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.
Community Voices: advocates call for action at ILEA public hearing
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…
Transportation: what advocates say
School choice is a powerful promise—but for many families, it’s a promise that falls short. Without reliable transportation, even the best school options are out of reach. In Indianapolis, parents are raising their voices to demand solutions that make school…
Why transportation is the missing link in school choice
In Indiana we often talk about the value of school choice, but for many families that choice is limited by one major barrier: transportation. At Stand Indiana, we’ve heard from countless parents and advocates who support expanding access to high-quality…
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…
What we can learn from Denver: A case for accountability in public…
When it comes to improving public education, data-driven decisions matter—and Denver Public Schools (DPS) offers a powerful case study. A 2024 report from the University of Colorado Denver examined nearly two decades of school reforms in DPS, focusing on how…
Why school accountability matters
When we talk about improving public education, one word often rises to the top: accountability. But what does that really mean—and why does it matter so much? At Stand Indiana, we believe accountability isn’t about consequences or blame. It’s about…
Why the ILEA matters to parents
As a local task force known as the Indianapolis Local Education Alliance begins its work, parents across the city are watching closely—and with hope. Created through House Bill 1515, the ILEA represents a new opportunity to envision a public education…
ILEA members have been announced
🚨 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…
