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Seven candidates are competing for three seats on the Indianapolis Public Schools board in a crowded race that has featured hefty donations from political action groups.
With nearly 70% of vote centers reporting, Deandra Thompson leads against Kenneth Allen and Carrie Harris in the race for the at-large seat. Ashley Thomas leads against Alan Schoff in the race for District 1, which represents the east and near southeast parts of IPS. Gayle Cosby leads against Hasaan Rashid in the bid for District 2, which represents eastside neighborhoods such as Martindale-Brightwood and the Far Eastside.
Allissa Impink is running uncontested for District 4, which represents the southern and southwestern parts of the district.
The election to fill three contested seats and one uncontested seat on the IPS board could significantly alter the makeup of the board that drives district policy. More candidates critical of charter schools have emerged this year. They are calling for either a moratorium on charters or a closer examination of whether the district’s partnership with charters is working.
Spending from political action committees, most of which come from charter-friendly groups, has likewise surged since the last relatively sleepy election cycle in 2022.
Amelia Pak-Harvey covers Indianapolis and Lawrence Township schools for Chalkbeat Indiana. Contact Amelia at apak-harvey@chalkbeat.org
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