INDIANAPOLIS — Tracy Boyd is a proud IPS alum.
"Class of 1985, Arlington Golden Knight!"
37 years after graduating, Boyd attended the 2022 IPS State of The District speech, at her alma mater, hopeful the district will give students the experience she had at Arlington High School which is now Arlington Middle School.
"When I attended this school, I felt like it was an extension of my family," Boyd said. "The teachers knew us by name and it was just a culture that I think is missing, so I hope that's in the plan."
Boyd says administrators like Mr. Fred Jones helped created that family-like culture, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and believe in themselves. That's why she is still invested in IPS.
Although she isn't an IPS parent, Boyd feels this is an issue everyone should care about.
"I think it's important, particularly important for our poor children, Black and Brown children, to receive a quality education," Boyd said.
Superintendent Dr. Aleesia Johnson laid out a plan that will fundamentally change the district, giving students in all zip codes access to quality education while keeping the district out of the red. Seven schools will be closed. That worries Boyd because she's seen it happen before.
RELATED: Indianapolis Public Schools' superintendent announces Rebuilding Stronger plan
"I think that Broad Ripple was a fantastic public school and it's a waste of space in my opinion, so I was also impressed that she said there would be reuse," Boyd said.
She hopes the closed schools will continue to serve the communities by being outreach centers offering community services in the underserved neighborhoods where the empty schools will be. As for what happens next Boyd hopes people decide to attend to go to the public meetings.
"I hope that people become engaged because a lot of times, I think what happens is after something happens we shout to the hill."
-
President Trump's "Border Czar" Tom Homan visits Indiana Statehouse
White House Border Czar Tom Homan was invited by Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita to discuss immigration reform and push to strengthen Indiana law.
Indiana University says it has largest living alumni base in the nation
Indiana University now counts more than 805,000 living Hoosier graduates from its nine campuses. More than 417,000 Hoosier alumni still live in Indiana.
North side faith groups unite to tackle chronic homelessness across the city
A group of north side congregations have come together to support Streets to Home Indy, an initiative to end long-term homelessness.
Neighbors worried about location of public safety center in Whitestown
A new public safety training facility is coming to Whitestown, just west of the town’s wastewater treatment plant and near the Boone-Hendricks County line.
