On Oct. 19, a public forum hosted by WFYI and Chalkbeat Indiana gathered fourteen of the fifteen candidates vying for five seats on the Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) board. The discussion centered on the district’s recent decision to leave the city‑wide Enroll Indy system, the role of artificial‑intelligence tools in school administration, and the push for increased legislative funding.
Enrollment system split draws mixed reactions
Superintendent Aleesia Johnson announced in September that IPS would operate its own enrollment platform, ending a nine‑year partnership with Enroll Indy that served both district and charter schools. Candidates were sharply divided. At‑large incumbent Angelia Moore and District 3 candidate Derek Redelman openly opposed the change, while District 5 candidate Yuri Smith Sr. expressed tentative support. The remaining ten candidates, when asked to answer with a single word, said they supported the move.
District 3 candidate Loren Heger called the decision “expensive,” noting that IPS estimates the Enroll Indy contract costs the district more than $300,000 each year. He demonstrated a prototype AI chatbot, Claude, that could generate a simple enrollment program in minutes, arguing that technology could replace costly software services.
AI in education – promise or distraction?
Heger’s demonstration sparked a lively debate. He said, “That’s the type of thing we need to do as a district to try to find solutions that don’t cost hundreds of thousands of dollars for software service — that can be done on a phone in 15 minutes.” Yet he also cautioned, “I’m sure students are using it, but we shouldn’t be advocating the use of it in any capacity as an educational organization.”
Other candidates, including District 3 contender Daqavise Winston and District 5 incumbent Nicole Carey, stressed that while technology is evolving, the district’s primary focus must remain on basic literacy and ensuring students can read.
Funding gaps and voucher controversy
All candidates agreed that IPS needs more money from the Indiana General Assembly, especially for special‑education services. The district estimates a $24 million shortfall between state and federal funding and the actual cost of those services.
At‑large candidate Alexander Nyirendah and Heger highlighted the growing private‑school voucher program, which cost $548 million last year and now offers vouchers to all families regardless of income. Nyirendah warned, “We’re over here fighting for peanuts amongst ourselves while the wealthier are getting vouchers for their summer vacations.”
Community concerns and school‑closure plans
Board candidates also addressed the looming issue of potential school closures. The nine‑member, mayor‑appointed Indianapolis Public Education Corporation, created by state law, will oversee buildings and transportation for both district and charter schools beginning in 2028. It must also develop a rating system that could influence future closures.
Incumbent Hasaan Rashid emphasized that any closure plan must guarantee continued services for displaced students. District 2 candidate Bryan Duarte, backed by groups favoring traditional IPS schools, questioned the influence of large campaign donations from organizations such as Stand for Children Indiana and Rise Indy, asking whether donors truly represent community interests.
Incumbent Hope Duke Star (District 5) and Moore (at‑large) stressed the importance of assessing building conditions and usage before deciding on closures, urging fiscal responsibility while acknowledging the impact of empty facilities on neighborhoods.
Election timeline
Early voting is underway ahead of the Nov. 3 election. The race marks the first time partisan labels appear on Indianapolis school‑board ballots, with twelve candidates running as Democrats, several as independents, and one unaffiliated candidate after a successful challenge to her party affiliation.
Voters will choose one at‑large member and one representative each from Districts 2, 3, 4, 5, and the at‑large seat. The outcome will shape IPS policy on enrollment, technology adoption, funding advocacy, and potential school‑closure decisions for years to come.
Original reporting: Mirror Indy — read the source article.
