Morning Bell: IPS Students head back to class next week INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indianapolis Public Schools will start classes Aug. 10. This week, IPS Superintendent Aleesia Johnson discussed the upcoming school year during the Morning Bell series on Monday’s “Daybreak.” The distric t is carrying out its Rebuilding Stronger plan, which includes widespread facility and curriculum upgrades. One highlight is a $44 million investment at Crispus Attucks High School, which was announced in May. The growth follows recent academic gains; as WISHTV.com reported in January, the Class of 2025 reached a 93% graduation rate, marking the first time the district has exceeded the state average. IPS officials said that rate is up from 87.5% for the Class of 2024 and 81.5% in 2023. The $44 million project at Crispus Attucks is a partnership between the district, IU Health and the Indy Health District. Crews have started construction on a campus addition that will include a new gymnasium and modern science and health labs. Johnson said the project comes as the school approaches a major milestone. “Crispus Attucks will actually celebrate its 100th year next year in 2027,” Johnson said. “We’re just very excited to both preserve the history of Attucks and its incredible legacy, but also build on that legacy for the students who are serving and into the future.” The Rebuilding Stronger plan also introduced new curriculum options for middle school students. These include access to band, orchestra, foreign language courses and eighth-grade algebra for students ready for advanced math. Johnson said construction and facility improvements are taking shape at several campuses to support these changes. At Arlington Middle School, a $66 million transformation is underway. The massive project includes modernized athletic facilities, a new classroom wing, STEM labs, and new parking and entrance areas. Other projects across the district include: George Washington Carver School 87: Phase two of renovations includes new classrooms and improved language-learning spaces. Shortridge High School: Crews are installing energy-efficient windows to improve comfort and safety. KIPP Indy: A new addition will expand the school’s educational space. Broad Ripple Middle School and Purdue Polytechnic North: Electrical work is underway for long-term infrastructure. High schools across the district also have new football fields. Additionally, IPS has updated technology with new devices and network equipment. Crews have deep-cleaned buildings, waxed floors, repainted classrooms and serviced HVAC systems. Security systems, including cameras and emergency communications, have also been tested and are ready. To prepare for the first day, the district encourages parents to use the First View mobile app to track school buses. Transportation officials recommend that students arrive at bus stops at least 10 minutes early during the first few days while routes are established. Johnson also reminded drivers to be alert for increased bus traffic and students walking to stops Monday morning. Last school year, IPS students earned 10,000 college credits, which the district said is intended to help families save on future tuition costs. Johnson attributed the district’s progress to staff stability, noting that teacher retention has reached 90%. This follows an operating referendum passed in 2018 to increase investment in educators. “We know strong teachers and strong classrooms mean strong experience for our kids and so we’re seeing that pay off in terms of the retention of our teachers, hitting right at that 90% mark in terms of teachers choosing IPS as the place that they want to do their work,” Johnson said. This story was formatted for WISHTV.com using AI-assisted tools. Our editorial team reviews andedits all content published to ensure it meets our journalistic standards for accuracy and fairness. ...read more read less