RSVP to hear from candidates for Indianapolis Public Schools board

A sign reads, “Vote here, vote aqui.”
Candidates for IPS school board will attend a forum on Oct. 8 to answer questions and share their stances. The event is hosted by Chalkbeat Indiana and WFYI in partnership with the Indianapolis Public Library. (Scott McIntyre / Bloomberg Creative via Getty Images)

Sign up for Chalkbeat Indiana’s free daily newsletter to keep up with Indianapolis Public Schools, Marion County’s township districts, and statewide education news.

Sept. 6: This article has been updated to reflect that Terrencio Davis was removed from the ballot.

Eight candidates are vying for four open seats on the Indianapolis Public Schools Board of School Commissioners, and only one of them is an incumbent.

This election season comes as IPS continues the rollout of Rebuilding Stronger, its restructuring plan. The district also faces enrollment pressures due to an increasingly competitive school choice landscape, and challenges in improving student academic performance following the pandemic.

Voters have the opportunity to get to know the candidates and their views at a school board candidates forum hosted by Chalkbeat Indiana and WFYI. The forum will begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8. at the Indianapolis Public Library, Central Library.

RSVP to save your seat.

Journalists from the two media organizations will moderate the panel discussion and take audience questions for the candidates submitted both before and during the event. The event is the same day that early voting starts.

School board members are elected but nonpartisan officials. The board doesn’t run the day-to-day district operations, but it does oversee and approve the district’s overall direction, policies, and superintendent.

On the Nov. 5 ballot are:

At-Large ( the entire school district)

  • Kenneth Allen (incumbent)
  • Deandra (Dee) Thompson
  • Carrie Harris

District 4 (areas south and west of downtown)

  • Allissa Impink

District 2 (Massachusetts Avenue passageway northeast of downtown)

  • Gayle Cosby
  • Hasaan Rashid

District 1 (east side and near southeast )

  • Alan Schoff
  • Ashley Thomas

All of the candidates have confirmed they’re participating in the forum. Terrencio Davis, was previously a candidate in district 2, but his eligibility was challenged, based on residency. The Marion County Elections Board upheld the challenge that Davis lived outside the district boundary at an August 29 meeting. The board removed Davis from the ballot.

If you are having trouble viewing this form, go here.

Voter registration is open until Monday, Oct. 7. To register to vote or to check your status, go here.

MJ Slaby oversees Chalkbeat Indiana’s coverage as bureau chief. She also covers access to higher education. Contact MJ at mslaby@chalkbeat.org.

Contact WFYI education editor Eric Weddle at eweddle@wfyi.org.

The Latest

The board will vote to choose a new member on July 28.

While the administration has said it is reviewing programs related to immigration and other issues, Tennessee schools previously primarily used the funds for teacher training and after-school programming.

People who took the community input survey said they want the next leader of Chicago schools to prioritize high-quality instruction, safety, and communication. The partly-elected school board is also requiring the next leader to hold a superintendent’s license.

Four of the seven board seats are up for election in November.

City officials are under pressure to show that Eric Adams’ curriculum overhaul is working. New data paints an encouraging picture but should be interpreted with caution, experts say.

Preschools are increasing their rates as Indiana makes significant cuts to its On My Way PreK program.