Category: Parent & Family Engagement

Her tears led to my tears, which led me to the words of RFK  

Current Events & News | 09/12/2025
Post author Justin Ohlemiller
Justin Ohlemiller Executive Director Stand Indiana

“I’m so scared,” my daughter said to me late last night. I hugged her as the tears flowed and her words described her heightened fear of dying suddenly. She explained her brain was stuck in an endless cycle of thinking about the horrible assassination of Charlie Kirk and the ever-increasing tragedies of school shootings. My wife and I did our best to address her fears. Eventually she gave us a final hug before going back to bed, tears dried and nerves calmed.  

This morning, it was me who awoke with gripping fear and sadness. (As far as I could tell from my daughter rocking out to songs from “K-Pop Demon Hunters” on the car ride to school, she was thankfully in better headspace today.)  

Now it was me who was shedding tears as I drove home after school drop off. While I had the answers to help a scared kiddo in a moment of panic, I didn’t have the answers for what must be done to meet this tense and terrible moment in our society.  

The fact is people (children and adults) are being gunned down — in schools, in neighborhoods, and at political events. It’s now become commonplace to celebrate the mistreatment of our fellow human beings who think or look different than us. All the while, some politicians in power set the bar for success at destroying (or “owning”) those of the opposite party, while making no attempt to seek solutions.  

Thankfully (and tragically) we’ve been here before as a nation. Maybe not exactly here, but there’s no question the string of politically-motivated murders and surge in violence during 1960s and 70s sent this country spiraling down a dark hole that was unprecedented in 20th Century America. 

There’s one speech in particular that I found today that offers the kind of hope I want my daughter to experience when she struggles with fear: Robert F. Kennedy’s remarks on the “Mindless Menace of Violence.”  Kennedy gave this speech the after Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated.  

I could summarize Kennedy or give some bulleted points to think about, but that would not do his words justice. And frankly, every single word rings true in this moment nearly 60 years later.  

Like any leader of an advocacy organization, I can’t raise a problem without calling for action. But my ask of you is a simple one: listen or read this speech. And do it soon. Internalize every word. And if you feel compelled – share it with friends and family. And if you want to do more and live the words of RFK, then reach out to someone you disagree with and share this speech with them.  

Community Voices: advocates call for action at ILEA public hearing 

ILEA | 06/30/2025
Post author Stand for Children
Stand for Children Indiana

At the June 25th public hearing of the Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA), parents, educators, and community members came together with a unified message:  every child in Indianapolis deserves access to a high-quality education—regardless of their background, ZIP code, or school type. 

Bony Georges: “Every student deserves to be seen—and supported.” 

IPS teacher Bony Georges opened with a moving story of an eighth-grade student who took three buses and walked 25 minutes just to attend school. Despite his determination and academic promise, systemic barriers like unreliable transportation often stood in his way. Bony urged the committee to adopt a more comprehensive approach that supports students beyond the classroom and learns from both charter and traditional schools that are closing the achievement gap. 

Read my full speech:

Good evening ILEA members, 

My name is Bony Georges, and I’m a teacher at an IPS school. I’m here because I care deeply about the future of our most underserved students—the ones I see every day in my classroom. 

In many of these communities, the achievement gap is wide.  

Last year, I had an 8th-grade student who lived far from school. He took three public buses and walked 25 minutes just to get to class. He was only 13. His mom didn’t have a driver’s license, and he didn’t live with his father. But he had a dream—he wanted to be an engineer. He was one of my top students, but he missed school when transportation failed or the weather was bad. 

I saw him. I supported him. But I’m not sure the system did. 

There are many students like him—bright, motivated, full of potential—but held back by barriers beyond their control.  

We need a more comprehensive approach—one that supports students beyond the classroom. We also need to learn from schools – charter and traditional — that are closing these gaps. 

Please consider the achievement gap when creating solutions for all public school types in Indianapolis. Every student deserves to be seen—and supported. 

