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MJ Slaby

@mjslaby.bsky.social
664 followers 189 following 228 posts

Bureau chief at Chalkbeat Indiana. Indiana Pro SPJ president & Indianapolis Press Club board member. Past: IndyStar, The Incline, Knoxville News Sentinel and more.

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Reposted by MJ Slaby
Chalkbeat @chalkbeat.org · 17/09/2026
For the first time, more school vouchers went to Indiana families making more than $100,000 than less than $100,000.
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Indiana school vouchers: More high-income families are using them as program growth slows
For the first time, more school vouchers went to Indiana families making more than $100,000 than less than $100,000.
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Reposted by MJ Slaby
Chalkbeat @chalkbeat.org · 17/09/2026
IPS announced it was leaving Enroll Indy. Then, the Enroll Indy board voted to remove its fee. But IPS said the change is about more than money.
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Enroll Indy cut fees. IPS wasn’t swayed to return.
IPS announced it was leaving Enroll Indy. Then, the Enroll Indy board voted to remove its fee. But IPS said the change is about more than money.
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Reposted by MJ Slaby
Chalkbeat @chalkbeat.org · 16/09/2026
Take a look inside the ongoing turnaround of Washington Irving Neighborhood School 14, which for many years was one of Indianapolis’ lowest-performing district schools.
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‘Relationships matter’: School 14 leverages community partnerships to improve academic achievement
Take a look inside the ongoing turnaround of Washington Irving Neighborhood School 14, which for many years was one of Indianapolis’ lowest-performing district schools.
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MJ Slaby @mjslaby.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Two Indiana journalism traditions are coming together for the first time on Oct 3 in downtown Indy: the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame inducts its 59th class & the finalists of the Keating Competition will be honored. Tickets: indianalegacyluncheon.org
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Reposted by MJ Slaby
Chalkbeat @chalkbeat.org · 11/09/2026
Four nonpartisans, three Republicans, and one independent are vying for three at-large seats. Read about their backgrounds, whether they support Decatur Township’s proposed tax increase, and more.
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Metropolitan School District of Decatur Township school board election 2026: A voter guide to the candidates
Four nonpartisans, three Republicans, and one independent are vying for three at-large seats. Read about their backgrounds, whether they support Decatur Township’s proposed tax increase, and more.
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Reposted by MJ Slaby
Chalkbeat @chalkbeat.org · 11/09/2026
All four candidates are running as nonpartisan. Here’s what they say about the district’s most pressing issues and how to strengthen public trust in district administration.
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Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township school board election 2026: A voter guide to the candidates
All four candidates are running as nonpartisan. Here’s what they say about the district’s most pressing issues and how to strengthen public trust in district administration.
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Reposted by MJ Slaby
Chalkbeat @chalkbeat.org · 11/09/2026
Three seats are up for election on the Perry Township school board. Here’s what the candidates say about literacy, career education, school finances, and more.
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Who’s running for Perry Township school board in 2026? Meet the 3 candidates
Three seats are up for election on the Perry Township school board. Here’s what the candidates say about literacy, career education, school finances, and more.
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Reposted by MJ Slaby
Chalkbeat @chalkbeat.org · 11/09/2026
Three seats are up for election on the Pike Township school board. Here’s what the candidates said about the district’s most pressing issues and the controversial hiring process of a co-athletic director.
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Who’s running for Pike Township school board in 2026? Meet the candidates
Three seats are up for election on the Pike Township school board. Here’s what the candidates said about the district’s most pressing issues and the controversial hiring process of a co-athletic director.
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Reposted by MJ Slaby
Chalkbeat @chalkbeat.org · 11/09/2026
Two newcomers are running unopposed for the Washington Township school board. Read what they had to say about academics and the most pressing issues facing the district.
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Who’s running for Washington Township school board? Meet the candidates
Two newcomers are running unopposed for the Washington Township school board. Read what they had to say about academics and the most pressing issues facing the district.
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Reposted by MJ Slaby
Chalkbeat @chalkbeat.org · 11/09/2026
All four candidates are incumbents. Here’s what they said about why they are running again and the district’s most pressing issues.
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Who’s running for school board in Wayne Township? Meet the candidates
All four candidates are incumbents. Here’s what they said about why they are running again and the district’s most pressing issues.
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Reposted by MJ Slaby
Chalkbeat @chalkbeat.org · 11/09/2026
In a packed election, seven candidates are vying for three seats. Here’s what they said about why they are on the ballot and Franklin Township schools’ most pressing issues.
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Who’s running for Franklin Township school board? Meet the 7 candidates
In a packed election, seven candidates are vying for three seats. Here’s what they said about why they are on the ballot and Franklin Township schools’ most pressing issues.
