Irvington Community Schools, one of Indianapolis’s oldest charter networks, faced a wave of resignations on Wednesday after the network disclosed a $2.85 million deficit for the 2025‑26 school year. The departures came amid staff protests, enrollment shortfalls and a looming renewal decision from the mayor’s charter school authorization office.
Deficit and enrollment challenges
CEO Rachel Maldonado, who began her tenure this summer, confirmed that the network ended the year with a $2.85 million shortfall. Enrollment fell to 710 students, well below the 817 students the board had budgeted for, prompting a 6 % budget cut of roughly $700,000, according to August and September board meeting minutes.
Staff unrest and leadership exits
Later that evening, a large number of teachers called off work in what appeared to be a coordinated protest, forcing the network’s elementary, middle and high schools to cancel classes on Thursday. At a board meeting Wednesday, staff shouted and argued with board members, citing a lack of transparency around the network’s financial recovery plan.
Irvington Preparatory Academy principal Jana Goebel announced her resignation effective at the end of November, criticizing the board’s decision to move forward with a CEO search that added CFO duties to the role. Goebel, a 15‑year veteran of the school, said, “Transparent and collaborative leadership has always been a backbone of our special community. Unfortunately, this type of leadership has not been present recently.”
Shannon Williams, the network’s director of special education, also resigned, expressing concern that recent budget cuts—including the loss of two instructional assistants and a speech‑therapy assistant—could jeopardize legally required services for students with disabilities. “I am concerned with the students losing their services, the staff being overworked, and an upcoming lawsuit that I promise you is about to happen,” Williams told the board.
Financial measures and board actions
The network has already laid off roughly ten staff members in two rounds of layoffs and paused substitute‑teacher services contracted with an outside vendor. The board also voted to pause contributions to staff retirement plans, prompting a teacher walk‑out.
Board member Madison Monfreda, an alumna of the schools, emphasized that the decisions were not taken lightly. “My goal is never ever to put the school in danger,” she said, adding that the financial situation is “horrible.”
In response to concerns about potential property sales, Maldonado told local station WFYI that the network is not considering selling any building. The board granted her authority to explore every opportunity to close the deficit, and she pledged to work toward solvency while asking staff for patience.
Authorizer oversight
The mayor’s Office of Education Innovation (OEI) placed Irvington on a Level 1 notice of deficiency last June for financial‑reporting concerns, escalating to a Level 3 notice in October over sustainability worries. OEI director Shaina Cavazos said the office understands the school’s need for a sustainable path forward and will work with the network to ensure its continuation.
Charter schools in Indiana are tuition‑free public schools managed privately by nonprofit boards rather than elected officials, operating under contracts granted by authorizers such as the Indianapolis mayor’s office.
Looking ahead
The network’s financial health will be a key factor in the mayor’s charter school authorization office’s renewal decision scheduled for December. Stakeholders, including parents, teachers and community members, will be watching closely as the board seeks solutions to stabilize the schools and preserve the educational haven Irvington has long provided.
Original reporting: Mirror Indy — read the source article.
