to me. I know that as educators and public school staff we must want the
best for ALL kids in our care, not just the “favorites”.
When I spoke to you, I told you that I recently sent all of you an email letting you know that my
daughter has been going through bullying, verbal abuse, etc and nothing was being done about it.
On Wednesday February 12, my mother went up to the school to discuss what had been
happening pertaining to Demia.  My mother was in a meeting with Mr. Hinton and Ms. Andrea
when it was stated that quote: "It is known that you guys went to the school board about this" and
when asked what exactly Demia is doing to be a disruption toward the class, Mr. Hinton could not
tell my mother exactly what Demia was doing. My mother voiced her concerns about an individual
in her class that continues to call her a curse word and there was no resolution.  Ultimately, my

 mom walked Demia to class and left the school.
The following day I was called and told that my daughter had been in a fight. A child slapped her
glasses off her face while Mr. Williams held my child back. Mr. Williams made the comment: " So
you think that you are tough now." When he called me on the phone to request that I pick up my
child, he began to yell and speak over me as if I was a student and not an educated adult like
himself. He told me that my child is bad and is causing the commotion at school. I understand
that my child is not perfect – no child is. However, no child should ever be told by any adult that
they are bad or made to feel that the adults in their life don’t believe in them.
To add insult to all of this injury, I found out recently that Demia’s grandmother – who lives in
Georgia – sent a Valentine’s Day package to the school. Because Demia was suspended from
the fight the day before Valentine’s Day the package sat in the social worker’s office until
February 25. The only reason I found out about the package is because her grandma asked me if
Demia received the package and I had to call the school to find out that it had just been sitting in
the school for over 10 days! I wonder if this would have been the case if the package was for
another kid.
My only intention is for my child to have a great education and I'm sure that will not be the case
with school 48 the way that it is now. Please restart this school – not just for my kid, but for all
kids in IPS 48.
Thank you,
Lavenia Carter

•

Hola a todos de la junta directiva de IPS. Me llamo Ana Delgado y tengo una niña en la escuela
67 que se llama Mía y está en el primer grado. Ella comenzó en la escuela 67 desde kínder.
Desafortunadamente no tuvimos la mejor experiencia el año pasado porque su maestra de mi
niña se enfermó. Mi niña le encantaba su maestra y fue muy difícil cuando se enfermó y ya no
pudo regresar.
La escuela en sí no se comunicó con nosotros lo que estaba pasando. Mía llegaba llorando a la
casa porque dividían la clase y los ponían en diferentes salones. Había salones que tenían
muchos niños en la clase y no aprendían nada.
Mi niña tiene su mejor amiga con la que se ayudaban mutuamente y no quería estar separada de
ella. Cuando ponían maestras sustitutas, eran sustitutas amargadas, que trataban mal a los
estudiantes, no tenían paciencia. En este caso, la escuela hubiera hecho una reunión para
comunicarnos a los padres lo que estaba pasando, en vez de tomar la decisión por sus propias
manos y que mi niña se sintiera inestable y no quisiera ir a la escuela por esta razón.
La comunicación es un factor grande que hace falta en la escuela 67. Yo no sabía que la escuela
tenía una calificación “F.” Si nos hubieran dicho, yo hubiera ido a ayudar a la escuela. A nosotros
los hispanos nos gusta ayudar, pero como estuvo ocultado no supimos cómo ayudar. Nadie, ni la
secretaria, ni las personas que trabajan ahí nos dijo nada. Así como nos mandan papelitos para
la fiesta, nos hubieran mandado un papelito para esto.
Estoy aquí para pedir el cambio hacia la innovación para la escuela 67. Quiero que voten “sí”,
que nos den oportunidad para asistir a las clases de enfoque académico después de la escuela.

 Yo conocí a Alicia Hervy la semana pasada y lo que me gustó es que se sienta con la
communidad y toma notas sobre lo que queremos. La actual directora nunca se ha sentado
conmigo. Alicia y la escuela PATH está tomando en cuenta nuestra voz.
[English translation]
Hello IPS Board of Directors. My name is Ana Delgado and I have a girl at school 67 named Mia,
and she is in first grade. She has been in school 67 since kindergarten.
Unfortunately, we didn't have the best experience last year because my girl's teacher got sick. My
girl loved her teacher and it was very difficult when she got sick and she couldn´t return.
The school didn´t communicate to us what was happening. Mia came crying to the house
because the school divided the class and put them in different rooms from their peers. There
were classrooms that had so many children in the class so that they could not even learn.
My girl has a best friend, they helped each other, and she didn't want to be separated. When they
put in substitute teachers, they were bitter substitutes, who treated students poorly, and had no
patience. In this case, the school would have held a meeting to communicate to the parents what
was happening, instead of making the decision and taking it in their own hands, so my girl felt
unstable and did not want to go to school for this reason.
Communication is a big factor, and it is needed at school 67. I didn't know that the school had an
“F.” If they had told us, I would have gone to help the school. We Hispanics like to help, but since
it was hidden, we didn´t know how to help. No one, not the secretary, nor the people who work
there told us anything. Just as they sent letters for parties, they should have sent us a letter for
this.
I´m here to call for the change toward innovation, for School 67. I want you to vote “yes,” to give
us an opportunity to attend the academic focus classes after school.
I met Alicia Hervy last week and what I liked is that she sits down with the community and takes
notes on what we want. The current director has never sat with me. Alice and PATH School are
taking our voice into consideration…

•

Tengo una niña en primer grado que se llama Zenaiea y otra niña que va a entrar a Kínder el
próximo año. Hemos estado en la escuela 67 desde el año pasado. La maestra de mi niña el año
pasado se enfermó y no pudo regresar a trabajar después de los primeros meses de escuela.
El gran problema era que ponían maestras sustitutas a veces, o iba la directora o los dividían en
diferentes clases. No había estabilidad y mi niña recién estaba aprendiendo inglés. Ella se
sentaba con su mejor amiga Mía, que le ayudaba con el inglés, pero cuando dividían las clases
mi niña lloraba, y decía “no entiendo y no hay nadie que me puede explicar”. La maestra la
regañaba por hablar, pero ellas hablaban para explicarse la tarea. No le preguntaban nada y las
separaban.
Las profesoras sustitutas no se tomaron el tiempo para conocer a mi hija. Hubieron ocasiones
donde la trataron mal. Una vez mi hija no pudo llegar al baño y se hizo en los pantalones y nadie
me aviso.

 La escuela nunca me comunica lo que pasa cuando mi niña esta ahí. Siempre me entero por mi
hija. Yo no sabía que la escuela estaba mal, nada más llega malos rumores que afecta a mi hija
emocionalmente.
Cuando fui a la primera reunión, el distrito nos dijo que iban a hacer cambios y no tomó en
cuenta la voz de los padres. No nos dio información de porqué. Nos hicieron entender que las
maestras eran malas. Esto ha sido un proceso muy difícil.
Estoy aquí hoy para pedir que voten “Sí” al cambio hacia la innovación y que tomen en cuenta mi
voz como mamá.
Yo he asistido a las reuniones y me gustó saber que Alicia Hervy desea poner unos programas
de ciencias, matemáticas y lectura. Me gustó que ella se sentó con todos nosotros y lo primero
que hizo fue hablar con los niños y después con los padres. Los niños son lo más importante.
[English translation]
I have a girl in first grade named Zenaiea, and another girl who will be in Kindergarten next year.
We have been at School 67 since last year. My girl's teacher got sick last year, and was unable to
return to work after the first few months of school.
The big problem was that they would use substitute teachers sometimes, or the principal would
go, or they would be divided into different classes. There was no stability, and my girl was
learning English for the first time. She would sit with her best friend, Mia, who would help her with
English, but when the classes were divided, my girl cried, saying "I don't understand and there is
nobody who can explain it to me." The teacher scolded her for speaking in class, but the girls
were talking in class to explain the task. They didn´t listen to her, and just separated each other.
The substitute teachers didn´t take the time to meet my daughter. There were occasions where
she was mistreated. Once my daughter could not get to the bathroom, and she peed in her pants
and nobody notified me.
The school never tells me what happens when my girl is there. I always find out because of my
daughter. I did not know that the school was deficient, I only heard bad rumors that affects my
daughter emotionally.
When I went to the first meeting, the district told us that changes were going to be made, and
they didn´t listen to the voice of the parents. They didn´t give us information on why or anything.
They tried to make us think that the teachers were bad. This has been a very difficult process.
I am here today to ask that you vote “Yes” to the change towards innovation, and take notice of
my voice as a mother.
I have attended the meetings and was pleased to hear that Alicia Hervy wants to run science,
math, and reading programs. I liked that she sat down with all of us, and the first thing she did
was to talk to the children and then to the parents. Children are the most important thing.

•

Hello board of directors. My name is Gisele Salinas and I am a current Junior at Crispus Attucks
High School. I attended Stephen F. Foster 67 and now my little sister is in first grade at 67. I was
at the board meeting last month speaking in support of the restart process for 67. I wanted to
make sure my comments were shared again this month.

 I loved my time at 67. I had such a great experience. My teacher always taught us new things.
Every teacher always wanted to teach kids how to read, write, and count. I am sad to hear how
much it has changed for my sister. She should have had the same experience of me. All I hear
about now is that the teachers are not as patient and not as motivated to teach the kids.
In kindergarten my sister did not have a teacher for the second half of the school year. My family
felt like she was going to be behind. As a family we have had to support her. We have taught her
how to sound out letters and words so that she would not get behind in first grade. I feel like I am
her teacher.
I want to see my sister accomplish all that she wants her to achieve. Any aspiration that she
wants to achieve, I will support her as long as she also supports herself. The school should also
have a role in helping her reach goals. We should all be working towards the aspirations of the
kids.
I recently met the new leader for 67 and I am excited for my sister. She is amazing and the school
will be so much better with her. I support the new leader and program.
I hope you will vote to restart this school so all kids have a chance to reach their goals.

•

Hola me llamo Maricela De Los Santos y tengo 1 niña y 1 niño que va a la escuela 67. Siento
que el nivel académico de mis hijos no está al nivel estatal. Porque mi nieto tiene la misma edad
que mi hija y va a otra escuela y veo que sabe leer y escribir más que ella. Yo apoyo al cambio a
innovación para la escuela 67 por me gustaría ver que los niños tengan más aprendizaje y que
haiga más desempeño en ellos. Que haiga más actividades en la escuela para que se superen.
Por favor vota SI hacia el cambio de innovación. Gracias
[English translation]
Hello, my name is Maricela De Los Santos, and I have a girl and a boy who go to school 67. I
think the academic level of my children is not at the state-level. Because my grandson is the
same age as my daughter, and goes to another school and I see that he knows how to read and
write more than she does. I support the change to innovation for school 67, because I would like
to see children learn more and perform better. I would like more activities in school, so they can
be better. Please vote YES towards innovation change. Thank you.

•

Hola me llamo Azucena Ramirez y tengo 3 hijos en la escuela 67 uno en kínder, tercero, y
octavo.  Yo siento que la comunicación no ha sido tan buena.  Especialmente cuando se trate
sobre el nivel de los niños. Siento que mis hijos deben tener nivel más alto para su edad. Apoyo
el cambio hacia innovación porque me gustaría ver que motiven más a los estudiantes con
programas y actividades durante la escuela y el verano. Por favor vota si para el cambio hacia
innovación. Gracias
[English translation]
Hello, my name is Azucena Ramirez and I have 3 children at school 67, one is in kindergarten,
one in third grade, and one in eighth grade. I think that communication has not been good.
Especially when it comes to the children. I think that my children should have a higher academic
level, for their age. I support the change to innovation, because I would like to see students

 become more motivated with programs, and activities during school and the summer. Please vote
yes for the change towards innovation. Thank you.

•

Hello, my name is Sindy Aguilar and I am a single mom of 5 kids, 4 go to St. Anthony’s and my 8year-old son goes to school 67. I have noticed that the difference between private school and IPS
is that there is no consistency when it comes to academics.
If 67 could have structure behind their curriculum I believe that would help us as parents
understands ways to help them with their homework. When there isn’t a routine, it’s hard for my
kids to adapt. With my experience, I realized that people in jail, had the opportunity to graduate
with their GED or even college degrees, But, why don’t our kids have this opportunity! I support
the change to innovation because I believe all these kids deserve that opportunity. I had to move
most of my kids out of IPS because of this reason. Please make this change for all the 67
students.
 

