IPS School Board Considers Additional Funding for English Language Learners

The Indianapolis Public Schools board is considering some changes to the Student Based Allocation funding model.

This model considers two factors –– the baseline cost of operating a school and providing principals with additional funds for students that need extra support, such as students in poverty.  

One potential change to this model would provide additional funds for English language learners. 

Aisha Humphries, the IPS budget director, says ELL funding from the state and federal governments is often required to be spent in specific ways.

"It does not leave principals with a lot of flexibility around how to support the different needs of ELL students in their buildings," Humphries says. 

If approved by the IPS school board, this additional funding would give principals the flexibility to provide programming and materials. For each ELL student, a school could receive at least $80 to as much as $320. 

"The money that the principals will be able to use since they already have resources paid by the district for staffing, they can use the SBA money for things like curriculum support, materials, enrichment, tutoring," Humphries says. 

During the 2018-19 school year, 19 percent of IPS students were ELL students. 

The board is slated to vote on changes Thursday. 

This story will be updated.