Thank you. 

Swantella Nelson: “All kids can learn.” 

Swantella, a parent, educator, and tutor, emphasized that the type of school matters less than whether it meets a child’s needs. She called for smart collaboration between IPS and charter schools, urging the committee to focus on what works for students rather than getting caught in divisive debates. Her message was clear: accountability and unity can drive real progress. 

Read my full speech:

Hello ILEA members.  

My name is Swantella Nelson.  I am a public school parent and I have sent my children to both IPS and charter schools.   

I say this because the type of school my children attend has never been more important than ensuring they get what they need from their education setting – a school that meets them where they are. I represent thousands of parents who love and support IPS and also see value in what’s offered by quality charter schools in our community.  

As a parent educator and a tutor, I know it takes a lot to alter your lessons to ensure they are engaging for all your students. I know it can be a battle to keep students engaged through short attention spans. But at the end of the day, each student is capable and what I know above all else is that all kids can learn.   

As a mom, I want to see our schools be accountable and I want smart collaboration between IPS and the charter sectors. I am really hopeful about this committee and I believe if the focus is what’s best for students – and not on the charter vs. IPS debate – then we can support a strategy that expands opportunity and grows school models that are working. Because our kids all deserve the kind of bright future that stems from an amazing education.

Dontia Dyson: “School choice only works if families can get there.” 

As a father of four, Dontia highlighted the critical role of transportation in making school choice meaningful. Without reliable transit or a driver’s license, many families are forced to choose schools based on access—not quality. He called on ILEA to use data and ensure that all students—especially students of color—have access to great schools, teachers, and opportunities. 

Read my full speech:

Hello ILEA members, 

My name is Dontia Dyson. I’m a proud father with two boys who’ve experienced a range of public schools in the IPS district—from traditional to innovation schools. My daughters have also been in the district in the past. Next year, both of my sons will be attending Matchbook School 63.  

I’m here today because I believe this group has a real opportunity to make public education in Indianapolis stronger. That means tackling transportation challenges, using data to guide school choices, and ensuring every child has access to great buildings, great teachers, and great opportunities—no matter what type of public school they attend. 

As a dad, I’ve spent years advocating within IPS because I want to see schools held accountable. I want to see the district make smart decisions about which schools to grow—based on which ones are truly closing the opportunity gap and delivering a high-quality education for our students of color. 

I’ve also spoken up because I know firsthand how critical transportation is. Like many parents, I’ve had to choose schools based on whether they could get my kids there. 

School choice is a powerful promise—but it only works for the kids who can actually get to the schools that are right for them. As someone who doesn’t currently have a driver’s license, I know just how important transportation is to making that promise real. 

Thank you for the work you’re doing. I truly hope this group hears parents like me and can bring together all sectors to create real, lasting and positive change for every public school student in our city. 

Ada Lemus: “Don’t let transportation erase our progress.” 

Ada, a mother of two, shared how her son Cristian’s academic progress—thanks to a new IEP—could be undone if transportation is cut. Without a car, she fears he’ll have to transfer schools and lose the support he’s finally receiving. She urged IPS and charter leaders to work together to improve transportation so families aren’t forced to settle for what’s closest instead of what’s best. 

Read my full speech:

Good evening. My name is Ada Lemus, and I’m a proud mom of two—here to speak for my son Cristian and other families like ours. 

Cristian is going into 7th grade at Edison School of the Arts. He’s smart, hardworking, and recently got an IEP that’s helping him catch up in reading. But that progress is fragile. If transportation gets taken away, I won’t have a way to get him to school—and he’ll have to transfer, losing everything he’s worked for. 

Our family relies heavily on school transportation. If we had more options, I would have sent Cristian to a school that could have supported him earlier—but we didn’t have that choice. Without a car and reliable transit, we’re forced to settle for what’s closest—not what’s best. 

I’m here because I believe IPS and public charter schools need to work together to improve transportation. Every child deserves access to the school that helps them thrive. 