•

Hola me llamo Elida Sondoval y tengo un estudiante en 4th grado y el estado ahí desde kínder. Y
tengo un estudiante q está en el grado 9 que estudio desde kínder en la escuela 67.
Mi niño e 9 grado le hizo falta más preparación. Se le hizo difícil la transición a secundaria. Por
eso no me gustaría q mi niño pequeño pase por lo mismo. El niño pequeño ha tenido una Buena
experiencia, pero tengo miedo q cuando salga de la escuela 67 q no esté preparado
académicamente.
Si supe q la escuela estuvo mal. Cuando estaba en PTA siempre nos dejó saber la escuela que
necesitaba más apoyo y que tenía una nota efe. Nos daban consejos para ayudar en casa a los
niños. Si la escuela hubiera tenido más apoyo y más maestros pienso q de repente hubiera
subido más académicamente.
Si se hace el cambio yo lo apoyo o si se queda igual, yo voy a apoyar como madre. Pero me
gustaría pídele al distrito q se enfoque en una solución para q los niños suban académicamente.
[English translation]
Hi, my name is Elida Sondoval and I have a 4th grade student who has been there since
kindergarten. I also have a student who is in 9th grade, who studied at school 67 since
kindergarten.
My 9th grade boy needed more preparation. The transition to high school was difficult for him. So,
I wouldn't like for my other little boy to go through the same thing. My young child has had a good
experience, but I am afraid that when he leaves school 67, he won´t be academically ready.
I knew that the school was deficient. When I was in PTA, they always let us know that the school
needed more support and that the school had a letter grade “F”. They gave us advice to help
children at home. If the school had had more support and more teachers, I think it would have a
higher academic level.
If the change is made, or if it stays the same, I will support it, I will support as a mother. But, I
would like to ask the district to focus on a solution for the children to grow academically.

•

To Whom It May Concern,

 Please accept this letter as a confirmation of my support for Adelante Schools' efforts in opening
an elementary school in Indianapolis that focuses on civic engagement, social identity
development, and academic excellence. I recognize the strong leadership background of Mr.
Rangel and Mr. Rooney and their combined experience in education and entrepreneurship, and
are excited to have school leaders of their caliber serving our students.
In my role as a lead teacher, I have witnessed their enthusiasm and need to support the
necessary educational changes needed to make Indianapolis a city of choice. They understand
that support is gained through engaging the community by seeking out partnerships with families,
community leaders, and other stakeholders.
In my time as a teacher under Mr. Rangel, I have seen his commitment and drive to help push his
staff in reaching their full potential as educators. He shows a great example of what positive
leadership looks like for the scholars, as well as for the surrounding community.
As a resident of the Bates-Hendricks neighborhood just South of Indianapolis, I know that finding
a high-quality education within that neighborhood is hard to come by. this is one of the many
reasons why I am excited to support Adelante Schools' in their endeavor to serve hundreds of
students and families in Indianapolis, and I look forward to supporting their future impact. Mr.
Rangel and Mr. Rooney have been unyielding in their commitment to execute Adelnate Schools'
vision for years to come. I look forward to their growth and their journey as they seek to change
the educational narrative of Indianapolis.
Sincerely,
Kasey Austin,
Bates-Hendricks Resident and Current Indianapolis Teacher

•

To The IPS Board Members,
I am writing this letter on behalf of PLA schools as a big supporter for the PLA organization. Two
years ago, I removed my son from Warren Township School system. I noticed as a single father
my son was not being provided with all of the tools he needed as a student in school. My son at
the time was in 5th grade, and attended Raymond Park Intermediate School. My two youngest
kids had attended Warren schools as well as Warren Early Childhood Center which developed,
and prepared them both advancing them in grade levels. However, once my son began school at
Raymond Intermediate, I noticed a change right away in his education as well as other things. He
was not so enthusiastic about being at school everyday, and as a child who is an introverted
individual this weighed on me. At the end of the school year, I made the conscious decision to
remove my son from Warren Township even though academically he was promoted through all
assessments and State testing to the 6th grade. It was hard to make the decision to hold my son
back, but I knew he needed a major change and he was robbed of what he needed to be
successful for middle school. If I would have let him advance, I would have not been a good
father, nor would my son be successful in school now as I explain the benefits of repeating 5th
grade again.
Over the summer, I came across PLA,, and did some extensive reading about the organization.
From my readings, I was impressed with the nurture, personal attention, class sizes, academic
curriculum, teacher involvement, administration involvement, positive climate and culture, and
most of all how PLA stood for its core values of RESPECT, DETERMINATION, GRATITUDE,
CHILDREN FIRST, & CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT. It has been two years now since I made
the decision to enter PLA with my son, and as the father of an introverted young man, I can truly
say I have made the best decision of my life to this point. I have watched my son grow and

 become successful in every category I could hope for in him. As parents, change can be
frightening and unsure, and we all as parents want the very best for our kids. My son since being
enrolled as a scholar at PLA has slowly become more confident in himself, has better self
esteem, and has excelled in his academics tremendously being on the High Honor Roll 7/7 times.
He has won numerous awards for his behavior, citizenship, and going above and beyond as a
scholar.

•

Please approve Phalen Leadership Academy take over school 48. Phalen Leadership is a
wonderful organization. The blended learning model has been very successful with Phalen
scholars. Small groups with teachers and assistants in the room during core subject areas is
helpful for Phalen Scholars. The extra help for scholars who have fallen behind in there
subject.is available for scholars. Always expecting success for every scholar. Caring about
families and going over and above to help scholars and families. Wanting everyone to feel
welcome when they enter a Phalen school.
The scholars knowing Mr. Phalen because he is visible in his schools. Mr. Phalen has
expectations of his staff and scholars in his buildings. He expects his staff to give the scholars the
best education. Everyone deserves a good education.
.
I believe the parents at 48 will like the changes Phalen Leadership schools will offer. Please
consider making that change. Change is good!

•

Dear IPS Board Members,
I write you today to join the many neighborhood and community organizations who are asking for
your support of the proposal to allow for Adelante Schools to engage with the IPS Administration
to run Emma Donnan Middle School.
As the State Representative for much of the area, I have seen their willingness to step up at a
difficult and transitional time for the school. They have engaged with stakeholders and the
community to build a relationship and trust to handle the school's next chapter.
I believe with your careful and judicious oversight, this partnership can be a great one for our
Southside community.
Our students deserve the best and I believe your board and the IPS administration team can work
to ensure this partnership is done right and improves the quality of education in our area.
Sincerely,
Justin Moed
State Representative
House District 97

•

As a parent, I am so proud of and touched by the extremes that the leaders and educators at
PLA103 are going to, to ensure that our children are taken care of physically and nutritionally as
well as academically. To ensure that our children don't fall behind, we received packets of
assignments, reading materials, and helpful websites to help assist not just our kids, but us as
parents as well, since we are now fully in charge of their learning during this time. Their Parent
Advocate is amazing! She sends out personal and direct messages to us as parents to ensure
that we are updated with all new changes, information, etc. She makes sure our children has

 food, supplies, transportation, etc. She's just a beautiful representation for the school as a whole.
The entire staff that I've come in contact with has been very patient and helpful, and I truly
respect the level of correspondence that the principal strives to have with us as parents. Keep up
the great work PLA103!

•

Hello! My name is Latishia Murray, parent of Messiah and E'Lyah Johnson who are students at
Arlington Woods 99. I am also the school's basketball coach. I wanted to share the history of the
ups and downs at 99. My oldest daughter Messiah started at 99 her kindergarten year and it was
a challenge for her because she suffers from PTSD. So it took a really special caring individual to
get Messiah to open up and that person was Mrs. Clifton. Mrs. Clifton was also my teacher. The
Arlington Woods staff took pride in what they do and really care about the students AND their
families. Although we endured hardships, I believe it was due to some of our best teachers not
having the supports that they need. Teachers have a lot on their plates and it should not be that
way. It makes our teachers work harder and at some point they get physically burned out.
Arlington Woods has built strong relationships with families and they are amazing with students
once you get to know them. I wanna commend Principal Henderson for amazing dedication she
has given our students and parents. I'm sure she has had many other job opportunities to go else
where BUT she chose to stay at Arlington Woods because she cares. I surely hope Principal
Henderson can get the tools she needs to carry out the tremendous work at Arlington Woods for
the staff and students.

•

I am here to support parents who want to have a choice in where they send their students.
One thing I like about IPS is that they are thinking about what happens to a family if the school
they are assigned to isn’t helping their student. Not everyone can afford to move or pick a
neighborhood with a good school, even if they want to, even if they know it will help their student.
I was fortunate to not only be employed by Paramount Englewood I have a KG who will be
attending Brookside in the fall. Thank you for choice and Innovation she has a chance.
I want IPS to be the best it can be. There are a lot of families that need to be able to choose a
school in this district, where they know it is safe, where they know there student is actually
learning. I hope you keep working to make that options available to all families. Thank you.

•

Dear Superintendent Johnson and IPS Board Members
As a member of staff at Paramount Englewood and a parent of a 7th grade student at Paramount
Englewood I believe in Innovation Schools. My child has excelled at Paramount Englewood. Not
everyone can afford to move or pick a neighborhood with a good school, even if they want to,
even if they know it will help their student. Thank you for your vote for choice and Innovation and
for the following schools up for restart and change.
I hope you keep working to make options available to all families.

•

To The IPS Board of School Commissioners and Superintendent Johnson,
I appreciate the opportunity to address the School Board in light of the vote that is scheduled to
take place concerning the future of Louis B. Russell Jr. Elementary School.
Let me begin by sharing my history with the Indianapolis Public School district. I began
Kindergarten in 1962 at the former Benjamin Franklin School #36. I entered fifth grade in 1967 at
the former Daniel T. Weir School #71 in 1967. I graduated from the former John Marshall High
School in 1975. I returned from Ball State University to teach my first year in IPS in 1979 at Henry

 W. Longfellow School #28. I am currently in my 39th year of serving the students of IPS. I have
taught Kindergarten at Louis B. Russell Jr. School #48 for 33 years. I have been dedicated and
supportive of the IPS district as a student and as an educator for many years. I have experienced
all of the educational phases, expansion and closing of schools, changes in building and district
leaders, yet I remain committed to my call to provide an educational setting where my students
develop academic, social and community skills to become life long learners.
Let me describe my experience as an educator at Louis B. Russell Jr. Elementary #48. During my
33 years at the school, I have been fortunate to teach with fellow staff who also value their work
with our students. I have been fortunate to have administrators who lead by example, who
provide support to our students, families and staff, and who consistently demand the highest level
of performance of all stakeholders. I have been fortunate to meet community sponsors such as
our neighbor, Tabernacle Church, whose congregation has supported our school with resources
for many years. Our school has been a source of stability in our community hosting school and
community events for many years.
Let me describe the sadness I now face as the School Board considers ending the history, legacy
and contributions that the stakeholders of our school have achieved as Louis B. Russell Jr.
Elementary School #48. I have viewed data from our SQR visits (I was visited during each
review), ISTEP proficiency and growth data, and attended professional development provided by
the Transformation Zone. After viewing the latest SQR report (January 2020), a few of the major
areas of growth focused on student interactions and behaviors in the classroom setting. (i.e
Room for coaching around behavior management support in classroom, increase consistency
with behavioral practices). Highly effective instruction, student engagement and positive
student/teacher relationships are highlighted as our strengths. It is evident that the state letter
grade of F must also be considered. I would like to propose that Louis B. Russell Jr. Elementary
School #48 be allowed as a Transformation Zone targeted school to receive support in the 2020 2021 school year to continue the upward growth in student performance that has taken place. Mr.
Arthur Hinton, our principal, is paving the way for our students to remain on the upward growth
projection. In closing, our parents have entrusted their children into our school community that
provides support for the whole child. Academic growth in the form of standardized measures are
shown in pass/fail data. I ask the Board to consider the success, growth and contributions that I
have witnessed in my tenure at Louis B. Russell Jr. that are not measured in the form of a
standardized assessment. They are measured in the history, legacy and life changing
experiences that have become the foundation of Louis B. Russell Jr. Elementary School# 48.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Patricia A. Hudson
Proud to Be a Member of the Louis B. Russell Jr. Staff

•

I fully support the proposals of Innovation Network Schools to operate Louis B. Russell School
48, Stephen Foster School 67, Arlington Woods Elementary School 99, and Emma Donnan
Elementary and Middle School.

•

IPS board and Superintendent Johnson,
Hello, our names are Charity and Larry Bentley. Our son Xavier Bentley currently attends school
48. This is his second year, and we recently acquired information that this school has been failing
for the past six years.

 We are concerned with the lack of communication, and the lack of information that is not available
for parents. Our child has an IEP and is autistic. Since the whole incident of the school possibly
changing came up, we have learned of programs and tools that have been there since before our
child began school. These tools were not even knowledgeable to our child’s teacher. Tools that
could have been implemented and used to not only his benefit, but the benefit of other children.
I believe the restart would be beneficial to the growth of the school and the children who attend
this school. I also believe that this whole incident will strengthen our community. We are positive
that we are not the only parents who believe this. It is time for change!
Light has exposed the lack of information, and the poor performance of those currently in charge
of this school. Make way for truth to be available to everyone. We wish to send our youngest child
to this school next year under the assumption that he will have every tool available to his growth
and knowledge, as well as our child Xavier who is currently attending.
Thank you for your time,
Larry and Charity Bentley 
Parents who care about the future of our children

•

I’m in full support of Mrs Henderson’s educational philosophy. Today’s school leaders need to
prepare both teachers and students for social and emotional readiness. Students cannot
effectively learn without the ability to self regulate. Teachers today must teach more than the
curriculum. They must also provide students with the much needed soft skills to become both
professionals & productive citizens. Because these are new skills teachers need sufficient training
time to learn these new skills.

