Check The Math

Because of the operational assessment, IPS reduced its operating referendum plan to $220 million – less than $5 a month for the average homeowner. 100% of the operating referendum now goes to teacher and principal salaries, to help recruit and retain great educators to IPS schools. The Indy Chamber is committing as much as $1 million to help IPS implement the assessment, to keep more public resources in classrooms and teacher paychecks.

 

Check The Math

Because of the operational assessment, IPS reduced its operating referendum plan to $220 million – less than $5 a month for the average homeowner. 100% of the operating referendum now goes to teacher and principal salaries, to help recruit and retain great educators to IPS schools. The Indy Chamber is committing as much as $1 million to help IPS implement the assessment, to keep more public resources in classrooms and teacher paychecks.

History 101: Background on our Partnership with IPS

The IPS Board Asked the Indy Chamber to Focus on Efficiency While Protecting Educational Priorities

In the spring, the IPS Board of Commissioners agreed to work with the Indy Chamber on an operational assessment of the school district, tapping into the business community and consulting expertise to:

  • Find efficiencies and cost savings to balance the budget without cutting into academic priorities;
  • Pay teachers and principals more – great educators have the biggest impact on student success;
  • Protect local taxpayers by reducing the IPS operating referendum to a realistic level.
The Beginning
 

The IPS Board Asked the Indy Chamber to Focus on Efficiency While Protecting Educational Priorities

In the spring, the IPS Board of Commissioners agreed to work with the Indy Chamber on an operational assessment of the school district, tapping into the business community and consulting expertise to:

  • Find efficiencies and cost savings to balance the budget without cutting into academic priorities;
  • Pay teachers and principals more – great educators have the biggest impact on student success;
  • Protect local taxpayers by reducing the IPS operating referendum to a realistic level.
The Beginning

Based On the Operational Assessment, IPS Reduced its Total Referenda Request to $272 Million

  • The operational assessment found more than $475 million in potential savings, sparking more discussion between IPS and the Chamber about priorities, the pace of change, and community impact.
  • IPS had already reduced its capital referendum request to $52 million for important school safety projects; based on the assessment, the operating request was cut to $220 million.
  • This combined $272 million referenda plan would cost a typical IPS homeowner less than $10 per month.
  • The Chamber will help IPS implement efficiencies to balance its budget; 100% of the operating referendum can go to teacher raises (16% plus cost-of-living) and principal salaries ($150,000/year).
Finding Common Ground
 

Based On the Operational Assessment, IPS Reduced its Total Referenda Request to $272 Million

  • The operational assessment found more than $475 million in potential savings, sparking more discussion between IPS and the Chamber about priorities, the pace of change, and community impact.
  • IPS had already reduced its capital referendum request to $52 million for important school safety projects; based on the assessment, the operating request was cut to $220 million.
  • This combined $272 million referenda plan would cost a typical IPS homeowner less than $10 per month.
  • The Chamber will help IPS implement efficiencies to balance its budget; 100% of the operating referendum can go to teacher raises (16% plus cost-of-living) and principal salaries ($150,000/year).
Finding Common Ground

Our Commitment to Help IPS Implement Efficiencies (Without Distracting from Education)

  • Raise up to $500,000 over three years to hire an IPS Chief of Transformation and Enterprise Development Director, to lead efficiency efforts**;
  • Fund continued consulting resources to develop detailed, realistic implementation plans; and
  • Participate in an Executive Task Force to provide business expertise and input.

**All new IPS employees report to the Superintendent; all budget and policy decisions will be overseen by the IPS Board of Commissioners – partners are committed to a transparent process, accountable to the public.

 

Our Commitment to Help IPS Implement Efficiencies (Without Distracting from Education)

  • Raise up to $500,000 over three years to hire an IPS Chief of Transformation and Enterprise Development Director, to lead efficiency efforts**;
  • Fund continued consulting resources to develop detailed, realistic implementation plans; and
  • Participate in an Executive Task Force to provide business expertise and input.

**All new IPS employees report to the Superintendent; all budget and policy decisions will be overseen by the IPS Board of Commissioners – partners are committed to a transparent process, accountable to the public.

 

Take a Look for Yourself.

Review the IPS Operational Assessment and recommendations by clicking the link below to download.

Download the Assessment