I want IPS to strengthen partnerships

I spoke at the IPS board meeting in December because I want to see the IPS board create a values statement that details how IPS can deepen and strengthen partnerships with our public charter schools. We are so much stronger when we work together.

WATCH MY TESTIMONY HERE:

READ WHAT I ASKED IPS LEADERS

Good evening Superintendent Johnson and IPS board members,

My name is Dontia Dyson and I am an IPS father. My son attends Matchbook Learning and is in kindergarten. My youngest son will attend the same school when he is of age.  My daughter previously attended this school as well as Longfellow –she is now in high school.

I have stood at this podium several times over the past few years. At times I have advocated for our innovation schools to have equitable funding. Other times, I have advocated for you to grow schools that are closing the opportunity gap. I have advocated for more funding and resources for SPED students and staff.

I am here tonight with a request that I think touches nearly everything I have ever advocated for – something I know many parents are asking you to consider.

I see that this district is doing some excellent and innovative things – I see many of our public charter schools doing the same – and I want to see this board create a values statement that details how IPS can deepen and strengthen partnerships with our public charter schools. We are so much stronger when we work together.

It shouldn’t be public charter schools versus IPS schools. At the end of the day—what truly matters is that every student in Indianapolis gets a great education –gets an equitable education. The debate over public school type is causing friction where there needs to be collaboration.

I understand attempts to partner have had bumps in the road at times – but I also think we need to put the past in the past. We need to do whatever it takes to move forward. We must reconcile for the sake of the kids.

We should all be striving to ensure every school is a great place for our kids. We should all want to learn from schools that are doing great things—closing opportunity gaps –and providing a world-class curriculum for our students. We should all want to learn from the school doing the best for our SPED students and ELL students –regardless of the school type. We should be partnering with, growing and learning from schools that are closing the opportunity gaps.

We truly are better when we work together. Please create a statement that spells out how IPS plans to strengthen our partnerships with public charter schools.

Thank you.