•

Superintendent Johnson and members of the IPS Board of Commissioners,  
I have one child who attended IPS 48 and moved on to middle school, and one who is still
attending the school. Though my son who still attends will age-out next year—I think it is
important to share my experiences with the school as this large decision is about to be made.
Overall, I can tell you that my experience at IPS 48 hasn’t been pleasant. Both of my children
experienced teacher loss and subs in classes for most of a school year. During those times, my
children weren’t getting the education they should have. I’ve had to ask teachers to challenge
them and provide them with more. I wish the best for the teachers of this school and thank the
teachers who did have a positive part in my child’s lives. But I am writing this because I also want
to make sure all future kids in this building get a quality education.
The only reason I kept my kids at this school is because they had friends as well as sports they
wished to stay for. I went to four different high schools and I didn’t want my own children to
experience moving schools frequently like I did. There are all kinds of reasons that parents keep
their kids in failing schools such as transportation or not being aware the school is failing. After
the experiences we’ve had, my son wouldn’t attend this school next year if he wasn’t aging out.
Because of my personal reasons for keeping my kids at IPS 48, I have advocated for change and
improvement. Over the years, I have worked with IPS 48 leadership to get more parent-teacher
touch points and conferences. I have worked on summer reading programs and I feel like I gave
the school a fair shot. I was hoping the new principal would turn things around. But he hasn’t. I

 hoped test scores would rise. But they didn’t. Over the last few years, the culture and
communication from the school became worse. As a result, I haven’t been as involved at the
school. The school hasn’t been responsive to parent input, support or involvement. They had key
parents they went to, but if you weren’t in that group, you were pushed aside and dismissed.
A good example of this is the SQR meeting. The school selected the parents to be at the
meeting—parents they have a good relationship with. Not every parent. I think they feared
parents who would speak about concerns so they chose parents who would speak highly of the
school. When I showed up, only one other parent was there. A parent they hand-selected. They
waited on others they selected and no one else showed up. They didn’t communicate the
importance of this meeting to the mass of parents at this school. If they did, I think more would
have shown up.
I believe in this restart and I believe Phalen Leadership Academy (PLA) is the best route for these
kids. I toured PLA because I wanted to see what they could bring to a school that has been
struggling for so long. When I toured, I saw strong leaders and a process that is working for kids. I
saw how the school treated kids who are having problems—keeping them in school and sending
them back to class when the issue was resolved, and the child got the help they needed. I saw
kids being praised for growth and kindness. More than just an improvement in letter grade, I think
PLA can and will offer the kids of IPS 48 the quality education they deserve. As a parent of this
school, I feel like I have waited for too long. Despite it, I am hopeful that this restart will take place
and that PLA will come in and turn around the school.
I hope you listen to parents like me and make this change happen for the benefit of the kids at
IPS 48.
Thank you,
Earl Scott

•

Hola a todos de la junta directiva de IPS. Me llamo Raquel Aguilar y tengo 2 hijos y una nieta que
va a la escuela 67. Mis hijos están en grado 6 y 8, y mi nieta en grado 2. Yo e tenido a mis hijos
en la escuela 67 toda su vida y siento que la escuela a estado bajando con los anos. Hace 3
años atrás había tutoría y tarea. Algo que ya no hay. Cuando fui a la junta de padres a preguntar,
me dijeron que hacen todo en la escuela. Hace unos años atrás mi hijo tuvo en problema de
pelea y si los castigaron a los dos, pero me gustaría que haiga más estructura cuando diciplinan
a los niños. Por ejemplo, escucho quejas de mis hijos y amigos que no diciplinan a todos iguales.
Hay favoritismo entre las profesoras y estudiantes. Los estudiantes latinos o morenos sienten
que siempre los castigan aun mas que un estudiante blanco. No debe ver diferencia entre razas.
Yo apoyo el cambio hacia innovación porque me gustaría ver más tutoría en la escuela y clases
instrumentales y siento con este cambio puede ver una oportunidad mas grande que esto
sucede. Por favor vota que si hacia innovación. Gracias
[English translation]
Hello everyone and the IPS board. My name is Raquel Aguilar and I have 2 kids and a
granddaughter that attend school 67. My kids are in grade 6th and 8th grade and my
granddaughter is in second grade. I have had my kids in school 67 since they started
kindergarten and I feel like the school has been going downhill. About 3 years ago there was after
school tutoring available and homework. Now there isn’t any of that available. When I went to a
parent meeting, I asked about homework, and I was told that all work is done at school. About a
year ago, my son had a problem at school where there was a fight, and all students involved were
punished. Yet, I would like to see more structure at the school when it comes to discipline. For

 example, my kids and their friends complain and say that not all kids are disciplined the same.
There is favoritism in between teachers and students. Students of color feel like they are
disciplined more so then white students. There shouldn’t be differences in discipline when it
comes to race. I support the change to innovation because I want there to be access to tutoring
and musical instrumental classes. I feel that there is a higher possibility of these things if we
make these changes. Please vote YES for innovation. Thank you

•

I wish to acknowledge Superintendent Johnson and the IPS Board Members for their commitment
to establishing quality education within the Indianapolis school district - My name is Clare Pope
and I am a long time Far Eastside resident and a IPS#103 Parent Alumni. I am aware that the
IPS Board is considering to select the Phalen Leadership Network to manage the Re-Start of IPS
/ Louis B. Russell Jr. #48. As I currently serve on staff at PLA103, I am still very much an active
resident within my community (20+ years). I have watched first hand how the Phalen
Organization has improved the quality of education for their students, along with dedication
towards building Parent Engagement. What I find most impressive about Phalen Leadership
Academies is the transformation in making each site a learning environment where scholars
embrace and take ownership of their education. This did not happen overnight and not all parents
approved of how innovation works. Regardless of the obstacles, the primary focus of the PLA
organization is for scholars to achieve academic success. And the Phalen Network through
innovation strives to make learning attainable based on the needs of each scholar. Therefore, I
encourage the Board to approve assigning Phalen Leadership Academies as the innovation
organization for IPS #48. I thank the Board Members for their valued time.

•

Being a parent for many years of school 99 I can truly say I have seen a change for the better this
year. In the past 99 had kids that were acting out due to different situations in the halls and
disrupting the learning of the many kids. This year you walk in to 99 kids are in there class rooms
learning and if a child is having a bad day there is several people there to help that child help. I
truly believe school 99 has became part of the village it takes to raise our children. Not only does
99 have Gallahue they have in school services from a school therapist who does a great job with
children and families. I always feel welcomed and feel comfortable sending my children to school
99 especially my adopted children who have been thru different traumas they are happy to go
there and express they feel loved and cared for. All my children loves Ms.Allen who has a great
relationship with all my children as well as the students at school. Mrs.Henderson has stuck out
her plan to change the school from years ago to this year. Thank you principal Henderson and
school 99 for everything you do. I hope you all cant continue to provide services our children
need for years to come.

•

Hello Superintendent Johnson and Board Members
I am a student at PLA103. I have had a great experience at PLA@103. Although my feelings
have changed a lot from being here. I was unhappy at first because I thought I had lost my friends
and all my special teachers at PLA103. As time passed the people at PLA103 helped me to
understand I was not alone. the teachers are really comforting whenever I need to talk to them
and they are always available when i need them. Once there was a time I had lost an essay that I
had written. One of my teachers found it and gave it back to me because she knew the essay
was important to me. Things like that have helped me to learn how to trust people. I have learned
the experience within the classrooms will help me as I go out into the world. So I want to conclude
by saying Phalen is a wonderful school and I want to thank you.

•

To Whom It May Concern,
I cannot stress how much I wholeheartedly support the Thomas Edison School of the Arts and the

 innovation school program as a whole. As the single father of a special-needs child, a lot of
thought and care went into choosing the right elementary education for him. My first concern was
for his safety, the overall experience, and the ability of the staff and faculty to meet the challenge
of effectively schooling my child.
What I received instead was the surprise of having my expectations not only exceeded but
having them done so on a regular basis. My son has grown by leaps and bounds while in
attendance at Thomas Edison SoA. He has improved socially, verbally, and intellectually while
adapting well to the structure that has been provided and the expectations of his teachers. What’s
more is that he truly enjoys going to school and often shows me what he has learned during the
day. In comparison to his time attending other educational programs it is night and day.
When I think back to the best decisions I have made for my son, what stands at the forefront was
my decision to have him educated at the Thomas Edison SoA. I want him to attend classes there
for as long as he possibly can. I am glad to share our wealth of positive experiences with anyone
who would like to inquire further.
Sincerely, Eric Williams

•

I am strongly opposed to the so-called "restart" of these IPS schools, even though Shanna Martin
of the Children's Museum made it quite clear in her email that we are expected to leap up and
support this takeover of the schools. Quite a prejudiced note, since we should be encouraged,
equally, to oppose wrong decisions, not blindly voice our support. For several years, since the
Mind Trust, Stand for Children, and their ilk have muscled their way into the IPS system, with an
unknown but substantial amount of money spent on the promotion of the election of board
members Sam Odle and others (large numbers of expensive mailers, coming almost daily, with
the funders usually disguised). we who truly support public education for all of our children have
seen "corporate education" take over our schools. Few even now in IPS, let alone the outside
influencers, even care for the education of poor, often black or Latino children. Truly public
education barely exists and with these seizures of the four schools, corporate education pushes
ahead to the detriment of a school system that could be filled with quality neighborhood schools
open to children of all races and socio-economic classes. Now, nearby schools to Louis Russell
#48, in my immediate neighborhood, including 70, 84, and 59 are no longer for the children of the
neighborhood but so often, too often for wealthy whites and some blacks. Since the streets
around 48, for example, are more and more becoming homes for whites, having a virtually private
school on that location, but free, of course, is the perfect combination--private school at no cost.
We have, statewide, Mitch Daniels and his administration to thank for the onset of this shift in
education. Glenda Ritz, a true believer in PUBLIC schools, was humiliated and severely restricted
from doing her job because she had the temerity to win with a wide margin over Mitch's choice,
Tony Bennett, a key (and, like Daniels, arrogant) component in introducing corporate education to
Indiana. It's a sad day when IPS itself is a tool of those who seek to make money and twist the
meaning of public education. The Children's Museum, which has had its own problems with the
treatment of neighboring black children, is deeply mired in this whole affair. And Chalkbeat, which
supposedly reports on these areas, was and perhaps is headed by the former reporter for The
Star who wrote subjectively about the whole Daniels/Bennett/Ritz situation. So, yes, I am
opposed to these takeovers. As a former classroom teacher and father of kids who attended both
IPS and Catholic schools (the latter only because IPS failed them), I am saddened and angered
by the destruction of IPS when its resources could be used by itself, without the greed and
dishonesty exhibited by those who wish to take over what can be saved. Shame on IPS but a
much bigger shame on the groups and individuals I have mentioned. Guilty parties, all.

•

My daughter is presently in the 7th grade at Edison School of the Arts. When she started
kindergarten at Nicholson School of the Arts we were told that her education would be based on

 an arts integration model. Unfortunately, that was not the case. The teachers were required to
follow IPS curriculum and were not afforded the opportunity to have training in arts integration.
The students were given education in the arts (dance, music, drama, visual art) separate from
their academic education. But there was little integration.
Now that we are an Innovation Network school, the teachers have been given extensive and
continual training on how to integrate the arts into the academic arena. They have also been
given the freedom to work together as a school to formulate the curriculum to fit the needs of the
students. Our school board consists of experts in education, the arts, and finance. They work
closely with the administration to provide opportunities in the arts community for the students and
provide guidance in the creation of an arts integration curriculum.
Art has been shown to increase test scores across every subject area, lower dropout rates and
close the achievement gap regardless of socio-economic status. Multiple studies have shown that
Arts Education has significant effects on other disciplines and has been shown to improve
academic performance. Our increase in scores show the success of the arts integration. I am
extremely pleased with the changes in the school since switching to the Innovation Network
model. Thank you for allowing us to continue.
Candace Kingma

•

To the Indianapolis Public School Board of Directors,
My name is Meredith Phillips and I am the parent of Elliot Phillips, a kindergartener at Edison
School of the Arts, an IPS innovation school. I wanted to take the time to write this letter of
support for innovation schools in the IPS district. Having many scholastic options, including
innovation schools, allows parents to make the best decision for their child’s education
Parents want the best for their children, and that includes me. Every decision we make for our
kids is labored over with their best interests at heart. From the food we eat in pregnancy to the
type of diapers we choose all the way to how we can best prepare them for adulthood- we know
that every decision matters. Choosing the way we educate our kids is one of the most important
decisions we make. We know that the pathway to educational success starts young.
We did not have children when we purchased our house in Center Township, but I knew that I
would send my future children to IPS schools. I believe that supporting public education is the
best way for us, as a community, to support and better our children. Providing a quality education
to our kids is essential, as it is the backbone of our future. When it was time to start looking for a
school for Elliot, I never considered sending him anywhere but to an IPS school.
In addition to my belief that we can best support our kids by supporting our public schools, I loved
the fact that there were so many options and types of school to look at. We considered our
neighborhood school, some choice schools, and innovation schools. There are benefits to each,
but we ended up choosing Edison School of the Arts for a number of reasons.
First, the freedoms granted to innovation schools allow them to educate in a way that is
fundamentally different from traditional schools. This means that Edison School of the Arts is able
to have a schedule and setup that fosters strong educational goals in the traditional academic
fields, but also to provide an arts-focused component that Elliot would not be able to get
elsewhere. And the best part of that? It works really well for him- he is excelling! Secondly,
enrolling Elliot at a school with an arts focus allows him to experience and learn the arts in a way
that I know I am not capable of providing. There are many things I am good at, but almost none of
them fall under the “arts” umbrella. Finally, being an innovation school within the IPS district
allows me, as a parent, to feel confident that the school is being held responsible for student
outcomes and success.

