What parents are really asking for: Accountability that works

When parents speak up about their children’s education, often they’re not asking for miracles—they’re asking for accountability. They want schools that work, leaders who listen, and systems that deliver real results for all kids, especially those who have been historically underserved. 

At Stand Indiana, we’ve heard from countless families who are calling for change. Their stories are powerful, personal, and united by a common theme: every child deserves a school that helps them succeed. 


🗣️ “I want IPS schools that close the gap.” 

In this video, Greg Henson, a parent advocate, delivers a heartfelt message to Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) leaders during a May 2024 Action Session. His call is clear: grow school models that are proven to close the opportunity gap. This video is a powerful reminder that accountability isn’t abstract—it’s deeply personal for families who want to see their children succeed. 

📈 “For years, parents like me have asked leaders to use data to drive decisions”  

In her powerful testimony, parent advocate LaToya Hale Tahirou speaks directly to IPS leaders, urging them to take bold, data-driven action to improve outcomes for all students—especially underserved children. 

Her message is clear: accountability means more than just measuring performance—it means acting on it.  

📚 “I’m asking IPS for proven schools.” 

In this story, Shawanda Tyson, a parent and advocate, calls for a shift in focus—from maintaining the status quo to scaling up schools that are already showing strong results. She wants leaders to use data to guide decisions and to invest in what is working. 


🔍 What Parents Are Saying 

Across all these stories, the message is consistent: 

  • Measure what matters. Use data to understand what’s working—and what’s not. 
  • Act on that data. Don’t just collect it. Use it to make bold, student-centered decisions. 
  • Be transparent. Families deserve to know how schools are performing and what’s being done to improve them. 
  • Prioritize students. Especially those who have been underserved for too long. 

💡 The Bottom Line 

School accountability isn’t about blame—it’s about building a better future for our kids. Parents aren’t asking for perfection. They’re asking for progress. And they’re right to expect it. 

Because every child deserves a school that works. 


About This Series: Understanding the Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA) 

In 2025, Indiana lawmakers passed House Bill 1515, establishing the Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA)—a task force comprised of local leaders led by the mayor of Indianapolis with the goal of generating ideas to ensure IPS traditional schools and the charter sector are collaborating to improve student outcomes. The ILEA is not about choosing one type of school over another. It’s about building a cohesive system of schools—district, charter, and innovation—that work together to deliver better outcomes for all students. 

This blog series explores the key policy areas that our advocates believe are essential to creating a high-performing, student-centered education system. Each post will dive into a specific topic—ranging from school accountability and funding to transportation—highlighting how these elements can support a system that prioritizes better results for students.