Pryor disappointed in passage of bill undermining elected IPS board

Today, Feb. 2, House Republicans advanced a bill to establish the Indianapolis Public Education Corporation and board. This is another direct attack on Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) from Indiana House Republicans, as it would dilute the school district’s power and give undue authority to an unelected body. 

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) issued the following statement after speaking against the bill on the House floor:

“Education is the single most important factor in setting a person up for success. Instead of working to improve IPS, the General Assembly targets the district year after year. Constantly changing the rules and moving the goalpost doesn’t give our schools the chance to implement the last round of rules to see if those work.

“It is unclear whether or not this new board would have the power to supersede members of the school board that were elected by the people and accountable to the people. The mayor does not need the additional responsibility of running the school system. He has his hands full running the city.”