 In closing, I am so happy to have placed my child into an IPS innovation school. We have had a
fantastic experience, just as I was confident we would. When I asked Elliot to tell me the best part
of being a student at Edison School of the Arts, he said the being able to do visual arts every
Friday was the best because he gets to make puppets and stuff with Mr. Weidenbach. I think
Edison School of the Arts is the best because I know that every operational and academic
decision they make is to provide the unique and supportive community that we have come to
love.
Sincerely,
Meredith Phillips

•

Dear IPS Board of School Commissioners,
I have had the privilege of working at Eastern Star Church for more than two decades now.
During that time, I’ve been in a unique position to observe and contribute to efforts at IPS
Arlington Woods School 99. For years, I’ve been hoping for positive transformation and
innovation that will potentially impact children for a lifetime.
In many ways, IPS Arlington Woods School 99 reminds me of the public elementary school I
attended while growing up in rural Arkansas. The student body primarily consisted of
underprivileged African-American students with limited resources. In many cases, the parents
were struggling themselves due to various challenges, including unemployment, a lack of
education and an unstable family life.
Whenever I meet with IPS Arlington Woods School Tihesha Henderson, I myself in the young
boys I encounter as they come and go. Personally, it hurts my heart to hear about the difficulties
many of these children are encountering on a day-to-day basis. But, because of my faith in God, I
do believe there is hope even in the most difficult situations.
During meetings led by Principal Henderson, I’ve heard from team members as they discuss the
challenges experienced at the school as well as the need for new, fresh and extraordinary ideas
and strategies for these beautiful children and families. Several years ago, Eastern Star Church
launched the ROCK Initiative to expand on its commitment to the Arlington Woods community,
including School 99. Our members have been actively loving, praying and supporting the school
for more than two decades, and we want to see substantive change on behalf of the students.
As the executive pastor of Eastern Star Church, I wholeheartedly support positive change with
loving, caring and devoted leadership as evident in Principal Henderson. As the senior
administrator of the church, I also know our church council has demonstrated spiritual, emotional
and financial support for a better school for our children.
We can't expect positive and different outcomes without significant change and innovation. We all
support the partnership with The Mind Trust and IPS Innovation Network, through our ROCK
Initiative, to provide opportunities for our children to reach their greatest potential.
Sincerely,
Anthony Murdock
Executive Pastor
Eastern Star Church

•

Eastern Star Church has been a vital part of the Arlington Woods community for more than 25
years. During that time, our members have invested compassion, care, thousands of hours of
volunteer work and human resources, and millions in monetary resources to support our
neighbors. Through the ROCK Initiative, which was launched in 2017, our church implemented a

 comprehensive plan to enhance the community, support financial literacy, provide affordable
housing and ensure quality education at all levels.
Eastern Star Church has had a long and loving relationship with IPS Arlington Woods School
#99. Our church has provided students with mentorships, tutoring, uniforms, bicycles, Christmas
gifts, meals throughout the summer, graduation gifts and much more. We have a great deal of
respect for the school’s current administrators, educators, staff and volunteers as well as the
wonderful students they serve.
We strongly believe that, if we are going to make a significant difference to enhance the
educational achievements and success of these amazing students, we must transition to
innovation. Our church council, staff and members stand with IPS Arlington Woods School 99
Principal Tihesha Henderson. She has demonstrated the intelligence, integrity and energy to
make this a successful transition. We have all the confidence in her ability to educate children at
a high level.
Moreover, Eastern Star Church is committed to making the innovation school a priority under the
leadership of Principal Henderson. We will support these efforts with financial and human
resources to come alongside the vision and philosophy of Principal Henderson to give children
the opportunity to excel to the highest level of educational pursuits.
Finally, I have personally been inside of IPS Arlington Woods School #99 numerous times
through the years. I have had the opportunity to witness Principal Henderson’s attempts to inspire
teachers and students to reach their highest potential. I have been inside classrooms and
observed teachers pouring into students and students seeking to grow and learn. Many times
through the years, I have had the blessed privilege to be the commencement speaker for
graduation ceremonies.
I look forward to speaking to students in the new innovation network school in the Arlington
Woods community.
I implore you to make this transition so that our brilliant students can reach their highest level of
educational success.
In His Service,
Pastor Jeffrey A. Johnson, Sr.

•

The Eastern Star Church ROCK Initiative has four important platforms for the Arlington Woods
area: neighborhood stability, financial literacy, housing and education. Quality education is the
key that opens the door to better opportunities and helps build strong and stable communities.
I am delighted to write a letter in support of Arlington Woods School 99 to join their application
submittal to become an Innovation Network School with Indianapolis Public Schools. Having a
quality elementary school in the Arlington Woods area is a needed and natural component of an
education continuum that already includes an established day care provider and a high school.
Continuing the more than twenty-year relationship with Arlington Woods School 99, I believe this
innovation status provides the 46218 community with the right resources dedicated to educating
and touching the lives of children and youth.
Eastern Star Church (ESC) brings a wealth of organizational capability and dedication to helping
those in need. ESC’s mission is evangelism and discipleship. ESC expresses its mission through

 various methods and our community development efforts are achieved through the ROCK
Initiative. The goal of the ROCK Initiative is improvement of the quality of life in the community.
One of the pillars of the strategic plan is education.
As a partner, ESC is willing to provide: 1) financial & human support through an annual
contribution and dedicated mentors and 2) exposure to ESC congregation and families and
introduction to other faith-based and community partners.
Eastern Star Church and I fully support the innovation partnership between Arlington Woods
Elementary School #99 and Indianapolis Public Schools and believe it will have a sustainable
impact on the Arlington Woods community.
Sincerely,
Nancy Silvers Rogers
Executive Director, Department of Ministries

•

My name is Monica Casillas. I am an employee of Global Prep Academy, an innovation school on
the West side of Indy. I came to work at Global Prep after it took over Riverside 44. I had the
pleasure of meeting several parents who decided to stay at Global Prep during the transition
phase. When asked why they decided to stay, many stated that while the process brought on a
lot of fears and uncertainty they were ready for change. The school had not done a great job
previously and was failing their children. These families now advocate for how great of a school
GPA is. They are very pleased with the education their children are receiving and the voice they
have in how the school is ran. Not only do they feel heard but they also feel valued. Students are
offered many opportunities they didn't have with the previous school. And families are pleased
with the change in their children's academics and the role GPA plays in the community it serves.
For this and many other reasons is why I am a strong advocate for Innovation. Please help other
families receive the many benefits that Innovation can provide for their children, their families, and
their community.

•

Dear IPS School Board,
Public education is a linchpin of democracy, pathway or portal to economic freedom and
imperative to achieving the national goals of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, for all.
Although many factors in student learning have not been exhaustively explained, school
leadership and teacher quality are vital to the success of any school. It is imperative for children
to have the ability to control their decision making process and demonstrate emotional stability in
all societal settings. Especially, to maintain civility, decorum and cultural connectivity in a world
that is as diverse as trees in a forest.
Social emotional learning has over 50% of the United States working with the Collaborative for
Social Emotional Learning (CASEL) to develop strategic plans for schools and school districts.
On December 10, 2015, President Obama signed the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act
(ESSA) which reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA)
contains several elements that support social and emotional learning and provides flexibility for
states and local school districts to define and assess student success. Studies conducted in the
last 10 years indicate neuroscience, psychology, and pedagogy have shown that students’
academic achievement is at least partially based on their societal and emotional competence
(Weaver & Wilding, 2013; Zins, Weissberg, Wang, & Walberg, 2004). Schools across our country
are realizing more and more, the need to devise comprehensive plans that address student’s

 social-emotional learning needs and gaps. In 2018, Butler University's own Dr. Brandie Oliver
authored the Indiana Department of Education's Social Emotional Learning Toolkit which
extensively addresses the need for a social emotional learning curriculum throughout the PK-12
continuum. Therefore, The PATH School's existence and service to students and families in our
community is imperative. If the research suggests social emotional learning positively impacts
physical mental and physiological health and positively impacts academic achievement, the Path
School's model is needed throughout our country, IPS would be a trailblazer in adopting.
Alicia Hervey has 20+ years of experience serving students and families as an education and
administrator, nationally. Alicia is and has consistently demonstrated the most esteemed
character, integrity and leadership, throughout the duration of her career. Professionally, I have
served with Alicia since 2012 and as a result, I recommend Alicia's visionary leadership without
reservation. As Alicia developed The Path School's model, she has consistently utilized the wise
counsel of veteran educators, administrators and school leaders nationally to sharpen every tier
of The Path School's quest for excellence without exception. Alicia's entire leadership team has
worked tirelessly on implementing invaluable feedback to their model for the past several months.
In closing, The Path School's implementation of their specialized model would not only benefit
Indianapolis Public Schools, Marion County but our entire country. Alicia Hervey's leadership will
ensure The Path School's model will succeed in all facets of it's mission. Please take this into
consideration as you move forward in your selection and approval process.
Respectfully and Humbly Submitted,
C. Daniel Graham Sr.

•

Dear Board of Commissioners:
I would like to take this opportunity to urge you to vote to approve Adelante Schools to take over
running Emma Donnan Elementary and Middle School beginning in the 2020-2021 school year. I
have spoken with both of the leaders multiple times over the last couple of months and am very
excited about their vision for the school. Our first question was what were they going to do that
was different from other schools. Their answer was "we are going to educate the students well".
They had me at that statement. No gimmicks, no incentives..just an excellent education based on
current research that will serve our students well and give them the opportunity to go to college
down the road. They have shared with teachers what their curriculum will be in phonics, math,
and reading. We liked what we saw when we looked up those curriculums. We are especially
excited that our students would get to continue with the Wilson Phonics program they are already
using! The leadership team has answered every question we have asked with full transparency.
We like that they believe that every child is innately good and has the ability to learn and will
structure their discipline ladder on that premise. These gentlemen have been available and willing
to meet with us in person, answer our emails promptly, and listen to our suggestions as current
educators in the school community they want to lead. That means a lot to us! We are confident
that they want to keep as many teachers as are willing to work with them to fulfill their vision of
creating the best school period. To that end, they have already reached out to informally chat with
current interested teachers. They have also reached out to our southside community of
businesses, community groups, and churches to assure them they would be working in
partnership with them to help meet the needs of our scholars.
In summary, I believe that the leaders of Adelante Schools have the experience, passion, and grit
to make Emma Donnan Elementary and Middle School a school of excellence that will be a
beacon of hope on the southside of Indianapolis! Please vote yes to Adelante Schools tonight.
Thank you!
A Current Elementary Teacher at Emma Donnan Elementary

 •

I wanted to take a moment and share my passion for education In Marion County. We need to
continue to be a community that seeks to serve all children- regardless of the zip code they’re
born into. Giving our kids the best shot at a quality education is of course a dynamic topic - but a
few things, to me, appear to be crucial: 1) we must recruit the best teachers and school leaders
into our great city. These teachers and leaders need to be excellent at their craft, while also being
prepared to serve in an urban environment. 2) Our black and brown children are especially at a
disadvantage - having teachers who look like their students is historically a major factor in a
student’s success. This must continue to be a major point of emphasis in order to maximize how
we serve these children. 3) Schools must have the autonomy to adapt to the specific needs of
their classrooms. Not only that, our teachers must strive for excellence and be held to a high
standard of performance. This combination helps ensure that the children of our urban core are
served by quality teachers striving to exceed their unique and specific needs. I love Indianapolis,
and want to see our city become THE standard for excellence and fairness in education.

•

It is my hope that Sankofa School of Success provide students with opportunities to be immersed
in academic, social, and emotional learning experiences. Sankofa School of Success team strive
to ensure all scholars will be given resources and tools to excel academically and overcome
traumatic barriers which can impact life long learning experiences.
As a Community Partner I’m looking forward to beginning this journey with Sankofa School of
Success as we equip our future leaders.

•

Our community needs The PATH school and an amazing leader, educator, neighbor, visionaryAlicia Hervey. Having worked with Alicia I know how dedicated to her students and their families
she is. She loves inspiring and encouraging others but also runs a tight ship. She knows
education and she knows how to make it work for the students. I whole heatedly support her and
The PATH school.

•

I'm employed with Johnson & Johnson, and my colleagues and I have volunteered and donated
books to add to the library at Arlington Woods, School #99. The last few years, we've had the
honor of engaging with the students and staff, and we are beyond impressed with the passion for
excellence that's continuously displayed. It's clear that Principal Henderson truly cares not only
about education, but also the overall well being of each student. Acknowledging that many
students are enduring a magnitude of hardships is essential. Children experience a number of
emotions daily, and are not always taught how to properly cope with these feelings. We have
witnessed the faculty effectively assist students with managing their emotions in a healthy way.
I have personally been in attendance the last couple times that Principal Henderson has
presented her plan to the school board, because I truly believe in her vision, tenacity, and zeal to
see this school continue to thrive. They are committed to defying all odds in preparing these
young people to make an awesome impact on the world. My colleagues and I are excited to see
what's to come, because we know it's going to continue to add to this school's rich history of
resilience.

