Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee is sharing the results of his initial 100-day entry plan with the community. Dr. Ferebee came in to his role as superintendent with a detailed plan of action to gather information about the district and come up with a strategy for the future. After engaging IPS students, staff, administrators, faculty, and community members – as well as analyzing data on the district’s history – Dr. Ferebee has outlined his conclusions and goals in an executive summary. The superintendent’s main points include:
- “The greatest asset in the IPS community is our people.” Dr. Ferebee indicates that asset must be advanced through professional development for adults serving our students – particularly more teacher-led workshops utilizing the talents of outstanding educators in the district. Dr. Ferebee also aims for more agile, teacher-developed curriculum plans following new state standards.
- “Students are our most valuable resource.” Dr. Ferebee wants to find ways to increase students’ engagement in their own education so they can help guide and inspire the work of adults who seek to prepare and empower them.
- The Board of Commissioners is a strong group of “dedicated and progressive public servants.” Revised and streamlined meeting structure and agenda development processes will allow the Board and the Superintendent to work together more efficiently.
- A reorganization of central services led to a flattened leadership design that “achieved three critical needs: 1) reduced bureaucratic layers for schools and families; 2) advanced organizational capacity; and 3) elevated ownership and accountability.”
- Stronger, more consistent communications are needed, both externally and internally, to send out clear messages to various audiences, to improve the image of IPS and what it has to offer, and to sharpen internal marketing and branding within IPS.
- Greater budget transparency is needed, as well as more flexibility to align spending with strategic priorities.
The full report is available here
