It is a plan that cost taxpayers $700,000 and claims to be "the boldest urban reform plan in the United States." The Mind Trust proposal's overall goal is to "fix a broken IPS education system."
"We think we have the resources and ability to make that kind of change," said David Harris of The Mind Trust.
Members of The Mind Trust spent 18 months compiling 160 pages of ways to make Indianapolis Public Schools better. Their plan includes giving more money to qualified teachers and principals to keep them in the district. It also erases the school board and the new plan puts the power in the mayor's hands.
"It creates a single point of accountability, that can really, hopefully drive change," said Harris.
"The report is going to generate a lot of questions and a lot of comments, but quite frankly, I am not impressed with this report," said Dr. Eugene White, IPS Superintendent.
It is a change White said is not needed. He takes exception with the thought that IPS needs to be fixed. He said graduation rates have improved in recent years.
"Will that transformation satisfy our critics? Probably not, because critics, by nature, are not satisfied," said White. "We want to have evidence so that when we make a case with people for our school board and what we are doing, we can fight the fight with facts."
The Mind Trust report points to low scores on statewide testing.
School board member at-large Annie Roof said she is confident the plan will be pushed through, pushing her off the school board.
"So, as a school board I hope that we choose to have an open mind and become a part of the process instead of being booted out and watch the process," said Roof.
Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard issued the following statement about The Mind Trust's report:
"I want to thank the Mind Trust for its extensive examination of the Indianapolis Public Schools. There is a growing consensus in our community about the need to make fundamental changes to improve the educational outcome of the children in our largest school corporation.
"The Mind Trust report offers some very interesting ideas, such as the Opportunity Schools, that merit further study. It is my sincere hope this report jump starts a much needed discussion about the future of education in our community."