•

My name is Nikki J. Henson and I have served as an educator for twenty five years. I am
expressing my support for The Path School to receive a favorable vote as an Innovation Network
School to open in the fall of 2020. I work closely with Alicia Hervey and I am confident she and
her team will successfully lead the transition and make sound decisions for students, families and
staff at The PATH School.

 •

To the IPS Board of Commissioners,
My name is Nikki J. Henson and I have served as an educator for twenty five years. I am
expressing my support for the restart of Emma Donnan Elementary & Middle School by Adelante
Schools to receive a favorable vote to open in the fall of 2020 as a result of the school exiting
state takeover. I work closely with Eddie Rangel and Matt Rooney, and I am confident they will
successfully lead the transition and make sound decisions for students, families and staff at
Adelante Schools. I know they have held various meetings with community members and
organizations during this process to develop strong community engagement.

•

Alicia Hervey brings her professional qualifications and personal dedication to educational
leadership. She is prepared to lead faculty and staff in opening and operating a school. In the IPS
organization. Students and the community will transform to reach full potential under her dynamic
leadership.

Thursday, March 19th:

•

I am writing to express my full support for The PATH School led by Ms. Alicia Hervey. I was
fortunate to meet Ms. Hervey as a colleague over seven years ago. As a building principal and
educational leader, Ms. Hervey has always worked to develop her staff and the students she
served through the implementation of evidence-based practices. These practices were executed
with care and concern for the well-being of her school community in mind. During the past two
years, she has worked aimlessly with her team to prepare her own school-- a school that is
responsive to the needs of the community. As a board member, I’ve witnessed her passion,
dedication, and incredible talents combine to create an effective, data-driven program for diverse
learners. I believe The PATH School and its leaders can make a difference in the lives of
students at School #67. As a member of the board and as a member of the Indianapolis
community, I am proud to stand behind this team and support them in their pursuit to become an
impactful IPS Innovation School.

•

I fully support the promise and progress of Innovation Network Schools and hope you will take
this opportunity to restart School 48 and School 67. I believe it would be unacceptable to continue
business as usual when so many kids are being failed by the status quo. They deserve better.
The transition to Innovation gives them an opportunity for something better. It's our moral duty to
care for and provide every chance at success for our children. Therefore, I believe restarting
these schools as Innovation schools is the right thing to do in this moment.

•

My name is Winter Johnson and my 3rd grader attends IPS School #48. My daughter has an IEP
and I have been worried that my child wasn’t getting everything she needed. I wrote a letter
asking for my daughter to be retested for special needs and the assistant principal had an attitude
because of my request. He was very rude to me and the special education teacher. There is not
enough special education staff. My daughter was retested in February but I have been fighting for
this since October 2019 My daughter has had at least 5 teachers this school year and the 5th one
just started recently so even with her changes to her IEP plan, I haven't been able to see her new
plan in action with the constant staff changes. Teachers are still filling in the gaps since there are
not enough special education teachers to pull the kids out of class because the special education
teacher is only given a certain amount of time to support the kids.
I just heard that school #48 was a failing school and got an F for the last six years. I want my

 daughter to be independent and have confidence but with her attending a failing school I’m not
sure she will be successful. I wish the school would tell parents that they are failing so that more
parents would get involved and try to support their kids more.
If parents think everything is ok at their kid’s school, they don’t feel the need to be as involved. I
have been looking for another school for my daughter, but it’s hard because I don’t even know
where to start or what questions to ask. What I do know, I will not keep my daughter at this school
if big changes are not made because I have to stand up for her future! School #48 should be
restarted because I shouldn’t have to take my daughter out of her neighborhood school to get a
good education, a good education should be in every neighborhood! Thank you for reading my
concerns and visions for my baby girls' future.

•

Dear IPS Board of Commissioners:
Hello my name is Robyn Clayborne and my daughter attends school #48. My daughter’s name is
Semaj and she has down syndrome.  She also has an IEP.
I heard that school #48 was a great school and would do a good job my with my daughter’s IEP. I
was shocked to find out that the school has been an F rated school for the last six years and only
two students passed the ILEARN test last year.  This data makes me feel that the district could to
much more to help black kids. I recently read an article that said students of color with disabilities
are being pushed into the school to prison pipeline. As a mother with a son, I’m concerned about
our black boys. Prisons are being built for third grade black boys who can’t read. I don’t
understand why you would let the school fail for this long. It also makes me question if I should
leave my daughter in the school.  In the near future, I would like to see school #48 go from a F to
an A rated school. I would like to see to the school restarted because I don’t want to see another
year of failure for our kids.
Thank you,
Robyn Clayborne

•

Our Innovative School Choice...
We looked extensively at Private, Montessori, Parochial and Online Public Schooling options to
transition from homeschooling. The IPS Innovation model was the one option we were drawn to
each time. The transparency in values, principles, approaches to learning, discipline and most
importantly parent engagement with board members and school administrators have been
dynamic in the growth and transition of our once homeschooling family. Specifically, in terms of
the Edison innovation model, our family has enjoyed watching our children's perspectives on
education expand for the better and improve with each year they return. The concepts in their
learning look and feel like collegiate level approaches. This brings us a tremendous level of
comfort that we have made a good choice. A choice that does not feel "forced" but just one that
"fits".
Anarnia Hunt

•

Students deserve the best we have to offer. Unfortunately, students in School 67, 48, and Emma
Donnan have not received the best in past years. I see the move to all these schools being
Innovation Schools a positive step toward ensuring our students receive the best we have to
offer. When kids fail, it is because adults have failed them. Every "F"-rated school is a reflection
of an adult-created, adult-led system not working to best serve students. It is my hope you will

 take this opportunity to bring Innovation to these schools. To do nothing would be a moral,
ethical, and operational failure.

•

Dear Supt. Johnson and members of the IPS Board: 
I am a concerned single father of five boys. Three of my boys attend Louis B. Russell, Jr. IPS
#48. Another parent at school #48 told me that our kids school has been failing for the last six
years. My questions are: What are they  doing in there? Are the teachers not teaching the kids?
From my own experience, the school needs more structure within teacher and student relations. I
feel like parents are in the dark when it comes to the school’s status. Why wasn’t this information
shared five years ago? It’s frustrating because if students aren’t learning and getting a quality
education, they aren’t being prepared for the real world. I’m an involved parent, but I can only do
so much. I want to be confident that when I send my kids to school, they are getting what they
need in order to succeed. I don’t feel that they are at IPS 48.
I work in Wayne Township and after talking to a teacher there, she shared that a few of her 7th
graders are reading at a 3rd grade level. After finding out that  #48 has such low test scores, I
wonder how many students are not reading on grade level there. My son is hard of hearing. He
wears hearing aids, is tested often, and I believe he is reading on grade level. I’m not sure now.
Communication about my child’s reading level would be helpful. The only time I hear from the
teacher is for disciplinary problems.
If the teachers need more support, give it to them. I personally don’t want to see Mr. Hinton go. I
think he is a nice guy. But, if having new leadership will ensure my kids will know how to read on
grade or above and get a good education, that’s what needs to happen. Innovation could put this
school on track. I doubt that my kids will continue in this school next year, but the remaining kids
deserve a chance. I hope something is done soon so that the black and brown kids in that school,
including mine, are prepared for the future.
 
Thank you for your time,
Phillip Fox, Jr.

•

As a single dad from the south, the term innovation school had not hit my radar until I was
contacted by one as I sought employment as a music teacher and performance coach. In Atlanta,
Georgia where I used to live prior to my relocation to Indy, charter schools and Christian
academies were all the rage. However, they often struggled and or failed because they lacked the
resources, funding and support of the city’s public school systems.
Having raised my son alone since he was five weeks old, I’ve always strived to make sure that he
was enrolled in schools that supported his zest for life and hunger for knowledge and education.
When my son, (now 13 years old) and I relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana most three years ago I
began working with an innovation school. I was tremendously delighted to see the happy union
between original, cutting edge and organic educational culture and public school system support
and funding.
This marriage provides resources, creativity and a much needed sense of dependability and trust
that meaning of our underserved kids in urban communities desperately need.

 My son who has attended innovation school since our relocation here almost 3 years ago,
thoroughly enjoys the model as well.
And as an innovation school music teacher with a background in music direction and music
production, it’s great for me to see innovation schools have a heart for the arts as well. It’s safe to
say that I am a fan of innovation schools because I truly believe that the public school model can
and should evolve in an innovative way as long as it’s relevant and effective.
Mark A. Peay

•

Good evening! I am writing in support of innovation schools within Indianapolis Public Schools.
Being an innovation school has afforded us so many unique opportunities to positively impact our
students and families.
Innovation has allowed us many things, but a few of the most important things have been the
flexibility with our school day and calendar, designing curriculum around our students needs and
around true arts integration, and the ability to make decisions quickly and thoughtfully within our
building that positively impact student outcomes and achievement.
Our flexible calendar has allowed us to have early release Wednesdays which allows us to create
an on-going intentional professional development cycle aligned with the needs of our students
and staff as well as deep dives into data analysis to target and address any achievement gaps.
Our unique arts model: visual and performing arts along with true arts integration has unique
needs as well and being an innovation school grants us the autonomy to design curriculum
around that. I am in full support and appreciate the opportunity we were given to operate in this
manner.
Principal Amy Berns

•

Superintendent Johnson and members of the IPS Board of Commissioners,
I spoke at a recent board meeting about my granddaughter who is in fifth grade at IPS 48. She
has only attended this school for a year.
I told you how her mother and I have tried to go to the school several times regarding bullying
issues. To date, nothing has been done. My granddaughter can’t go to the adults in the school
and is starting to act out because she is angry. If it weren’t for transportation issues, her mother
and I would move her from this school immediately.
When I spoked to you, I detailed the bullying issues my granddaughter is experiencing.
I included a story that took place a few weeks ago when a little boy called my granddaughter the
“B” word and squirted water down her neck at school. In this class, there is only 8 students, but
two adults, a sub and a behavior specialist. The week before, someone in this class called her
ugly. My granddaughter called me from the phone in the class crying, without the teacher
noticing. What are they learning if all of this is happening and no one is noticing?
In the same week, the same boy pushed her and asked “Oh you think you’re tough?” She pushed
back and the teachers finally took note of the situation. The boy didn’t just learn this phrase, he’s
heard the behavior specialist, Mr. Williams, say the exact same thing to my granddaughter a

 different day. This is the same person who has told my daughter and myself “oh, you know you
have a bad child, right?”
The sub and Mr. Williams finally pulled them apart and while they were only holding her, the boy
slapped the glasses off her face. My granddaughter was suspended. The little boy was not.
I was reluctant to speak up because the bullying and the unfair treatment by staff and adults in
the building have been worse for my granddaughter since her mother spoke at a board meeting
before me. It feels like retaliation. When I asked to talk about it with the school, I was reminded by
the school that my granddaughter is not a saint. I have never claimed that she is, but I also do not
think the issues at this school are being solved in any good way and I have always told my
granddaughter to stick up for herself.
I feel awful that we sent my granddaughter to school 48. My neighborhood school should be a
quality school and I understand that some schools aren’t up to par because I am a substitute
teacher myself---but I never imagined it could be this bad. She has an IEP and the school isn’t
meeting the requirements of that. I don’t feel she is learning or gaining much from this school,
other than fear and sadness. She was never in a fight at her last school and she walked with her
head high. She looks down now and her confidence has been taken from her. She was an A,B,C
student. Now she fails classes.
I really hope that Phalen comes in and is able to change this school around, the academics, the
culture and the leadership. If Phalen comes in and the leadership and teachers who are creating
fear in students are removed, I will consider keeping my granddaughter there, but regardless of
where she goes…there are other children in this school and the change is needed for all their
sakes.
Thank you,
Karen Davis

•

I was introduced and have been attending the school #103 for eight years now. I did two years of
preschool and six years as a Phalen Scholar. I think when it comes to Innovation Network
Schools , supporters should speak of why they support Innovation education. I'm a supporter of
Phalen Leadership Academy and I think schools like Phalen are schools that keep our
communities intact. At the beginning the school seemed small but grew larger with quality
activities and engaging in education. I believe this is why my mother and father have me
attending an Innovation school. I think Phalen has done a good job oat attempting to join a public
school with a charter. Over the years I have stepped over the line for learning farther than I
imagined. Once I was a Stem Ambassador a student that conducts STEM in their own way. My
team and I built a robot with tubes, motors and claws. With this robot the team went to a
competition and won 2nd place.
Kymanie Miller

•

I have been at been at Phalen@103 for six (6) years. All the teachers at my school are special
strong and smart. As scholars they want us to have fun learning well not too much fun. My
teachers are special to me because they do so much for me. Such as help me get my grades
better. I have learned from math the power and the base of a number. We talk about equations
on what we should do first- multiply or divide. All this is to get the answer of an equation. I also
help at PLA@103. How do I help the school? you might ask. Well you see I am a Phalen Student

 Ambassador. Actually this is my second year being an Ambassador . To me a PLA103 student
Ambassador means to do MY duty showing leadership Such as being respectful to everyone an
help the academy be a good place to learn. As an Ambassador I help support school events for
the scholars.
Phalen needs to get a yes vote to run IPS 48.
Kateryn Godinez

