Last night, I stood in front of the Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA) with a mix of pride and urgency. Alongside other parents, students, and educators, I helped release Together We Thrive — a shared vision for student success in our city. It’s not just a document. It’s a reflection of lived experiences, hard truths, and real hope.
I’m a father of two autistic boys who attend Matchbook School #63. Their school has worked hard to support them, and I’ve seen teachers show up with heart and commitment. But I’ve also had to make school choices based on transportation — not what’s best for my kids — because I don’t have a license. That’s the kind of barrier this vision aims to address.
When this group first came together, I felt something I hadn’t felt in a long time: hope. Hope that we could finally move past the tension between school types and focus on what really matters — our children. We’ve seen the gaps in opportunity. We’ve lived the challenges. But we’ve also seen the good — schools where students thrive, communities that care deeply, and educators who go above and beyond.
Together We Thrive is about building on that good. It’s about creating a city where every child — no matter their background, ability, or school — has the opportunity to succeed. It’s not about picking winners and losers. It’s about building something better, together.
If you haven’t already, I invite you to read the vision and add your name to the petition in support of it. Even if you’ve already signed, share it with someone who hasn’t. Every voice matters.
Let’s keep pushing. Let’s keep showing up. Let’s make sure our kids get the great schools and education they deserve.
