Indy Documenters attend local government meetings every week in Marion County and report on what happened. Last week, they covered the IPS Board of School Commissioners meeting.

What Happened?

In an IPS Board of School Commissioners meeting on April 25 at Arsenal Technical High School, parents shared their concerns about a second-grade teacher who allegedly encouraged physical abuse between students at George Washington Carver School #87.

The meeting began with Stephen Lane resigning from the Indianapolis Public Library Board of Trustees. Lane, a librarian, was an IPS board appointee.

Later, public comment highlighted board support and parental concerns about the recent incident at IPS School 87.

Summary 

Ashley Field, parent of a pre-K student at School 87, spoke at the meeting. 

“The nature of the incident not only calls into question the effectiveness of our current policies, but also the execution of the policies,” Field said. “I think the way the issue was handled has a psychological impact on our students.”

Field said the incident has eroded trust and has the potential for impact on teacher morale. 

“I’m concerned for the potential of a recurrence if there aren’t changes made,” she said.

Field said she would feel differently about the incident if communication with parents was transparent and immediate. 

She asked about the policy on mental health treatment for children after a traumatic event.

Takeaway

In a tearful delivery, Kristen Thayer, Parent Teacher Association president of George Washington Carver School 87, said the school is in crisis. Thayer said the families are hurt and disappointed about the abuse of a child in the school and the lack of communication.

Thayer said Mary Kapcoe, principal of School 87,  “made it clear that parents’ complaints were irritating and not something she took seriously.”

Another IPS parent said School 87 has been treating students disrespectfully for years.

“I think especially just the culture that’s developed around labeling kids as bad kids and how that is expressed within the culture of the school and among the staff and faculty,” she said. 

What’s Next?

• The next IPS school board meeting is 6 p.m., May 14, at 120 E. Walnut St.

This brief is adapted from notes taken by Documenter David Britts, who covered the April Board of School Commissioners of the City of Indianapolis meeting. Read more about what happened here. Want to join Documenters? Learn more here.