A major decision is approaching about the future of public education in Indianapolis. Much of the public conversation makes it sound simple – about numbers, funding, buildings, buses and efficiency. But education in Indianapolis has never been simple.
Indianapolis has 11 school districts based on a decision that courts now recognize as discriminatory, and we are still dealing with the consequences of that decision today. So, there’s nothing about Indianapolis’ education that is simple.
I want to be clear about my role. I am not part of the formal discussions taking place. I do not represent the Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA) or any decision-making body. I am simply a community member sharing my personal thoughts and hopes as someone who deeply cares about children and our city.
The ILEA is discussing important structural topics such as transportation, facilities, governance and decision-making. These are serious, necessary conversations. Structures matter. Systems matter. But structures alone do not educate children — people do.
As these topics are considered, here are six questions I hope remain at the center of the conversation.
1. What problem are we truly trying to solve?
Before choosing one of the four models or a strategy, we must be honest about the problem.
Is the goal a better outcome for students?
More access and stability for families?
Stronger trust in schools?
Saving money?
Oftentimes groups and committees try to solve too many problems with inadequate clarity or granularity on any of the problems.
Clarity shapes everything that follows.
2. What is the best way for all of us to get there?
Transportation routes, facility use, and governance models are tools — not goals.
The real question is: which path moves the greatest number of children forward equitably while strengthening our entire education ecosystem?
3. How will we measure meaningful results?
Strong decisions rely on strong data.
That means looking for statistically significant results, not just standout stories or extreme cases on either side. We must understand what is effective and efficient for most students, across many settings, over time.
4. What are the risks on both sides of a decision?
Each of the models under consideration carries risk.
What happens if we move forward too quickly?
What happens if we don’t move at all?
What are the risks and benefits qualitatively and quantitatively for the four models?
Responsible leadership means naming risks clearly and objectively.
5. Are the risks acceptable or must they be reduced first?
Some risks are worth taking. Others require safeguards.
Have we planned for unintended consequences?
Have we learned from similar efforts elsewhere?
Hope is strongest when paired with benchmarking and preparation.
6. Who benefits — and who might fall through the cracks?
This may be the most important question of all.
Who gains access, stability or opportunity?
Who may quietly lose support, resources or voice?
Equity must be intentional.
One final question that deserves attention
What is the impact of increased vouchers on all non-private schools — public, charter and community-based?
Education systems are interconnected. When one part shifts, the effects ripple across the whole system. If more money is going towards vouchers for higher income families, does that leave less money for traditional public and charter school transportation and facilities?
I wonder if these types of questions will be answered. I worry that political pressure or emotional arguments may outweigh careful and methodical risk assessment.
Still, I remain hopeful.
In my award-winning book “Built by Us”, I write about solving complex problems together, with humility, courage and shared responsibility. Education is one of the most complex challenges we face, and it deserves that level of care and informed intentionality.
No matter the outcome, I will continue to hope and advocate for decisions that benefit all children.
The future of our children and their education in Indianapolis should not be built by political mandates, the strongest lobbyists, the most resourceful, the loudest voice and unhelpful (and sometimes misleading) comparisons, or sound bites.
The future of Indianapolis education should be ‘Built by Us.’