Thank you. 

Vilma Esperanza Hernandez: “That’s not choice. That’s survival.” 

Vilma spoke passionately about the inequities families face when access to quality schools depends on bus routes. She called for collaboration between IPS, the city, and the mayor’s office to ensure all families—not just a lucky few—can reach schools where students of color are thriving. She also emphasized the need to invest in school facilities and scale successful models. 

Read my full speech:

Good evening. My name is Vilma Esperanza Hernandez, and I’m here as a parent who simply wants what every parent wants: a fair shot for our kids—regardless of ZIP code or background. 

I’ve seen schools where students of color are thriving—where educators go above and beyond, and kids are learning with joy and purpose. But sadly, those schools are still too few. And access to them is even harder. 

My family, like many others, has had to make school decisions based on where the bus could take us—not what school is best for our children. That’s not true choice. That’s survival. 

We need leaders to work together—IPS, the city, and the mayor—to make sure families can actually get to the schools that are working. We also need to invest in fixing school buildings and scaling what’s already helping kids succeed. 

Every child deserves that opportunity—not just a lucky few. 

Thank you. 

A Shared Vision for Change 

Each speaker brought a unique perspective, but their message was united: Indianapolis must prioritize access, collaboration and quality schools that close the opportunity gap. Whether through better transportation, smarter school growth strategies, or cross-sector partnerships, the path forward must center on what’s best for students. 

ILEA members have been announced 

Current Events & News | 05/29/2025
Post author Stand for Children
Stand for Children Indiana

🚨 Big news for public education in Indianapolis!

The members of the Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA) have officially been announced. This new board—created by the Indiana General Assembly—is tasked with shaping how IPS and charter schools collaborate on facilities and transportation,.

Chaired by Mayor Joe Hogsett, the board includes a mix of civic leaders, educators, and advocates with deep ties to the community. Their work could directly impact how public education is delivered across all schools in within the IPS district.

📝 The board must submit its recommendations to the mayor, legislature and IPS board by December 31, 2025, covering potential collaboration between charters and IPS, including:

  • Facilities
  • Transportation
  • Funding and referendums

Community input will be critical. Stay tuned for opportunities to engage and make your voice heard.

📖 Read more from WFYI: Meet the new board shaping IPS and charter school policy

📖 Read more from IndyStar: Hogsett, IPS names members of group shaping the future of the district

📖 Read more from Chalkbeat Indiana: Indianapolis Local Education Alliance members announced by mayor and IPS

Reflecting on the 2025 Legislative Session

Current Events & News | 05/1/2025
Post author Kristin Casper
Kristin Casper Government Affairs Director

The 2025 legislative session officially concluded (also known as ‘Sine Die’) on April 29. Reflecting on the whirlwind of the past few months, it’s clear there is much to celebrate with our advocates and partners. 

Investing in Our Teachers 

One significant victory is the allocation of over $35 million into the Teacher Appreciation Grant for strategically retaining excellent teachers and elevating leadership roles within schools. The TAG language in the budget reflects some of the key ideas for teacher retention we worked on alongside partners this summer. Despite a budget deficit announced just before Sine Die, this language and funding, originally in House Bill 1500, remained intact. 

A Historic Win for Public Charter School Funding 

Despite challenging circumstances, parents and students tirelessly returned to the Statehouse to address a funding gap of more than $100 million for public charter school students. Thanks to these advocate voices, combined with amazing leadership of partner organizations like The Mind Trust, a historic policy change happened that will ensure fair funding for students across all public school types.   

