By Andrew Pillow
After months of speculation, Indianapolis Public Schools has finally released their school closure plans. IPS plans to completely close two schools, and convert two others into middle schools. The plan was designed to help IPS save money by closing or re-purposing under utilized schools and facilities.
The highlights of Indianapolis Public School’s consolidation plan:
- Close and sell Broad Ripple and John Marshall
- Convert Arlington and Northwest into middle schools
- Continue to operate Arsenal Tech, Crispus Attucks, George Washington and Shortridge as high schools
In addition to closing and re-purposing schools, IPS also plans to sell or lease two of its administration buildings.
The changes would go in to effect during the 2018 school year and is expected to save the district around $7 million per year. Additionally, school officials believe selling the Broad Ripple building in particular, could generate around 6 to 8 million dollars given its proximity to an entertainment district.
IPS has also proposed “career themed academies” for the remaining high schools.
Read the full IPS plan here.