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Reposted by MJ Slaby
Chalkbeat @chalkbeat.org · 11/09/2026
Six candidates are vying for three seats on the school board. Here’s what they had to say about the district’s most pressing issues and changes coming for fifth-grade students.
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Who’s running in the packed election for Warren Township school board? Meet the candidates
Six candidates are vying for three seats on the school board. Here’s what they had to say about the district’s most pressing issues and changes coming for fifth-grade students.
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Reposted by MJ Slaby
Chalkbeat @chalkbeat.org · 11/09/2026
All three candidates are running for at-large seats on the board. Here’s what they said about the district’s most pressing issues and the district’s tax measure, or referendum, that’s also on the ballot.
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Who’s running for the Beech Grove school board in 2026? Meet the candidates
All three candidates are running for at-large seats on the board. Here’s what they said about the district’s most pressing issues and the district’s tax measure, or referendum, that’s also on the ballot.
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Reposted by MJ Slaby
Chalkbeat @chalkbeat.org · 11/09/2026
Superintendent Aleesia Johnson said the district’s decision to leave Enroll Indy for PowerSchool’s platform would save money and serve families better. But charter school leaders said it would make life harder for families, and some questioned its legality.
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IPS just made a decision about school enrollment that is reigniting tension with charters
Superintendent Aleesia Johnson said the district’s decision to leave Enroll Indy for PowerSchool’s platform would save money and serve families better. But charter school leaders said it would make life harder for families, and some questioned its legality.
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Reposted by MJ Slaby
Chalkbeat @chalkbeat.org · 12/09/2026
The election for the IPS school board District 4 seat has two candidates on the ballot again, just in time for ballots to be printed.
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Lindsey Cornett is back on the ballot for IPS school board. Here’s what happens next.
The election for the IPS school board District 4 seat has two candidates on the ballot again, just in time for ballots to be printed.
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Reposted by MJ Slaby
Chalkbeat @chalkbeat.org · 10/09/2026
The backdrop of a data center could make increasing enrollment even harder for Irvington Community Elementary, already struggling with finances.
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How a proposed data center could impact one of the city’s oldest charter schools
The backdrop of a data center could make increasing enrollment even harder for Irvington Community Elementary, already struggling with finances.
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Reposted by MJ Slaby
Chalkbeat @chalkbeat.org · 11/09/2026
Ten school districts in Marion County have school board elections on the ballot this November. Here’s your guide to the candidates and how to vote.
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Your guide to 2026 school board elections in Marion County
Ten school districts in Marion County have school board elections on the ballot this November. Here’s your guide to the candidates and how to vote.
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Reposted by MJ Slaby
Chalkbeat @chalkbeat.org · 03/09/2026
School districts say they need money. Taxpayers say they need a break. Which position will have the edge when Indiana voters go to the polls in November?
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‘The bottom will fall out’: A rural community confronts a tough decision about schools in November
School districts say they need money. Taxpayers say they need a break. Which position will have the edge when Indiana voters go to the polls in November?
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Reposted by MJ Slaby
Chalkbeat @chalkbeat.org · 02/09/2026
Here’s what to know about the property tax referendum on the ballot for Indianapolis schools this year.
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Indianapolis schools referendum: How much it will cost and what happens if it fails
Here’s what to know about the property tax referendum on the ballot for Indianapolis schools this year.
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Reposted by MJ Slaby
Chalkbeat @chalkbeat.org · 28/08/2026
About six years ago, IPS implemented a no-zero grading policy, and teachers had concerns. The district allows zeros again, but will still give students multiple opportunities on assignments.
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No zeros, no more: IPS students can receive a zero on assignments again
About six years ago, IPS implemented a no-zero grading policy, and teachers had concerns. The district allows zeros again, but will still give students multiple opportunities on assignments.
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MJ Slaby @mjslaby.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
📣 Tomorrow: Join us to hangout with fellow women in journalism and get great advice from our all-star panel. Details and RSVP for free here: www.eventbrite.com/e/women-in-j...
eventbrite.com
Women+ in journalism August meetup
At this month's event we'll focus on marketing ourselves and fighting imposter syndrome.
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MJ Slaby @mjslaby.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Next Wednesday! RSVP (for free!) and join us ⬇️
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MJ Slaby @mjslaby.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Next week! Join us for the women+ in journalism meetup hosted by the @IndyPressClub. We'll be talking preventing imposter syndrome and marketing yourself. RSVP for free here: www.eventbrite.com/e/women-in-j...
eventbrite.com
Women+ in journalism August meetup
At this month's event we'll focus on marketing ourselves and fighting imposter syndrome.