Addressing Inequities in Our Largest School District 

At the session’s outset, we aimed to support bills addressing fundamental inequities in IPS, our state’s largest school district. This included transportation plans to benefit public schools across sectors and ensure our school buildings are housing programs that are getting the best student outcomes. Stand was proud to be a part of coalition of supporters who  successfully pushed for the passage of House Bill 1515, which includes the creation of two pilot programs aimed at student transportation and facilities. This work will extend over three years and is authorized by the Indiana Department of Education in three districts. The bill also creates the Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA), which exists to assess all local school facilities and develop a long-term transportation and facilities plan that encompasses schools in both the traditional and charter sectors within the IPS boundary. Our hope is HB 1515 will lead to efficient and effective transportation services that improve access to education for students. 

Reaffirming School Accountability 

Lastly, advocates are celebrating a bill that will bring back an A-F school accountability system. While there is a desire for more comprehensive school accountability, the passage of House Bill 1498 kicks off a new process to build a revamped and trusted system of school and district accountability that parents have supported for years. 

Looking Ahead 

Though we’ve adjourned the 2025 legislative session, the work continues. In the coming months, Stand Indiana staffers and advocates look forward to engaging in deep discussions about education and collaborating to drive positive change for public school students in Indiana. 

Advocates support transportation solutions

Access to High Quality Schools | 03/28/2025
Post author Stand for Children
Stand for Children Indiana

On March 26, several advocates went to the statehouse to support transportation solutions.

Take a few minutes to hear what they had to say:

Cristal Salgado:

“At one time, he was attending a great school that was really working for him. Unfortunately, because this schools was a public charter school that did not have buses or offer transportation, he couldn’t continue going.”

Read my full speech:

My name is Cristal Salgado and I am here today because I support efforts to improve transportation between IPS and public charter schools.  

I am a single mom with two children. When my son started to fall behind academically in the third grade, I started looking for a new school for him. One of the hardest parts in finding the right fit for him has always been transportation.  

At one time, he was attending a great school that was really working for him. Unfortunately, because this schools was a public charter school that did not have buses or offer transportation, he couldn’t continue going.  

Traffic after work to pick him up could mean being in the car for over an hour sometimes. This alongside making sure my littlest child made it to school too meant also being worried about getting behind on starting my work day. As a single mom, this was very difficult. I truly tried for about a year to make it work, but it just wasn’t possible.  

I would really like to see more collaboration between IPS and our public charter schools, some kind of solutions that make it easier for families like mine who struggle with transportation. I think this could be the start of everyone working together in new and better ways in the name of making sure we focus on kids and their outcomes first.  

Thank you.  

Ada Lemus:

“There are public charter schools here in Indy that are truly helping students thrive and I am aware that not all of those schools can provide transportation at all, which makes them inaccessible to families who don’t have a car or the means to pick up and drop off their children at school.”

Read my full speech:

Good morning, my name is Ada Lemus, and I am here as a mother advocating for my son, Cristian, and for other children in our community who face similar challenges. Cristian is 11 years old and will soon be entering 7th grade at Edison School of the Arts.  

While my son is very hard working and determined, he is behind in reading and not at the level he should be.  He was recently given an IEP and is getting the extra support he needs to catch up.  

But this progress is still new and fragile, and I’m worried that everything he’s gained could be lost. The school recently contacted families, including mine, to warn us that transportation could be taken away due to funding limitations. If that happens, I won’t have a way to get Cristian to Edison, and he’ll have to switch schools. For a child who’s already behind, changing schools at this critical point could undo all the progress he’s made. 

For ELL students like Cristian, consistency is key. Many of these students are already navigating difficult learning gaps, and when transportation is no longer an option, it forces families to make impossible decisions—often at the expense of their child’s education. Without reliable transportation, students risk losing access to the environments where they are finally thriving. 

Along those same lines, there are public charter schools here in Indy that are truly helping students thrive and I am aware that not all of those schools can provide transportation at all, which makes them inaccessible to families who don’t have a car or the means to pick up and drop off their children at school.  

I am here because I support efforts that would bring together the IPS district and public charter schools to improve transportation.  

Our kids deserve stability, and to attend the public school that is the best fit for them.  Transportation is a lifeline that makes that possible. 

Thank you. 

