What This Moment Means—and Why Engagement Matters
The first phase of an important shift in public education in Indianapolis has started.
Mayor Joe Hogsett officially announced his appointments to the board of the Indianapolis Public Education Corporation (IPEC) — a newly created municipal corporation that will play a major role in how public education resources are utilized, managed, and coordinated across all public schools within the boundaries of Indianapolis Public Schools.
This announcement marks the launch of a new system designed to increase transportation, improve school performance and accountability, and ensure school facilities are safe and utilized in the highest and best interest of the community. Here are the leaders who will guide major decisions that are fast approaching as IPEC gets up and running this month.
Meet the Mayor’s IPEC Appointees
We congratulate these leaders appointed to serve on the IPEC board:
- Hope Star, President, IPS Board of School Commissioners
- Ashley Thomas, IPS Board of School Commissioners
- Deandra Thompson, IPS Board of School Commissioners
- David Harris, President & CEO, Christel House International
- Janet McNeal, President, Herron Classical Schools
- Dexter Taylor, Director, Paramount Brookside
- Patricia Castañeda, Vice President, KeyBank
- John Hammond, Partner, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP
- Edward Rangel, Founding CEO, Adelante Schools
This group brings together IPS and traditional public schools, charter school operators, and community and business professionals—reflecting the collaborative structure envisioned when IPEC was created.
What Will IPEC Do?
IPEC is not advisory. Its responsibilities are substantial. The board will guide decisions related to public education funding, facilities, accountability, and transportation citywide. This includes overseeing shared systems that affect both Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) and local charter schools.
Among its key duties, the IPEC board will:
- Approve how education dollars are raised locally and determine when voters are asked to consider education funding proposals through a referendum.
- Oversee the management of school facilities and student transportation.
- Establish and approve a school performance framework and accountability system that includes all public schools within the IPS boundary. These decisions directly affect how schools operate, how students get to class, and how resources are shared across public schools.
How We Got Here—and Why Engagement Still Matters
IPEC exists because community members fought for it.
Parents, educators, and advocates organized and pushed lawmakers to pass House Bill 1423, which detailed the recommendations approved by the Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA). Many of the ideas and goals that are now part of IPEC connect back to the work of Stand advocates and their vision for improving public education in IPS, “Together We Thrive.” Stand parents and youth have long pushed for a new governance structure that is more coordinated, more equitable, and more accountable to the public.
Now the opportunity is here to shape these ideas and policies through IPEC, and community voices must remain a key influencer throughout this process.
A Call to Stay Engaged
As IPEC begins meeting, we’re asking Indianapolis residents to recommit to this work by signing the pledge to stay engaged.
By taking the pledge, community members commit to staying informed, participating when possible, and advocating for:
- Transparency in decisions and finances
- Equitable opportunities for students in every neighborhood
- Accountability for better student outcomes and the use of taxpayer investments
- Community‑centered, data‑driven decision‑making
This pledge is a promise to stay involved not just today—but throughout the many decisions still ahead.
This Is the Beginning—not the End
We congratulate the new IPEC board members and recognize the responsibility they’ve taken on. At the same time, we know that strong systems are built not only by boards and policies—but by active, informed communities.
Sign the pledge. Stay engaged. And help ensure IPEC becomes what Indianapolis families fought for.