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MJ Slaby @mjslaby.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Mark your calendars! The next Women+ in Journalism meetup is Aug 26. We'll be talking about marketing ourselves and fighting imposter syndrome. RSVP here: www.eventbrite.com/e/women-in-j...
eventbrite.com
Women+ in journalism August meetup
At this month's event we'll focus on marketing ourselves and fighting imposter syndrome.
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Reposted by MJ Slaby
Chalkbeat @chalkbeat.org · 30/07/2026
The number of Indiana school districts asking voters for property tax increases has hit an all-time high for this November.
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What do you think of your district’s request for a property tax increase? We want to hear from you.
The number of Indiana school districts asking voters for property tax increases has hit an all-time high for this November.
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MJ Slaby @mjslaby.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Still time to sign up for this event tomorrow!
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Reposted by MJ Slaby
Chalkbeat @chalkbeat.org · 24/07/2026
A Chalkbeat analysis of voucher-accepting private schools within Indianapolis Public Schools borders found there can still be a significant tuition amount left over after the Indiana Choice Scholarship is applied.
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Here’s how much tuition a voucher actually covers at several Indianapolis private schools
A Chalkbeat analysis of voucher-accepting private schools within Indianapolis Public Schools borders found there can still be a significant tuition amount left over after the Indiana Choice Scholarship is applied.
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MJ Slaby @mjslaby.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Still time to sign up for this free, virtual workshop. Details here ⬇️
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Reposted by MJ Slaby
Chalkbeat @chalkbeat.org · 23/07/2026
Edward Rangel is overseeing changes to school accountability policy for the Indianapolis Public Education Corporation. He will supervise tutoring initiatives like Indy Summer Learning Labs and other programs at The Mind Trust while remaining on IPEC’s board.
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IPEC board member joins The Mind Trust
Edward Rangel is overseeing changes to school accountability policy for the Indianapolis Public Education Corporation. He will supervise tutoring initiatives like Indy Summer Learning Labs and other programs at The Mind Trust while remaining on IPEC’s board.
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Reposted by MJ Slaby
Chalkbeat @chalkbeat.org · 17/07/2026
The 38 Indiana school districts asking for tax increases on the November ballot represent the highest amount ever requested in a single election. Recent changes to property taxes and when districts can ask for new revenue are driving the spike.
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School district requests for property tax increases reach record high — and we could see more
The 38 Indiana school districts asking for tax increases on the November ballot represent the highest amount ever requested in a single election. Recent changes to property taxes and when districts can ask for new revenue are driving the spike.
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Reposted by MJ Slaby
Chalkbeat @chalkbeat.org · 22/07/2026
IPEC drew a line between closing a school and closing a school building at its Wednesday meeting, where the board also chose a charter school policy leader to lead its work.
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IPEC chooses a leader with charter school bona fides at a meeting discussing school closures
IPEC drew a line between closing a school and closing a school building at its Wednesday meeting, where the board also chose a charter school policy leader to lead its work.
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MJ Slaby @mjslaby.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Calling all interns and early career journalists. Want advice on budgets and all things money? Join the Indiana chapter of @spj-posts.bsky.social for this free virtual workshop. Register here: indianaprospj.org
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Reposted by MJ Slaby
Chalkbeat @chalkbeat.org · 10/07/2026
See what expert panelists had to say about how referendums and school board elections will change in Indiana this fall.
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Missed our panel on referendums and school board elections? Here are 5 takeaways.
See what expert panelists had to say about how referendums and school board elections will change in Indiana this fall.
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MJ Slaby @mjslaby.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Still thinking about the amazing panel discussion that @chalkbeat.org Indiana hosted earlier this week. Here are the 5 big takeaways via @aleksappleton.bsky.social who also was the panel moderator: chalkbeat.org/indiana/2026...
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Reposted by MJ Slaby
Chalkbeat @chalkbeat.org · 08/07/2026
🚨 TODAY 🚨 School board elections won’t look the same in Indiana this year. So what does this mean for voters and candidates? Join us for this important event: ckbe.at/43Rxk2E
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MJ Slaby @mjslaby.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
From @thetrace.org: Fort Wayne teens want to talk about shootings. Adults are listening. www.chalkbeat.org/indiana/2026...
chalkbeat.org
Teens in this small Indiana city want to talk about shootings. Adults are listening.
At Fort Wayne’s first youth-led violence summit, high school students described shootings that have shaped their lives, and they challenged community leaders to do more.
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MJ Slaby @mjslaby.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Tomorrow! RSVP for free ⬇️
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MJ Slaby @mjslaby.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Join us on Wednesday! It's free. One of the things we'll discuss is partisan school board candidates. Here's a preview of what that looks like in central Indiana: www.chalkbeat.org/indiana/2026...
chalkbeat.org
Central Indiana school board candidates can now declare their party affiliation. Many have declined.
