Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) hosted its first of six Rebuilding Stronger groundbreaking ceremonies on April 9 at the Broad Ripple Middle School athletic field.
Due to voters who overwhelmingly approved the Rebuilding Stronger capital referendum in 2023, IPS is getting financial support for facility improvements at 23 schools, including new classrooms, athletic fields, performing and visual arts spaces, a family resource center, upgraded HVAC and plumbing, and more.
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“Indianapolis, it’s because of you that we’re able to reimagine what public schools can do for the kids in our community,” said IPS Superintendent Dr. Aleesia Johnson.
“When you cast a vote in support of the Rebuilding Stronger referendum last year, you placed your faith in IPS to deliver on promises of a better district that offers great choices to every student. You gave generously and now we’re keeping our promises to you!”
Johnson said the improvements are about ensuring every school is not only safe, warm, and welcoming, but also a place where every student can pursue their passions.
IPS will expand its athletic offerings in the 2024–25 school year at the middle school level to include new programming for swimming, cross-country, tackle football, girls’ flag football and golf.
The district will also be offering more elementary and middle school sports camps and clinics.
The schools receiving renovations include Arlington, Broad Ripple, Howe, Longfellow, Harshman, and Northwest middle schools.
WDi Architecture, Inc., a woman-owned architecture firm in Indianapolis, is overseeing these projects.
Broad Ripple Middle School principal Tiffany Robinson said that extracurricular activities during middle school play a crucial role in students’ development.
“A cohesive sports program is essential for fostering collaboration, social skills, and physical abilities,” Robinson said.
“Our focus remains steadfast on nurturing each student’s abilities to their fullest potential. This necessitates a structured, progressive pathway that builds upon middle school foundations and propels growth throughout high school.”
IPS hosted the second groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, April 16 at George Washington Carver School 87.
The next few groundbreakings will be at Arlington Middle School on May 17, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. and Northwest Middle School on May 16, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.
IPS said there will be more to come.
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