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Seven candidates are competing for three seats on the Indianapolis Public Schools board in a crowded race that has featured hefty donations from political action groups. One candidate is uncontested.
Election results for the IPS board are expected after polls close at 6 p.m.
The election to fill three contested seats and one uncontested seat on the IPS board could significantly alter the makeup of the board that drives district policy. More candidates critical of charter schools have emerged this year. They are calling for either a moratorium on charters or a closer examination of whether the district’s partnership with charters is working.
Spending from political action committees, most of which comes from charter-friendly groups, has likewise surged since the last relatively sleepy election cycle in 2022.
- In the at-large race, incumbent Kenneth Allen faces Carrie Harris and Deandra Thompson. Allen, who received significant donations from charter-friendly PACs in 2020, has now said he is independent from such influence and has suggested that the district pause and rethink its charter partnerships. Harris has suggested a moratorium on charter partnerships. Thompson has received endorsements and funding from charter-friendly PACs for Stand for Children Indiana and RISE Indy.
- In the District 1 race to represent neighborhoods such as Irvington, Christian Park, and the near southeast area, Alan Schoff faces Ashley Thomas. Schoff is against charters, while Thomas said she is supportive of great schools rather than preferring one school type over another. Thomas has significantly outraised Schoff with endorsements and funding from the PACs for Stand for Children and RISE Indy.
- In the District 2 race to represent parts of Martindale-Brightwood and the Far Eastside, Gayle Cosby faces Hasaan Rashid. Cosby, who was previously elected to the school board in 2012, has called for a closer examination of the district’s collaboration with charters. She has an endorsement from the teachers union and significant funding from the state teachers union PAC. Rashid, meanwhile, has gotten endorsements from RISE Indy and Stand and has received funding from their PACs.
- Allissa Impink is the sole candidate for District 4, which includes the southwest portions of the district such as the Old Southside, Hawthorne, Fountain Square, and Garfield Park. She received endorsements from both RISE Indy and Stand as well as the teachers union.
Amelia Pak-Harvey covers Indianapolis and Lawrence Township schools for Chalkbeat Indiana. Contact Amelia at apak-harvey@chalkbeat.org