Democratic candidates outnumbered GOP ones in Marion County, but more candidates identified as Republicans in surrounding counties. For the first time, Indiana school board elections will be partisan ...
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MJ Slaby @mjslaby.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Voters in Marion County: What do you want to know from your school board candidates? Tell us here: www.chalkbeat.org/indiana/2026... with @wfyi.bsky.social & @mirrorindy.org
chalkbeat.org
What do you want to ask your Indianapolis school board candidates?
This election is the first year school board candidates can declare a political party. It also could have a record number of referendums on the ballot.
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Reposted by MJ Slaby
Chalkbeat @chalkbeat.org · 02/07/2026
School board elections won’t look the same in Indiana this year. Join us this important event as we dive into the changes coming to Indiana schools this election and ask: What’s at stake for students and families? RSVP: ckbe.at/43Rxk2E
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MJ Slaby @mjslaby.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
School board candidates had the option this year to include a political affiliation when they filed to run. But would they choose to? Here's what we found for central Indiana: www.chalkbeat.org/indiana/2026...
chalkbeat.org
Central Indiana school board candidates can now declare their party affiliation. Many have declined.
Democratic candidates outnumbered GOP ones in Marion County, but more candidates identified as Republicans in surrounding counties. For the first time, Indiana school board elections will be partisan ...
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Reposted by MJ Slaby
Chalkbeat @chalkbeat.org · 29/06/2026
Big changes are coming to Indiana schools this election. What’s at stake? RSVP for this important discussion: ckbe.at/43Rxk2E
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MJ Slaby @mjslaby.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Lindsey Cornett was added to the ballot as a District 4 candidate for IPS school board. That brings us to 15 candidates for 5 IPS seats. www.chalkbeat.org/indiana/2026...
chalkbeat.org
Did Indianapolis area school board candidates include their political party on the ballot?
For the first time, school board candidates could list their political affiliation on the ballot. See what they picked. Fifteen candidates are running for five seats on the IPS school board as the di...
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MJ Slaby @mjslaby.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Voters across Marion County: What do you want to know from your school board candidates? Tell us below and help shape our voter guides with @wfyi.bsky.social and @mirrorindy.org ⬇️ www.chalkbeat.org/indiana/2026...
chalkbeat.org
What do you want to ask your Indianapolis school board candidates?
This election is the first year school board candidates can declare a political party. It also could have a record number of referendums on the ballot.
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Reposted by MJ Slaby
Chalkbeat @chalkbeat.org · 26/06/2026
Both finalists for the appointment said they are running for the District 4 IPS school board seat in November. One of them gets to serve heading into election day.
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IPS board appoints Chris Bultman, teeing up election season
Both finalists for the appointment said they are running for the District 4 IPS school board seat in November. One of them gets to serve heading into election day.
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Reposted by MJ Slaby
Chalkbeat @chalkbeat.org · 26/06/2026
Cold Spring School can be a charter and an innovation school. Monarca and Global Prep can add new locations to the IPS Innovation Network.
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Three innovation schools asked Indianapolis Public Schools for changes. Here’s what the school board said.
Cold Spring School can be a charter and an innovation school. Monarca and Global Prep can add new locations to the IPS Innovation Network.
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MJ Slaby @mjslaby.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
The IPS school board will vote tonight on a new member for District 4. Here are the finalists: www.chalkbeat.org/indiana/2026...
chalkbeat.org
Who will be the next IPS school board member?
Ahead of the election, the IPS school board must fill a vacancy left by Allissa Impink’s resignation. The board will vote on an appointed member on Thursday and that person will serve until January wh...
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Reposted by MJ Slaby
Chalkbeat @chalkbeat.org · 19/06/2026
School board elections won’t look the same in Indiana this year. Join us July 8 for a panel discussion at the Indiana Historical Society as we dive into what's at stake for students and families across the state. RSVP here: bit.ly/4xCewSF
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Reposted by MJ Slaby
Chalkbeat @chalkbeat.org · 22/06/2026
Many of the Indiana Microschool Collaborative’s new locations already have waitlists, said the network’s CEO, who also leads a local school district. The network’s model has attracted criticism in at least one county.
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A growing microschool network seeks collaboration with local districts. Not everyone’s buying it.
Many of the Indiana Microschool Collaborative’s new locations already have waitlists, said the network’s CEO, who also leads a local school district. The network’s model has attracted criticism in at least one county.
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Reposted by MJ Slaby
Chalkbeat @chalkbeat.org · 23/06/2026
Voters will weigh the tax increase and the potential benefits to district and charter schools against rising living costs this fall.
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IPEC will ask voters for a tax increase. Here’s how it would be split between district and charter schools.
Voters will weigh the tax increase and the potential benefits to district and charter schools against rising living costs this fall.
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