Court orders funding restored to IPS

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The Marion County Superior Court on Friday ruled that the state must redirect $7.5 million to IPS that it had initially paid to private contractors operating four schools taken over by the state.

Indianapolis Public Schools had argued that the state incorrectly figured funding based on enrollment from the previous year, instead of enrollment when the private contractors were running the schools, which were taken over by the state on July 1. Enrollment at those schools dropped by almost 50 percent once the takeover contractors were in place.

In its decision, the court reversed the Indiana Board of Education’s decision and declared the funding illegal.

"This is a significant decision in favor of children and giving them the financial support they deserve under state law,” said IPS Superintendent Eugene White. “We have been honest and realistic in advocating for our children and are pleased with the court's action. We encourage the State Board to act quickly in restoring the appropriate funding,"

The state Board of Education has 30 days to appeal the court’s decision.