•

Superintendent Johnson & School Board Commissioners,
My name is Olivia Whittaker and I attended IPS #48 from kindergarten to the middle of my sixthgrade year. I told you my story at a recent board meeting, but after being silent for a long time, I
want to be sure you heard me and understand how it still affects me to this day.
Things were bad in 5th grade, but they got even worse in sixth grade. That’s when Mr. Hinton
became the principal. He turned out to be the kind of principal to be more physical than mental
when dealing with us. I even saw kids getting thrown around and lifted by their shirts when they
didn't want to follow directions. I was scared that one day I would be a victim –one of the kids the
teachers or Mr. Hinton would throw around. I was scared the adults in the building would do
something I DIDN’T want them to do to make me follow directions. I was really scared the day I
refused to give my phone to Mr. Williams. He grabbed my hand and I didn’t want to tug of war
with a grown man. I didn’t think it should have been handled that way.
I got in trouble more and more and had become the class clown to cope. I wasn’t proud of that. I
felt picked on and singled out a lot of the time. Adults would make me throw my lunch away for
talking during lunch time on more than one occasion. One time I even had to eat in the basement
hallway on the floor. Punishments were often unconventional. I saw kids running up and down the
stairs as punishment. I was glad when my mom found a different school for me in the middle of
my sixth-grade year.
I’m proud to say that I am doing a lot better academically and starting to heal emotionally. I
struggle with having good study and work habits due to the lack of care in instruction. I missed
really important years and I am angry about it. I’m angry that I was scared of teachers and adults
who were supposed to protect me, but I’m here to speak up for kids like me. I think IPS #48
should be restarted because the school needs a lot of help and improvement.
I met Mr. Phalen and I gave him a hard time because it was hard to believe that he could really
help. After getting more information and thinking things over, I think that maybe Mr. Phalen can
help. Something needs to be done. The change is needed and most definitely long overdue.
I hope you all make the right decision for this school.
Thank you,
Olivia Whittaker

•

Superintendent Johnson and members of the IPS Board of Commissioners,
My daughter attended Louis B. Russell, Jr. #48 from kindergarten through the first half of her
sixth-grade year. I spoke at a recent board meeting to share her story. I am sharing it again now
because I think it’s important that responsible decisions are being made for quality education

 especially for black and brown children.
My daughter’s departure from Louis B. Russell, Jr. #48 was precipitated by a series of events that
were devastating to my daughter’s academic and emotional wellbeing. I am overwhelmingly in
favor of this school restarting—the academics are heartbreakingly behind. Students in my
daughter’s sixth-grade class struggled with basic math like 3x3 and 5x5 as well as understanding
basic grammar.
During my daughter’s sixth-grade year, she had a sub for most of the year in ELA. No one in that
school pulled together a curriculum or assignments. Several weeks before I pulled my daughter
out, lesson plans were a day-to-day task. The lack of curriculum preparation had a direct impact
for students learning. They were supposed to be writing research papers and most of them
couldn’t properly structure a sentence. These children in this 6th-grade class were struggling with
reading and comprehension. Teachers were still reading aloud and students didn’t know what
should be capitalized, let alone how to generate a hypothesis and write this type of paper.
I have been an active parent and spent a lot of time in the class and in the building. Children can
learn, when they receive quality instruction. I understand that change is scary, but we need this
school to restart and we need a quality operator like Phelan Leadership Academy. Simple.
Beyond the failing academics, the climate and culture of the school are what drove us away in the
end. In one instance, the adults in this building forced her to throw away her lunch before she
could eat it. I got a call that day because she was refusing. I took her out of school and took her
to lunch. The final incident was my daughter being made to sit outside the cafeteria on the floor to
eat her lunch. My daughter felt bullied by the adults in the building and to this day, she is upset
about how she was treated.
Before I pulled her out, I did try to stay. I stayed and advocated for this school and I wish I
wouldn’t have. Even now, my daughter carries a lot of hurt and trauma from her experiences at
school 48. She recently talked to the possible operator about it and even hearing her relive that
time was heartbreaking. Her experience was a nightmare.
Paramount School of Excellence had the task of helping my child catch up in the middle of the
school year and was able to make it happen for her. This offered me proof that socioeconomic
factors and racial composition are not the primary factors affecting learning at School #48 or any
other poor-performing school. Please—restart this school. All children deserve the opportunity to
receive a quality education and they should feel safe. We cannot continue to let down the children
of school #48.
Thank you,
Denise Ford

•

Greetings Superintendent Johnson and Board Commissioners
As a founding student of Purdue Polytechnic High School I am now in the 11th grade. I am happy
that IPS had the Innovative idea to develop a school specific for STEM while being connected to
a major University ( Purdue University). We would not have had this option if we didn't move back
into the IPS district. Please continue to vote for Innovation/Restart schools. It give students many
possible opportunities.
Ashaune Gilliard Rhea

 •

Good Morning Superintendent Johnson and IPS Board of Commissioners
Coming from a private christian based school and the brownsburg district school it took a while to
get adjusted to the IPS School District. I didn't think I would like being at the school and missed
my friends at Brownsburg. I am glad we made the choice to move. I really like my schools and I
am glad that my mom decided to move. I hope that the IPS School board continues to vote yes
for Innovation Schools for other students who may not have a choice.
Alexis Gilliard

•

Superintendent Johnson and Board Members
I would like to thank you for allowing me to attend an innovation school of my choice. I initially
wanted to attend Shortridge High School but after shadowing my brother at Purdue Polytechnic
High School I decided on PPHS. The bottom line is that I had a choice. And its because of
Innovation that I am at a school I love. Board members please continue to vote yeas for
innovation and restarting schools for our community. We need it!
Aaron Gilliard

•

Good Evening, my name is Erika Bullock. I am a Vice President of Finance, of Circle City Star,
LLC, which is a Hardee’s Franchise group based in Indianapolis. I have served on the board of
the Sankofa School of Success as the treasurer for two years. As a mother of two children in
private school, education is extremely important in my household. I have always believed that
educating the entire child and addressing social issues of the children you are teaching provide
better students. As a board member of Sankofa I can attest to the growth and dedication Principal
Henderson and her team have displayed at Arlington Woods.
Principal Henderson has worked tirelessly with her teachers, the mind trust, and her board to
ensure that the Sankofa model will address the socio-emotional issues that the scholars and her
teaching staff face. There have been several actions and plans put into place that have launched
Sankofa on their current successful trajectory, but below are a few that demonstrate the
leadership and dedication of principal Henderson:
1. Robust interview process – There are three phases of the interview for teaching staff (phone,
panel, one-on-one). In each process the prospective candidate is required to demonstrate
knowledge of children with trauma and how to teach children who fall in the gaps. This addresses
the need to find teachers who are not only qualified to teach but are willing to teach scholars from
different backgrounds.
2. Held a teacher symposium two weeks prior to the start of school to engage new and old
teaching staff and ensure the staff was comfortable with the teaching model and how to respond
to situations.
3. Principal Henderson and her Assistant Principal are actively in the classrooms daily, tracking
and assisting teachers to ensure they are receiving the support that they need. This allows
feedback to be given daily/weekly to staff and provide training or assistance in the immediate, as
well as keep a pulse on goals they have set.
I can speak to the leadership of Principal Henderson for days, but I would be remised if I did not
discuss my favorite part of the Sankofa model, the “Reset Room.” This room allows students who
are constant disruptions in class, and often with the largest learning gaps, to be removed from the
classroom but continue to receive instruction. This room is staffed with an instructional coach and
behavior specialist that allows for the educational and emotional needs of the child to be met.
Scholars who have been placed in this program have increased their grades by at least one letter
grade if not two.

 There are so many wonderful things happening at Arlington Woods due to the Sankofa model
that my chest is bursting with pride as a board member. I believe that with the support from the
community partners and with Principal Henderson at the helm, we will all be beaming with pride
due to the success of the scholars at Arlington Woods.

•

I have worked as the school counselor for Arlington Woods Elementary since July 2019. This
position exists because of Mrs. Tihesha Henderson. She recognized a great need in our students
for social skills, coping skills, and emotional support. Sankofa continues that vision of supporting
our population, including our students' social and emotional needs. We believe in supporting the
whole child, everyday.

•

I am honored to again have the opportunity to share my support for Arlington Woods School #99,
Mrs. Tihesha Henderson and the proposed Sankofa School of Success. I am a current Board
member and have been so for the past year and half. I have seen upfront Mrs. Henderson's
dedication and diligence she and her team have exhibited to bring this vision to fruition. Mrs.
Henderson and all that have partnered with her in this work have a passionate commitment to
ensure that the students of the 46218 community receive the best education possible. As we've
shared our young people rise to our expectations for them. We have very high expectations and
believe with the proper support and interventions they will not only achieve but exceed those
expectations. We acknowledge that our community is battling a number of barriers and many of
our young people and families struggle with issues of trauma and secondary trauma. Our leaders
and staff of the school face the same challenges. It is for that reason why I am such an advocate
of this model, focused on not only supporting the social and emotional needs of our precious
students, but also the principal, teachers and staff that are committed to supporting them on a
daily basis. As we focus on serving the "whole child", we must also focus on serving and
supporting the "whole adult". Through Sankofa School of Sucess, we as the Board, Eastern Star
community and Arlington Woods School #99 community believe we can achieve that goal. Thank
you again for your consideration.

•

I fully support the promise and progress of Innovation Network Schools and hope you will take
this opportunity to restart School 48 and School 67. I believe it would be unacceptable to continue
business as usual when so many kids are being failed by the status quo. They deserve better.
The transition to Innovation gives them an opportunity for something better. It's our moral duty to
care for and provide every chance at success for our children. Therefore, I believe restarting
these schools as Innovation schools is the right thing to do in this moment.

•

I am Christopher Smith, Culture Coordinator at pilotED Schools, and I put my support behind
Alicia Hervey and The PATH School. pilotED Schools is now in it's second year and it is fair to
say that some of our success can be attributed to Alicia. I had the distinct honor of meeting Alicia
when I first moved to Indianapolis, and she has been a beacon of light for me since. Not only did
she take the time to observe and effectively coach teachers in pilotED's first year, but she also
poured into me personally as a young professional and has continued to do so. I am sure that this
is also true for many others.
Alicia has proven her commitment to the students of Indianapolis by working tirelessly to improve
conditions for students no matter what school she is in. This level of commitment in schools
where she is only placed temporarily shows what she is prepared to provide to the students of the
PATH School on a consistent basis if given the opportunity. This coupled with her extensive
experience in IPS schools makes Alicia the perfect candidate to enter a school and ensure each
student gets exactly what they deserve: a safe and equitable education. Please give Alicia
Hervey and The PATH School to give our students what we all know they deserve. Thank you.

 •

Good Morning IPS board and staff members. This letter is on behalf of my full support for the
Principal Alicia Hervey, Assistant Principal Tia Taylor and the PATH School. The points I’d like to
make to regarding the necessity of Ms. Hervey’s leadership in the city of Indianapolis are as
follows:
--With so many new leaders moving to the city to do the challenging, but necessary work of
turning around and/or starting a school, it’s imperative that leaders like Ms. Hervey, who’s born
and raised right here in the city, and a product of Indianapolis Public Schools, are leading the
cause.
--There is a severe need for more African-American school leaders in the city. With AfricanAmerican students making up 48% of the student body of IPS, and Latino students as the next
largest cohort, the need for them to be represented in their teachers and leaders is crucial to their
chances of success. By having one Black teacher/school leader, Black students’ chances of
enrolling in a college or university increases by 13%, and increases by 32% when students have
two forms of representation. The students at the PATH school will have both Ms. Hervey and Ms.
Taylor to show them that anything is possible.
--Ms. Hervey is a principal who will collaborate with other schools, support new school leaders,
and provide heavy instructional and philosophical expertise. During my first year as principal of
pilotED Schools in 2018-2019, my leadership team and I found it challenging to support green
thumb teachers in classroom management and restorative relationships. Both Ms. Hervey and
Ms. Taylor immediately stepped into my Kinder classrooms and provided support from March of
2019 to the end of the school year. I will forever be grateful for their support and collaboration.
pilotED would not have been able to end the year as strongly without the support of these two
strong and intelligent school leaders.
--The city is in need of school leaders like Ms. Alicia Hervey and Ms. Tia Taylor. They have high
morals and ethics for themselves, high expectations for students, and a strong will to support and
collaborate with other school leaders across the city.
--I am happy to fully support these leaders!

•

School 103 was a wreck when Phalen took it over. Kids were failing classes, fights were
happening daily. I had nieces and nephews that went there, but my daughter's 1st year was the
year Phalen took it over. Her grades are impeccable, she's never had a disciplinary action, and
she actually loves going to school! Her teachers and I have always had great communication.

•

I strongly support innovation schools in the district. There is no cookie cutter way to educate
children and parents should have the option to make a decision for their child based on what's the
best fit for him/her.

•

I have been watching the developments of the school and fully support this model. I truly believe
it is what the neighborhood and IPS needs. Mrs. Henderson has a few years of Relay training to
appropriately implement the model she’s proposing.

