IPS board candidates discuss school closures, AI, and legislative funding at forum
Did you know search engines like Google are changing the way you see news? Keep Chalkbeat’s valuable education coverage at the top of your feeds by clicking here and checking the box next to our name. This story was originally published by WFYI. Most candidates for the Indianapolis Public Schools board support the district’s break from the city’s unified student enrollment system , they said at…
At a recent forum hosted by WFYI and Chalkbeat Indiana, candidates for the Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) board discussed various issues, including school closures, the shift away from the unified student enrollment system (Enroll Indy), and artificial intelligence (AI) in schools. Fifteen candidates were running for five seats, with four representing Districts 2, 3, 4, and 5, and one at-large seat.
Fourteen candidates participated in the forum at Central Library. District 4 candidate Chris Bultman had a prior engagement and thus did not attend. At-large incumbent Angelia Moore and District 3 candidate Derek Redelman opposed the change to a district-controlled enrollment system, while District 5 candidate Yuri Smith Sr. had a somewhat mixed view.
District 3 candidate Loren Heger expressed ambivalence about the decision but believed there were cheaper alternatives to manage enrollment. He used the AI chatbot Claude to create a program that could cover enrollment for district and charter schools in minutes, highlighting the need to find cost-effective solutions.
When asked to answer in one word whether they supported or opposed the change, all 10 candidates who answered supported the change. The candidates varied in their approaches to bridging the long-standing animosity between charter school supporters and IPS district supporters. Some emphasized the importance of involving the community in conversations, while others criticized the vitriol driven by individuals trolling those with differing education choices.
In terms of school closures, candidates had differing opinions on the matter. Some, like District 3 candidate Daqavise Winston, emphasized the need to assess building condition and usage, while others, like At-large candidate Alexander Nyirendah, argued that the real funding challenge lies between public and private schools, with the state's private school voucher program costing over $548 million last school year.
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