Overview of House Bill 1136
House Bill 1136, authored by Rep. Jake Teshka (R-North Liberty), proposes converting 50 schools in the Indianapolis Public Schools district into charter schools due to enrollment shifts.
Four other school districts would also be disbanded under the legislation: Gary Community Schools, Tri-Township Consolidated Schools in LaPorte County, Union Schools southeast of Muncie, and Cannelton City Schools near the Kentucky border in Perry County.
The bill states that if more than 50% of students residing within a school district’s boundaries were enrolled in schools not operated by the district as of Oct. 1 of the previous year, the district must be dissolved. School districts’ average daily enrollment is determined on that date annually.
The bill, if approved, would require 68 public schools across the five districts to convert to charter schools by July 1, 2028, according to the bill’s fiscal impact report. Schools with the lowest scores on state assessments, such as ILEARN and IREAD-3, would transition first.
Facts about the Gary Community School Corporation:
- GCSC endured 7 Years of state takeover (2017 - 2024)
- There was an exodus of thousands of students during this 7-year period
- Since local control has been reinstated, the formulation of a governing school board and the appointment of Superintendent has taken place
- The Superintendent has developed an experienced Chief Leadership Team
- Robust efforts continue to recruit students / steady attendance (There was an increase of 214 students in the Oct. 2024 ADM and an additional 153 students enrolled as of January 8, 2025.)
- Continued focus on Financial Stability, Academics, Professional Development (qualified, licensed instructors) and Facilities Improvement
- GCSC boasts an impressive offering of athletics, fine arts and career-focused opportunities for students
- Increased parental / community engagement through varied communications vehicles
- GCSC deserves the opportunity to continue on its path of success that is now trending since coming out of State control
Have questions about House Bill 1136?
Contact State Representative Vernon G. Smith at 317-232-9731.
Want to voice your concerns about House Bill 1136?
Contact bill author Jake Teshka at 1-800-382-9841.
