Indianapolis Public Schools

The Indianapolis Public Schools board voted 4-2 Thursday to appoint Hasaan Rashid who lost the District 2 seat in 2024 to fill the vacancy left by Gayle Cosby's resignation.

The District 2 seat, formerly held by Gayle Cosby, represents parts of the east side of the district, including portions of the Near Eastside and the Far Eastside.

The Indianapolis Public Schools board is accepting applications for people interested in filling the vacant role of District 2 commissioner on the IPS school board.

Property tax reform, a mandate to share tax revenue with charter schools, and other factors have put new fiscal strains on the district.

The announcement at a Tuesday meeting comes as substantial changes for IPS are on the horizon that will dilute the elected school board’s power.

IPS Superintendent Aleesia Johnson says her top priority is maintaining stability for families as a new mayor-appointed board will take over large pieces of the city’s divided education system.

The Indiana Senate passed legislation, creating a mayor-appointed board to oversee IPS finances and facilities. It now heads to the governor.

The coalition statement reflects months of tension between lawmakers, reform groups, and community members.

An amendment to House Bill 1423 clarifies that existing IPS bond debt will remain with the district rather than transferring to the new Indianapolis Public Education Corporation.

A bill that would transfer significant financial and operational control of Indianapolis Public Schools to a new mayoral-appointed body passed its first vote on Wednesday.