Historic flooding along the White River over the weekend forced evacuations in several Indianapolis neighborhoods, but all Marion County public schools stayed open for the week of August 17. Washington Township, one of the county’s largest districts, continued regular classes while families received emergency assistance.
District response and family outreach
Superintendent Sean Taylor emailed staff and families on Sunday, expressing gratitude for the community’s willingness to help one another. “I am incredibly grateful for the way this community continues to show up for one another — especially during challenging times like these,” Taylor wrote. He added that the district would “get through this together.”
District spokesperson Ellen Rogers said school social workers and counselors have been conducting evaluations and outreach to determine how many students were directly affected. Bus routes and stops were adjusted where floodwaters made travel unsafe, and families were notified through the district’s communications platform.
Emergency shelter and supply distribution
The American Red Cross operates a 24‑hour emergency relief shelter in the main gym of the Washington Township Services Center at 8401 Westfield Boulevard. The shelter provides a safe place for displaced families and students.
In addition, Door 20 of the same building serves as a supply distribution point from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Families can pick up toiletries, cleaning supplies and diapers at no cost.
Support from other districts and agencies
Marc Ransford, spokesperson for Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), told Mirror Indy that the flooding did not cause damage to IPS facilities and that schools remained on a typical schedule. “We have not had any significant family needs, but IPS families know that our Family and Community Engagement Liaisons are available to help with a variety of needs,” he said.
Broad Ripple Middle School, located a few blocks from the White River, was confirmed safe by Principal Tonia Thompson, who noted the campus was “completely safe, unaffected, and fully accessible for both vehicles and pedestrians.”
Other Marion County districts reported no closures or major impacts. Herron‑Riverside High School, a charter school near the river, kept its doors open despite a flooded basement. Spokesperson Karen Lalioff said only one student missed school because of the floods.
Faith‑based schools and statewide impact
Brian Disney, superintendent for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, reported that none of the Catholic schools under his jurisdiction were closed or damaged. However, three Catholic schools in other parts of Indiana—located in Rushville, Connersville and Brookville—remained closed.
Disney added, “All of our locations are reaching out to families that are in need. We don’t have anything as a specific coordinated effort right now, but we’re dealing with it on an individual basis.”
How families can get help
Families affected by the floods are encouraged to contact their school’s social worker for direct assistance. A full list of Washington Township school social workers and contact information is available on the district’s website.
For additional resources, the Red Cross shelter and supply center remain open, and district staff continue to monitor transportation routes and safety conditions.
The situation is being updated as more information becomes available.
Original reporting: Mirror Indy — read the source article.