Dontia Dyson:

“I currently don’t have a license due to an insurance issue and therefore I can’t drive. I am working on getting my license back now, but I know that if my son didn’t have a bus, I would have a hard time getting him to this school or any school that didn’t offer transportation.”

Read my full speech:

Hello. My name is Dontia Dyson and I am a public school parent. I live in the IPS district and my first-grader attends Matchbook school 63. My youngest son will join him at 63 for kindergarten next year.  

My first-grader loves his school and I am very involved in his education. I feel very lucky that the bus comes and gets my son. I currently don’t have a license due to an insurance issue and therefore I can’t drive. I am working on getting my license back now, but I know that if my son didn’t have a bus, I would have a hard time getting him to this school or any school that didn’t offer transportation.  

Having experienced so many barriers with transportation, I know firsthand just how important it is for our kids. I am here today because I hope to see the IPS district and public charter schools work together to expand the options of schools with transportation. I want to see the district and public charters both benefit and more than that, I want our kids to benefit. I want our kids to have great schools and safe ways to get there.   

I’ve experienced times without a car or the ability to drive. I don’t know what I would have done during these times if my son didn’t have the option of a bus. And yet, I know a lot of parents are in this exact situation or face all kinds of other obstacles with getting their children to and from the school that is the best fit for them.  

My second oldest child is moving back home from her mom’s house to live with me. She will arrive home over the summer. She will also be in the IPS district next year. I know I will have to pick a school for her with a bus option. I would love it if she could go anywhere, including a public charter if we decide that is what is best for her. I wish her options weren’t limited to only schools that can currently provide a bus. I would like to see public charter schools and IPS work together to come up with solutions that offer more and safe transportation for kids. I hope to see these options benefit everyone. Thank you.

Bryana Perdomo:

“Please support efforts that will allow schools like mine to also have access to transportation and people like my friend and her family can continue going to their school of choice.”  

Read my full speech:

Hello. My name is Bryana Perdomo and I am a student a charter school. I am in the 6th grade. I attended a  a traditional school when I was in 4th grade, but I ended up leaving that  school because it  was not the right fit for me and I wasn’t getting what I needed academically.  My mom found another school for us and enrolled us. She knew that transportation was not available, but made sure that she can take me to school or my dad if she was not available. I am lucky that they can drive me and siblings to school every day.  

Unfortunately, I know that not everyone is as lucky as I am when it comes to being able to get dropped off and picked up from school. I have a good friend who I met at school last year. Recently her mom told her that she will have to move schools soon. Her mom does not have a way to get her to and from school all the time. She ends up missing school because of transportation sometimes. This is hard because she is a good friend of mine and I wish I could help her. Her family does not speak English which is why I am here speaking for them.  

In conclusion, I ask you to please support efforts that will allow schools like mine to also have access to transportation and people like my friend and her family can continue going to their school of choice.  

I’m livid – You should be too

Parent & Family Engagement | 02/13/2025
Post author Shawanda Tyson
Shawanda Tyson Parent

I attended and then walked out of the last IPS Action session. I walked out angry and I walked out hurt. I walked out feeling fully disregarded and disrespected.

If you missed it, all the commissioners took turns stating their personal reasons for opposing specific bills. When it was Commissioner Gayle Cosby’s turn, she decided to attack several organizations, including Stand for Children Indiana.

But she didn’t just attack Stand Indiana as an organization, she attacked parents like me. When she said parents like me should be discounted because we read from “scripts” and are paid to speak at school board meetings, I was livid.

And here’s why:

Stand for Children Indiana may have led me to that IPS podium, but they have NEVER told me what to say. Her words told me that she believes parents aren’t knowledgeable enough and we don’t care enough to speak our truth.               

Stand for Children Indiana may have helped me learn how to find and use my voice and make my voice louder, but again…they never told me what to say.

Stand for Children Indiana may have helped me get to a meeting, removed barriers and obstacles that so many parents like me face, but again…I have my own voice.

