July 1 -- The budget bill passed late yesterday and the Governor signed it yesterday evening. It's a relief to have a budget and the state still functioning -- but bad news for funding in many public school districts. IPS is losing $8.2 million in 2010 and another $12 million in 2011. Thanks to everyone who gathered with us at the State House Tuesday, June 23, to show support for IPS and the future of our children!
Some quotes from legislators in this morning's Indianapolis Star:
These changes are "a direct assault on public education...you nickel and dime it and chop away at it."
Rep. Ed DeLaney
The budget marks the beginning of "dismantling public education in the state."
Sen. Jean Breaux
See the full text from today's Star article on the news section of this Web site.
After the dust settles and we have the full impact of the budget changes (the "broad brush" doesn't tell the whole story of what the district is losing from other funds), we'll share it with you.
New things you can do:
IPS SPECIAL SESSION ALERT #2
The Indiana Senate is expected to adopt a proposed budget today (June 23) that will slash IPS' funding by $42 million at the same time it sets aside $10 million for a private school voucher program.
What can you do to help save our schools?
IPS has put in place a number of effective and innovative programs over the past two years that are working to improve student achievement, increase graduation rates, and provide choices for families. The future of these programs is in serious jeopardy under the budget proposals being discussed at the Statehouse. The time for the IPS community to take action is NOW.
1. Call or email your state Senator and let your Senator know how these funding cuts will affect you and your family. Explain why IPS is important to you, and ask your Senator to support a budget that provides the necessary financial resources to IPS and the children it serves.
2. Share this information and "Call to Action" with your network of friends, neighbors, and co-workers.
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STATE SENATORS |
317-232-9400 |
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200 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204-2785 |
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Sen. Jean Breaux s34@in.gov |
Sen. Teresa Lubbers s30@in.gov |
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Sen. James Merritt s31@in.gov |
Sen. Patricia Miller s32@in.gov |
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Sen. Greg Taylor s33@in.gov |
Sen. Brent Waltz s36@in.gov |
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Sen. R. Michael Young s35@in.gov |
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DON'T KNOW WHO YOUR LEGISLATORS ARE? Click here to find out |
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CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THIS ALERT IN PDF FORM.
June 2009
IPS could lose nearly $77 million!
IPS students need your help! The budget plan proposed by Governor Daniels to the special session of the Indiana General Assembly could reduce Indianapolis Public Schools’ budget by $76.8 million over the next three years.
We all understand that these are tough financial times and everyone must make sacrifices. But IPS does not have money to spare; the district has already cut its budget, closed schools and reduced staff. An additional $76.8 million in losses is not “tightening your belt.” Losses of this magnitude would be devastating.
See a new handout posted June 17 on why funding that follows the children sounds good, but doesn't necessarily turn out to be fair. It's in the Explanation of Costs section.
What you can do:
Please write your legislator and tell them YOU support IPS, and you want a budget that is fair to IPS students. Facts, figures, addresses and other information on this site are here for your reference. The deadline for passing a new budget is June 30, so we don’t have much time.
Send a personal letter, send an e-mail, call or make a personal visit to your legislators.
1) Tell them how happy you are with the IPS programs your son, daughter, grandchildren, nephews, nieces or neighbors are participating in and that you don’t want to see these programs eliminated.
2) Ask them to support full funding for IPS.
3) You might say how important schools are to the quality of life in your neighborhood and in our city.
(Thanks everyone! Ninety people signed on to a group letter submitted June 16.)
After that:
- Talk to (and e-mail) your friends, neighbors, co-workers, church congregations, neighborhood associations and extended families. Ask them to support IPS, too.
- Keep coming back to this site for updates. The situation will change from day to day until a budget is passed, so please keep in touch.
The kids of IPS appreciate your support!!!
Questions? E-mail us, or view answers to frequently asked questions in the "How to show support" section.
This site was created by IPS Renewal Group, which is comprised of parents and community members dedicated to the support and renewal of Indianapolis Public Schools. To contact IPS Renewal, e-mail ipsrenewalteam@yahoo.com.
