MJ Slaby
Bureau Chief, Chalkbeat Indiana
MJ Slaby is the Bureau Chief for Chalkbeat Indiana. She joined Chalkbeat from the Indianapolis Star where she covered K-12 education. Prior to that, she covered K-12 and higher education at the Knoxville News-Sentinel (Tenn.), higher education at the Bloomington Herald-Times (Ind.) and K-12 education at the Lafayette Journal & Courier (Ind.). Additionally, she was part of the team that launched The Incline, a local news website in Pittsburgh, Pa. and spent a season covering the WNBA’s Indiana Fever for The Athletic. MJ grew up in northern Indiana and is a graduate of Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a second major in American Studies.
Higher education leaders and advocates for the laws stressed that finances are a barrier for students, especially when they don’t know what aid’s available to them.
Multiple Republican-led states have created or expanded private school choice this year.
As Indianapolis’ leader, the mayor impacts education through the Office of Education Innovation, which is a charter school authorizer, as well as issues such as crime, the economy, and housing.
Anderson Scholar House provides stable housing for single moms who are attending college full time. The concept has proven successful elsewhere. Plus it’s on track to grow, with two locations possible for Indianapolis.
The mayor has a significant impact on crime, the economy, and housing in Indianapolis — all of which affect the educators and students who go to school here. Here’s how the candidates plan to tackle these issues, and more.
The new law has some exceptions and an expiration date of 10 years, but Indiana officials hope it encourages more students to at least consider higher education.
Students discussed their constant worries about gun violence and the disconnect they feel from those welcoming the NRA to town.
Voters living within the IPS, Speedway, and Warren Township school districts will consider school tax measures in the May primary election.
Legislation to auto-enroll eligible students in 21st Century Scholars would mean spending less time trying to enroll students and more time on their success, officials say.
High school seniors would have until April 15 to fill out the form or get a waiver. Advocates said the bill would make completing the form go from happenstance to a conscious decision.
College Goal Sunday event offers in-person FAFSA help around Indiana.
Help us create Chalkbeat’s voter guide ahead of the primary election.
These are the most popular stories among Chalkbeat Indiana readers’ this year, and a few bonus articles too.
The new districts will be in effect for the 2024 school board election.
The Ivy Achieves pilot program aims to retain students who are historically underrepresented in college.
Students get “hands-on” experience as a pilot, an engineer, and more.
In Decatur Township, the school board race was decided by one vote.
Meet Tara Cocanower, a world history teacher at Bluffton High School.
NAEP results show a drop in scores not just in Indiana but across the country.
Catch up on the candidate forum sponsored by WFYI and Chalkbeat Indiana.
Most of the candidates in Marion County’s school board elections are in competitive elections, and the most crowded race has four candidates.
Two of the three incumbents face challengers in three races.
Two of the candidates running for reelection are longtime board members.
Get regular updates about Indianapolis Public Schools board meetings, and text Chalkbeat your questions.
Superintendent Aleesia Johnson will present the plan Tuesday evening.
We’re ready to give you the stories you need as you make informed decisions about education in the state.