•

Superintendent Johnson and members of the IPS Board of Commissioners,
My son Joseph is in the first grade at Edison school of the arts. I did not know until last year that it
was an innovation school. For me, it is just a public school. The title doesn’t matter, but what this
school offers my son does.
My son has an IEP for his autism and I choose this school because music relaxes my son. He
loves music and it was my number one priority in a school when I was deciding where to send
him for Kindergarten. I also loved that they had chickens, something my son loves because his
grandma has some. They teach the cycle of lifecycle of the egg. I’m looking forward to additional

 classes and activities for my son as he ages, like cooking and robotics. I did look at other schools,
but they didn’t compare.
At this school, I like all my son’s teachers. I like their staff. I feel like this school has great
leadership. The principal is really cheerful. She is the perfect principal for a school of the arts.
She has such energy and is very approachable.
In the mornings my son walks in the hallways and every teacher he sees—he hugs them and
they hug him back. His teacher has a grandson that also has autism, so she understands how my
son works and what he needs to be successful.
She gives him time to work on things and if heeds a little time out—she gives him that time to
step out of class for a little bit with another teacher. He also gets pulled out for another class to
have a small group session. They do the same thing as they do in class, but in a smaller group,
which allows my son to learn in a way better suited to his needs.
I used to be in his school every day before I started working. Now I only go once or twice a week,
but I have been enough times to say the staff is warm and welcoming. When I come to pick my
son up, they have him ready for me. They are very good at anticipating the needs of and
communicating with parents.
My son is learning a lot and is expressing himself more because of this school.
Innovation schools are public schools and my son attends one that I trust. My son feels safe at
school, as a mom-that is so important. I have nothing to worry about to be honest. I know my son
is learning and happy and safe. I trust every staff member in that building.
Thank you,
Guadalupe Lupita Carrera
IPS mom

•

I am writing to be a testament to Alicia Hervey and her leadership. Alicia is one of the most
impactful, loving, and caring educators I have ever worked with. She is strategic in her
relationships with adults and children and will stop at nothing to ensure a great education for ALL
children. Even as a my AP when we served together at a middle school, she courageously served
as a mentor to this young principal so I made the correct decisions for children.

•

I'm submitting this comment in support of the mission and objectives of The Path School. With the
understanding that our communities need intentional instruction and curriculum for minority
students, I believe The Path Schools' value will immediately be effective in the community it is
placed in by fostering servant leadership and inclusiveness between students, staff and
administration.

•

Can IPS bus drivers deliver school lunches, school work, and school supplies to students' homes
while we try to get through the semester, the virus, & hope for more e-learning opportunities?
Kids with less shouldn't have to suffer more than others.

•

Electronic Copies of my letter and enclosures were distributed earlier today, with hard copies
being faxed to Superintendent Johnson and Chief Counsel Young later today. The content of my
letter is as follows:

 Via Electronic Mail March 19, 2020
Michael O’Connor, President -- oconnormi@lilly.com
Aleesia Johnson, Superintendent -- johnsonal@myips.org
INDIANAPOLIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
120 East Walnut Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Re: IPS Board Public Meeting Attendance Protocol
Dear President O’Connor and Superintendent Johnson:
My name is Dan Boots, City-County Councillor (District 3), and I am writing to share some
concerns that constituents and my fellow Councillors copied below have shared with me re IPS's
handling of its public attendance policy for tonight’s IPS Board meeting. I am informed the IPS
Board has closed to the public tonight's meeting, posting that it is simply following the lead of our
Council – “Similar to meeting procedures adopted by the Indianapolis City-County Council, only
essential staff and credentialed media will be allowed to attend the Action Session.”
I am writing to clarify that our Council does not and has not closed any of our meetings to the
public, nor does the Governor's recent second Executive Order (No. 20-04) on the Covid-19
crisis, issued Monday afternoon (March 16th) (the “Order” - copy attached), require such drastic
action. Indeed, Sec. 5 of the Order (first para.) limits the type of items that can be on the agenda
of any agency subject to the Indiana Public Meetings/Open Door Law under these emergency
circumstances to "only essential matters critical to the operations of the governmental agency or
entity for the duration of this public health emergency." This limitation applies, whether or not the
public is allowed to attend.
For further clarity, the Order limits the public attendance to no more than 50 persons. Our full
Council meeting this past Monday evening was intended to be open to no more than 10 members
of the general public. While the final number was somewhat above 10, the ultimate count of all
persons in the Public Assembly Room that evening remained less than 50. Since attendance was
limited and members of the public were encouraged to watch the meeting from home, our Council
provided a means for the public to submit comments and questions on proposals set for public
hearing via an online form on the Council’s webpage. While we now appreciate the CDC
guidelines have reduced that suggested maximum number of attendees at public gatherings to 10
persons, that should not undermine the desired objective of allowing public input and oversight to
the greatest extent possible at your upcoming IPS Board meeting.
Moreover, we understand one agenda item your Board intends to vote on this evening is turning 4
IPS public schools over to private operators – see Item 6 on the accompanying Agenda. We do
not believe it is in the best interest of transparent public policy making to consider and vote on
such an important subject without allowing greater public participation. Please be clear that we
are not, by sharing our concerns via this letter, opining on the advisability of such action by the
IPS Board. Rather, we are writing to protect and encourage an open and transparent process that
is so critical and vital to preserving our local democracy. While this issue is indeed important to
the families of Indianapolis that put their trust in the IPS public school system, neither I nor my
fellow Councillors believe such an item rises to the level of being an essential matter so critical to
the operation of IPS under these emergency conditions that Item 6 must be voted on at this next
meeting, when the public has the least opportunity to participate.

 We ask that you clarify your IPS meeting attendance protocol for tonight and, in the true spirit of
following our Council's lead, limit the number of public attendees per the CDC guidelines,
Governor’s Executive Order 20-04, and the Public Access Counselor’s Statement and General
Guidance Regarding the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Event (copy also enclosed), while still
allowing members of the general public to attend. Even if members of the general public are
allowed to attend, we urge you, nonetheless, to postpone any final vote on Agenda Item 6 until a
future date when the public has a greater opportunity to participate.
We would greatly appreciate your response (as to (1) the public attendance protocol for tonight’s
meeting, and (2) the Board’s position on Agenda Item 6) yet today by 3:00pm EST (Thursday,
March 19th) if at all possible. Feel free to reach me by email (Dan.Boots@Indy.gov) or phone
(317-635-8900). Many thanks.
Respectfully,
/Daniel L. Boots/
Daniel L. Boots
cc: BoardMembers@myips.org
Keith Potts, City-County Councillor – District 2
Ethan Evans, City-County Councillor – District 4
Ali Brown, City-County Councillor – District 5
Crista Carlino, City-County Councillor – District 6
Duke Oliver, City-County Councillor – District 9
Jessica McCormick, City-County Councillor – District 15
Kristin Jones, City-County Councillor – District 16
Zach Adamson, City-County Councillor – District 17
Frank Mascari, City-County Councillor – District 21
Jared Evans, City-County Councillor – District 22
Paul Annee, City-County Councillor – District 23

•

I have know Tihesha since 1996. She is a excellent educator and business woman. She has my
100 percent support!

•

I write on behalf of Alicia Hervey in support of her application. I served as assistant principal of
Arlington High School from the summer of 2012 to the summer of 2014, the first two years of
Arlington’s turnaround under Tindley Accelerated Schools. Alicia and I began our work together
as colleagues—Alicia was the assistant principal of grades 9 & 10 and I was the assistant
principal of grades 7 & 8. After some transitions, Alicia and I eventually became the assistant
principals of the entire school before Alicia took over as principal at the end of my tenure at
Arlington. Alicia was an integral part of our initial turnaround work at Arlington and the progress
we managed to make would not have been possible without her.
To begin, Alicia is one of the most dedicated and hardest working educators I have ever met. She
is willing to do whatever it takes in the service of her staff and students. Alicia put in extremely
long hours during the work week and on the weekends coaching and supporting teachers,
reviewing curriculum and gradebooks, managing student discipline, working with families,
analyzing student discipline and academic achievement data, and developing new school-wide
systems to improve the culture of Arlington. Students, teachers, and all staff knew that Alicia was
someone that they could depend on, someone who would pay attention to the details and work to
solve problems immediately.

 I highly recommend Alicia. She is an outstanding educator and human being. I hope that I have
the great privilege of working with her again one day! If you have any questions or concerns
about her application, please do not hesitate in contacting me directly at [redacted].

•

Dear Board of School Commissioners and Superintendent Johnson,
I am the School School Worker at Louis B. Russell Jr. 48 and I am asking you to vote against the
recommendation to re-start our school. I would like to tell you about one of our students. Due to
confidentiality, I cannot share details; however, I will paint a picture. This student arrived at our
school for the first time after spending his first night in a foster home. The student had never
attended school. He was frightened and confused and he just wanted to return to the only life he
had ever known. With the kindness and compassion of several staff members at 48, he became
acclimated to school and he began to form attachments. He had to start from the beginning,
having had no experience with academics or the student role. His second foster home was
outside of IPS and through very strong recommendations from myself and staff at 48 regarding
his academic growth and emotional needs, and in consultation with his case manager and the
IPS' foster care liaison, he was able to stay at our school. He is now in his third foster home,
outside of our boundary, and he continues to make progress at School 48. In spite of the other
constant changes in his life, School 48 and our staff have been able to provide the stability and
consistency that he has needed. I am certain that this child could have been lost in the
educational system had it not been for the help, support and expertise that our principal and staff
have provided to him. He is making academic progress because his social emotional needs are
being met. He feels safe in our building and with our staff. Everyone knows him and celebrates
his accomplishments.
This child is just one of so many who have experienced foster care, relative care, homelessness,
frequent moves, frequent school placements, alternative educational placements and mental
health crises. Our students have high ACEs scores and histories of trauma. They need a stable
school environment where they can be with school staff who have built relationships with them.
They should be in a school where staff and administration accept them and have the knowledge
and experience to help them to achieve their goals. Through the diligent guidance of Principal
Hinton and the tireless work of our staff, many of our students are making growth in TRC and
NWEA. We celebrate our students who level-up in Lexia. We have 'hold harmless' years already
and 2019-2020 will probably be another. We do not give up on our students and I hope that you
do not give up on School 48. We must have continued support from the district to provide needed
services for our children so that they can grow academically. Especially now, our students do not
need any additional changes or disruptions in their young lives. School 48 should be there when
our students return this year or next year. #All Means All

•

I am in favor of the restart school 67. As a community representative, I have personally seen Ms.
Hervey work with the parents and teachers to be able to get them on her side. Her leadership is
impeccable, and she has worked very hard. I am for this restart. I am appalled at some of the
actions of the folks that are against it. They are doing this for selfish reasons and not for the good
of our children, which is what this is all about. Thank you

•

Eddie is truly an inspirational leader. He inspired a staff in a Tindley elementary system that was
not originally built for success and made it a winner. He did so through building tremendous
relationships, loving the community, training staff, and holding himself accountable. He had the
first A elementary in Tindley and he aspires to serve even more children. I look forward to the
work he will do with the Emma Donnan school community.

•

Hello IPS School Board members. Thank you for allowing me to speak to you today about why I
support Innovation schools.

 These schools are helping students in our city. I think we can do better for IPS students. I think
we are on that road, but need to continue.
I want to thank Superintendent Johnson, the board, the staff, and anyone else that is responsible
for the focus on racial equity. Not everyone is thinking like that, so I want to commend you on
doing something different and innovative to make a difference for kids.
Now, let's not stop there. We cannot wait to make sure that students are reading well, have their
social/emotional issues addresses, and have the ability to be taught by great teachers. I think this
district is thinking differently about a lot of things, and I want that to continue.
I think it is telling that the schools people usually lift up are CFI or Butler Lab schools. Those
schools are great, but we need more than just them to be able to serve all of our kids. I support
school leaders who are willing to do the hard work of making a school better for everyone. I hope
you support them as well.
Thank you.

•

I'm writing in support of the district's recommendation to restart Louis B. Russel and Stephen
Foster. I know that these are very difficult decisions to make, but I believe that dramatic change is
needed in order to see improvement. As a parent who send my two school-age kids to an IPS
choice school, I believe every family should have access to a great school.

•

Dear Board of school commissioners and Superintendent Johnson,
I am asking you to vote against a recommendation to restart our school. I am a teacher at Louis
B. Russell, Jr., IPS 48 and I have been teaching first grade and kindergarten since 2003. I have
been in IPS for 34 years in a variety of schools and grade levels. I can tell you that is rare to find
a staff family such as this. Our teachers, staff members, and Principal Hinton are an amazing
team. I'm sure you've heard that, but it is true.
My school is my second home, and my children are my children. The children I have had in past
years are also my children, and they know this. As we see one another in the building, there is a
unbroken connection. They know who I am and there is a respect that is built. This is something
that occurs over years and years.
On Thursday, March 12, a colleague in an upper grade room came to me after school beaming,
letting me know that one of my former students had reached his goal and had earned time with
me the following day. It has been a long time coming for him, and I was excited to see that he
was improving. Unfortunately, we did not go to school on Friday, and that reward has been
postponed. His test scores may show some improvement, but may not show that he is becoming
a better human being. I know he is. I care very much, and I am proud of him.
There is so much uncertainty in this world, especially right now. Our 48 family is crying out to you
to let us continue to be the structure and home these children need. Instead of scores, look at the
improvements. Check out the growth, and not just academically. Talk to the children. They are so
much more than the numbers they produce on standardized tests.
Please keep us together, and PLEASE vote against restarting Louis B. Russell, Jr.