Stand for Children Indiana has asked me and thousands of parents like me what we want for our kids. They have listened to me and have never asked me to say anything but my truth.

My goal was and is and will remain the same…equity for our kids. Equity for kids in IPS boundaries regardless of the type of school they attend. My agenda isn’t set in destroying those who don’t agree with me but instead focused on finding solutions that are best for our babies.

And today, I am angry. I am just as angry as I was at the January action session.

I would never expect every commissioner to share my every view. But I do expect respect and what Commissioner Cosby did during the last board meeting, making parents like me feel like everything we have done for students was worthless, was fully disrespectful.

I expect MORE of our elected officials and you should too.

Please stand with me. Please join me and PLEDGE to do something about this.

PLEDGE TO STAND WITH ME

After you sign this pledge, I’ll be in touch with next steps and ways you can join me.

We shouldn’t have to fear sending our kids to school 

Parent & Family Engagement | 10/3/2024
Post author Sherry Holmes
Sherry Holmes IPS parent

When a 7-year-old boy was abused by his teacher at an IPS school this year, the administration did not inform parents until after a lawsuit created news about the tragedy. Even parents whose students witnessed the acts were not informed ahead of the media breaking the story.  

I was a parent at that school during the time this took place. I had noticed many teachers and other staff leaving the school, the quality of education declining, and one of my children had experienced bullying. So, I removed them from the school before the story broke. I didn’t know what was happening, but I knew things were unraveling.  

Now, parents are concerned about an IPS middle school that is understaffed and has infrastructure problems. This is the school my son attends. I heard that for a while the PA system was broken and there was no way in any emergency situation to ensure all students and staff would be notified. I’m still unclear if this is fixed. My son tells me that he’s witnessed two fights already this school year and has heard of several others. As a mom, I’ve heard other whisperings about inappropriate behaviors in the bathrooms and locker rooms.  

But what really scared me even more than anything else recently was the threat we received on September 13 . It’s every parent’s worst nightmare. I did not know it was my son’s school that was threatened at the time, but I knew I didn’t know enough to feel comfortable sending my children to school. I decided to keep them home because the risk was simply not worth it.  

Even the communication I received from the district about the possible situation, which I am thankful was not a valid threat in the end, was confusing.  I didn’t realize until after I had already kept my children home that his school was one that was threatened because the first automated message I received stated it was a different school. I understand there were multiple threats at the same time involving different schools. Because there were multiple threats, it was the next day that parents received a message stating they were investigating the social media post students had circulated that was a threat against Broad Ripple. I still don’t understand why students who went to school were not immediately sent home.  

ADD YOUR NAME TO THIS PETITION

Beyond the widespread concerns this year from Broad Ripple Middle School and George Washington Carver 87 parents, there has also been media coverage about Thomas Carr Howe Middle School, including a very hard-to-watch video of one of fight. In that video, it’s mentioned that no one stopped the fight. Not teachers. Not the school police officer. No one.  

I could go on and on about how I am worried and the things I have heard and seen, but I just want to say this: the bottom line is that our kids aren’t safe in some of our IPS schools – especially the new large middle schools that were initiated through Rebuilding Stronger. They are scared about bullying, experiencing or witnessing violence and are subject to try to learn in buildings that aren’t updated to keep them safe.  

I can’t sit back and do nothing. I hope you won’t either.  

I helped to create this petition because I want action taken to protect our babies. We shouldn’t have to fear sending our kids to school. We already have tragedies like the one we saw play out recently in Georgia (among too many other senseless school shootings over the years) to fear. We don’t need additional concerns that should be handled to make us want to cry when we hug our children before waving goodbye and watching them walk into school with nothing but their backpacks and our prayers.  

Please sign this petition and join parents who are scared, worried and want more to be done to protect our students. Help us ask district leaders to make positive changes that protect our children. Help us ask for not only answers, but solutions.  

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