INDIANAPOLIS — The next 31 days are critical for Indianapolis Public Schools. IPS will be deciding what to do after October 2, with all students right now learning online.
IPS Superintendent Aleesia Johnson is leading a district that, for the first time in its history, has made it possible for each child to learn at home via an iPad or a Chromebook. The biggest priority is making sure the kids stay on track.
She's made it her business to learn as much as possible about COVID-19 and the number of cases in Marion County to decide what will happen next with the schools.
Funding is a big concern. In August, she wrote an Op-Ed in the Indianapolis Star calling on the legislature to not cut dollars because kids are not physically in school.
"If anyone saw how we are preparing to return, but also support our kids in a remote learning environment, they would not suggest that we could do what we are doing now with 15% less funding," Johnson said.
Superintendent Johnson is living the realities of the moment professionally and personally, especially with three of her own children in IPS learning remotely.
If the pandemic improves, IPS hopes to begin a phased-in approach after October 2. For example, IPS may consider allowing kids to return via a mix of in-class and remote learning.
