IPS revises post game delay to 1-hour

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Wednesday state education leaders put a stop to IPS administrators' plans to delay school two hours the Monday after the Super Bowl. They said the district can't delay school just because some may want to sleep in after the big game.

More than 70 percent of Indianapolis Public School children ride to school on the bus. But in 2007, so many bus drivers called in sick the Monday following the Colts super bowl win, IPS leaders had to cancel school.

So Tuesday, IPS leaders announced a two hour delay to allow super bowl party-weary bus drivers to get to work. Then Wednesday, the IPS superintendent was forced to make another announcement.

"The Indianapolis Public Schools is revising its plans," said Eugene White, IPS Superintendent of schools.

The revision was necessary because state Department of Education leaders resolutely put a stop to the first plan.

"What they're planning to do doesn't comply with state law and state guidelines," said Cam Savage, spokesperson for the Indiana Department of Education.

Department of Education leaders say state law mandates administrators only delay school for emergencies, and a Super Bowl win does not constitute an emergency.

"Student instructional time is critically important to kids. We need to make sure they get as much instructional time as they can," said Savage.

Many parents we talked to agree. They believe a school delay sends a message of misplaced priorities.

"I wish we would come together over things that are more important than a football game," said IPS parent, Carolyn Watkins.

So faced with criticism from parents and state education leaders, White announced a compromise.

"We're going to have a one hour delay on Monday, and alter the schedule in such a way that we will meet the instructional time requirement by the Department of Education," said White.

Altering the schedule will include delaying the start of school one hour and adding a half hour at the end of the day. The superintendent stressed he didn't want bus drivers blamed for the controversy. He believes this compromise will satisfy all involved.