 #ALLMEANSALL
Sincerely,
Candice N. Platt

•

I am writing to express my support for Innovation Network Schools in IPS. I believe that
Innovation Network Schools provide excellent education options for students in IPS and provide
school leaders with the autonomy needed to provide students with the best education available. I
want to express my support for the Stephen Foster School 67 to be restarted by The PATH
School; Louis B Russell School 48 to be restarted by Phalen Leadership Academies; Emma
Donnan Elementary & Middle School to be restarted by Adelante Schools; and the conversion of
Arlington Woods Elementary School 99.

•

I am a student and fully support the restart of 67. As a human who grew up in the area, I have
also had the pleasure of Ms. Hervey as an administrator. Ms. Hervey is more than capable of
handling and turning this school around. She has a plan. and they students will benefit. Because
of Ms. Hervey's leadership, I can proudly say I am going to graduate from college in 3
semesters... early, and have a trajectory that will make me successful. I believe that ALL of our
children at 67 deserve that type of leadership and more. Please vote in favor of restart. thank you

•

I am here to support parents who want to have a choice in where students go.
One thing I like about IPS is that they are thinking about what happens to a family if the school
they are assigned to isn’t helping their student. Not everyone can afford to move or pick a
neighborhood with a good school, even if they want to, even if they know it will help their student.
I want IPS to be the best it can be. There are a lot of families that need to be able to choose a
school in this district, where they know it is safe, where they know there student is actually
learning. IPS board members, I don’t know where you send or have sent your kids to school, but I
hope it was somewhere that works for them. I hope you keep working to make that option
available to all families. Thank you.

•

I am in support of The PATH School being able to manage School 67. I think students deserve to
have a school leader who is experienced with turnaround work, which is what this school needs.
IPS Board - this school will be in need of serious help especially with the recent announcement of
closures. Ms. Hervey and her team are capable of creating the type of change needed for 67,
even with this new hurdle. Thank you.

•

I had the pleasure of working with Alicia as a teacher in her building seven years ago. Alicia is an
incredible woman, school leader, mother, and mentor. She has an uncanny ability to remain calm,
positive, and solutions-oriented no matter how challenging the situation, which permeates across
staff, students, and families. Alicia cares first and foremost about children and their educational
experience because she knows how essential an excellent education is to a child's ability to live a
life of choice. There is no doubt in my mind that Alicia will do whatever it takes to make The
PATH School a phenomenal school for her students and families, as well as an excellent place to
work for teachers and staff. I have been able to interact with Alicia several times in the last year to
discuss The PATH School, and the plan she has in place is tremendous and incredibly wellthought-out. I would be thrilled if my child had the ability to attend The PATH School under
Alicia's leadership.

 •

Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts. I have a child who is attending a school
outside of the IPS border currently but I've heard so many positive comments from parents who
attend IPS Innovation Schools, that I am strongly considering enrolling my child next year. I think
allow school leaders to have flexibility in how they are supporting my son, who is very active and
needs to move a lot, is a great option for parents. I like that students can go to schools such as
Global Prep for Spanish and English Instruction or Ignite for Afro-Centric Learning because that's
not currently an option I have. I had the opportunity to attend a Town Hall earlier in the year when
IPS Superintendent was showing her strategic plan and asking for feedback and I was able to
meet Ms. Alicia Hervey. I think she will bring a strong school to to the westside of Indianapolis
with her model that has supports for students, lots of social emotional wellness supports, and a
mentor through high school and beyond. I am particularly excited to see her school in the Fall as
an option for students.

•

In all the positions I am privileged to have in this life, amongst the top are my roles as a wife,
mother and community advocate. I come to you today as a woman who deeply loves her family
and her community. I have spent my career working to engage and uplift the Indianapolis
community. And I can think of no other opportunity more important to the community than
education. Education, as cliché as it may sound, is the key to success. It is the key to the future
and key to life. This is one of the many reasons I am a proud supporter and advocate for
innovative schools. All families should have access to quality schools, regardless of their location
or other means. I boldly support our children in this way and humbly ask that you (The IPS Board
of Directors) all vote in favor of innovation network schools.

•

I am in support of Innovation Schools. Being innovative can assist schools in contributing to the
academics for students and allows teachers and staff who are hands-on with teaching them some
of the necessary skills needed for them to be successful in the real world. Academic growth is
also accredited to programs, support, and services available such as Midtown and SocialEmotional Learning.
Proper learning is significant and essential concerning their overall growth and independence of a
child's learning. Lastly, I would like to mention Board Members please continue to vote yes for
Innovation/ Restart Schools.

•

I would like to express my support for the new restart and innovation schools being proposed
tonight. I believe that all students in our community deserve a neighborhood school that is safe
and nurturing and holds all students to high expectations. Parents should be able to send their
kids to their neighborhood schools and know that they will receive a great education, and that
those who work most closely with our students can make decisions to best serve them.

•

Honorable Commissioners, I urge you to approve Adelante as the operator of the Innovative
school at Emma Donnan Elementary and Middle School for the next school year.
I have meet with both the future principles several times over the last two months and believe
their dedication and enthusiasm will provide a boost for public education on the south side of
Indianapolis.
I know this process is not considered ideal by some board members as they are concerned about
the number of Innovative School with in IPS but we have been put in a situation where this is
necessary to keep this facility open. Therefore I would ask the commissioners to consider this as
they make hard decisions.
Thank you for your dedication to take on your roll in education in the City. Ed Mahern

 •

Hello,
On behalf of the Bates-Hendricks Neighborhood Association we would like to share a board
approved comment on the involvement of Adelente schools in our community. As an engaged
partner during the CSUSA/Noble Education process we have voiced our support for local control
over our community high school and other educational institutions. Our support for that is no
different today.
Adelente schools have been engaged in our community since the start of this process. They have
had individual meetings with our community leaders, attending monthly neighborhood meetings,
fielded questions at community collaboration meetings and stayed in constant contact regarding
the needs of our community. This is a refreshing change from the previous managers of these
buildings.
At this time, the BHNA board opted to not send a letter of support since Emma Donnan does not
exist within our neighborhood boundaries. It is our mission to support both SENSE Charter
School and James A Garfield School 31 as our community schools. We believe that the
community surrounding the building should have the most say in the future of the school and
would ask that other communities would respect that in regards to our two schools.
We look forward to IPS' continued support and investment in the education of our families on the
Southeast side of Indianapolis.

•

Superintendent Johnson and Board Commissioners
I have seen the change that having Innovation Schools as a choice for parents can mean alot to a
child. HAving worked in the recruitment side of education as well as having 5 grandchildren who
had the opportunity to be a part of several innovation schools and are doing well. They are happy
and academically sound. I want to impress upon the Board Commissioners to please allow the
four schools up for a vote for Innovation/Restart to be Voted YES! I am for choice for all of our
families and a proud IPS Alumni.

•

Quite simply, the ways in which we teach, connect and learn is ever-changing. We have to be
able to adapt in order to reach our children; it IS for the benefit of the community. I am proud of
my Indianapolis Public Schools education and I am a proud supporter of innovation schools.
Please vote in support of innovation network schools.

•

This message is for support of Alicia Hervey and the Path School for approval as an innovation
network school. Alicia, has been a wonderful friend, leader, and mentor in our city for many years.
As a product of Indianapolis, her expertise in K12 education is unmatched, and the students of
Indianapolis Public School will be blessed by her leadership. She’s fierce, but fair. Firm, but
empathetic. Knowledgeable but humble. Her transformational approach to leadership has left a
positive mark on students, families, and communities. I have served under various leaders in this
city as a educational servant leader, but I have only worked for one Dr. Hervey, and I’m honored
to recommend her for this opportunity. In closing, Marian University is committed to responding to
the changing social and educational conditions. As the Coordinator, Academy for Teaching and
Learning Leadership we will support Alicia and her team in the identifying and developing leaders
and teachers of color, improve education for the most vulnerable students in our city(The Path
School) and provide intentional support to ensure the Path Schools success and impact. I support
the Path School approval wholeheartedly and look forward to witnessing her continued impact on
our city.

 •

I am here today to speak on behalf of parents and the community of a restarted school.
Board members, I want you to know what this change has meant to me and my family. Before the
restart, I wasn’t confident in the education my child was receiving. Honestly, leadership at the
school had become satisfied with the way things were at the school. That kind of attitude should
not be okay with any parent, teacher, or IPS board member.
My student and I need a school close to where we live. I’ve heard people say before that restart
hurts neighborhood schools. Well, I am here to say that is not the case for us. We love our school
and what it can represent under another school leader. Please vote yes for Innovation Restart!
Thank you for listening.

•

Hello IPS School Board members.
I am here today to talk to you about why I think restart is a good thing.
One of the things I love the most about our school is the way they treat our kids. They treat them
with respect and understand what it takes to reach them. One of the things my student likes best
is the place-based learning experiences that happen at the school.
My child gets to go to museums, parks, businesses, and other places to help her learn. And,
these aren’t just regular field trips either. My school makes sure that these trips have something
to do with what the kids are learning and that it isn’t just a fun time - though they do have fun.
My child is learning better and actually likes school, which I know isn’t something every child can
say. I am so glad it is the way it is because of restart and hope you keep this kind of option for
IPS kids.
Thank you.

•

As a student mentor, I get to see many young lives embark on their journey of self identity. Often
times that journey is an uphill battle that often starts with confidence – confidence in self and
confidence in their abilities. I’ve witness many students transition to innovation schooling and
seen how the ways in which they are learning has added a spark in their eyes and a new
excitement for learning. That said, it’s easy for me to write this message in support of innovation
schools, and I ask the IPS board vote in favor of innovation schools today.

•

For me, it’s more than philosophical. I’ve seen my niece thrive at an innovation school. And so it
is easy for me to proudly support innovation network schools.

•

My daughter attends a charter innovation school. In the time since she has been a student – she
has excelled academically and socially. I am so thankful I sent her to the school she attends and I
believe all parents should be able to do the same.

•

This is in support of the Path School being approved as the restart operator for Stephen Foster
School 67. The Path School's unique model is based on years of experience and planning by
Alicia Hervey and Tia Taylor. I worked with Ms. Hervey and Ms. Taylor at Christel House
Academy, and saw first hand their dedication to the education, and social and emotional wellbeing of their students and families.

 I believe the Path School is unique in its model of caring for students through their path team,
which provides every student the services and resources they need to be successful.
Ms. Hervey has devoted her professional career to educating students and coaching teachers to
be the best they can be for their students. There's no doubt in my mind that the Path School will
be staffed with highly effective and caring staff.
I have complete confidence that the administration will provide a caring, high-quality learning
environment, where students will thrive.

•

I support innovation schools because my niece is a student at such a school and she is excelling.
Please vote in favor of innovation schools.

•

We have to put our kids first. And doing this means doing what is best for them in this changing
education landscape. This is one of the many reasons I support innovation. Please vote in favor
of innovation schools.

•

There are currently more than 208 immediate openings for teachers, social workers, counselors,
and support staff that work directly with students in IPS. Yet IPS claims that it is doing everything
possible to support schools and improve student achievement. These openings are evidence that
IPS isn’t even providing the basics needed to educate students, let alone going above and
beyond, doing everything possible.
The community is told that schools need to be turned into charters to help them improve test
scores, yet Stephen Foster 67 and Louis B Russell 48 have shown growth in all areas and test
scores are improving. There is no achievement gap between white and black students at 67. In
the past two and half years the students and families have found stability under the current
principals. Teachers and families have spoken out about their desire to have the schools remain
a traditional IPS school. Yes, they want changes made and have begged this board and
administration for additional resources. These two schools are doing better as a whole than the
innovation restart schools in the district. Why not provide what is needed to continue to improve?
The innovation school will be given 5 years, yet the staff has only been given 2.
I was surprised at the amount of time that leaders of the charter schools wanting to take over
have been given before this board and administration, especially in public. Why haven’t the staff
and leaders of 67 and 48 been afforded the same opportunities to present their improvement
plans to this board and the public? Why haven’t they been invited to sit down with the board at a
public meeting and given ample time to discuss their work? Why is IPS showing favoritism to
these charter schools rather than supporting the amazing teachers and staff doing the work?
At the work session the board had last week a commissioner asked why Arlington Woods 99
needed to become an innovation school if they were already doing everything in their plan. The
reply was that they wanted to change the length of the school day and possibly other schedule
and calendar changes. The board was told that this was not possible as a traditional IPS school.
That is simply not true. The teacher’s union has stated that these types of changes are possible
under the current contracts. Every single thing that an innovation school can or wants to do, a
traditionally run IPS schools can or already is doing.
Before you tonight you have 4 schools that are slated to be handed over to charter school. I
encourage you to support these schools and their staff. Provide the needed staff and resources
they are asking for. If the past week has shown us anything it is the essential role that our district
schools play in our community and neighborhoods. I encourage you to continue to support and
foster the relationships that have been built at these schools by voting against innovation.

•

I attended an innovation school. I played sports and I love sports, but I also enjoyed learning. It
used to be that learning was boring and hard for me. I graduated early and I feel like I learned a
few things. I am thankful for it. Please vote in favor of innovation schools.