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Parents weigh in on Indianapolis School Board's decision to close high schools

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INDIANAPOLIS – Just one day after the decision was made to close three IPS high schools, the district began meeting with parents and teachers about their options in transferring to different locations.

The IPS Board of School Commissioners voted to close Broad Ripple High School and transform Arlington and Northwest High Schools into middle schools. Crispus Attucks, Shortridge, Arsenal Technical and George Washington high schools will remain open.

Patricia Starks, whose son Anthony Brown is a junior at Northwest, said she is concerned about relocating her son to a new school after his continued progress.

"I'm just so proud of him,” said Starks. “The school started working with him on his math, his reading, everything up to where it's supposed to be. So, ever since then he's been doing great in school.”

Brown has become a student who has earned As and Bs in the classroom, all while overcoming a learning disability.

"It's heartbreaking, because all the hard work he's been doing I hope is not for nothing. He came a long way,” said Stark.

She said she’s worried about how her son will adjust to new surroundings, teachers and students, but graduation rates will be a main factor in choosing a new school.

If Brown stays within the IPS district, he will have the choice of six college and career themed academiesaimed at equipping students with skills needed to enter the workforce after graduation. 

"We understand this is a loss for students. We understand there may be a grieving process but, we truly want them to know we believe this is best academically for them moving forward,” said David Rosenberg, IPS operations officer.

PREVIOUS | IPS wants your input for possible high school closures | Protesters upset about IPS high school closures | IPS plans to close Broad Ripple High School, convert Arlington and Northwest to middle schools | IPS parents displeased over possible high school closures

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