Indianapolis (Ind.) district votes to end partnership with charter operator

The Indianapolis (Ind.) school board has voted to end its partnership with Ignite Achievement Academy, a K-6 charter school, at the end of the school year.  

The Indianapolis Star reports the board voted not to renew its contract with Ignite, which took over operations in 2017 at what had been Elder Diggs School 42.

In ending the partnership, the district cited poor academic results and declining enrollment.

The decision potentially displaces about 350 students and also leaves Ignite without a building if it tries to keep operating a school.

District officials say they intend to keep School 42 open next year with different leadership. 

Ignite says it plans to fight attempts to close the school. The Ignite board voted last week to “pursue any and all legal remedies to protect the school from closure and prevent a gap in education services to students.”

As for School 42, the district said it plans to work with the community to build a plan for new management. The district could take back the school and run it itself or find another charter partner to manage it.