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IPS School 87 announces leadership change following investigation into alleged abuse recorded by teacher

According to an email sent to parents, the school is beginning the search for a new principal and vice principal for the 2024-2025 school year.

INDIANAPOLIS — Following an investigation into the climate at George Washington Carver IPS School 87, the school announced Friday it is searching for new leadership.

According to an email sent to parents, Indianapolis Public Schools is beginning the search for a new principal and vice principal for the 2024-2025 school year. District administrator-at-large Heather Haskett has been serving as interim principal over the last few weeks. 

The decision comes in the wake of an abuse lawsuit that accuses a teacher at the school of promoting a "children's fight club" that included recorded video of one student physically assaulting another. 

The attorney representing the family called it welcomed news.

“I think that’s really the families' hope, that at the end of this, there will be positive change that impacts the lives of all the other children that come after theirs,” said Catherine Michael, managing partner of Connell Michael LLP.

Michael said the person selected should be eager to work with families.

“I hope to see individuals who are there to serve the families and the children at School 87, that they look at that as their priority,” Michael said.

Michael said parents are eager to see the changes in action.

“I think they want to know there’s eyes in every classroom, that their children's voices are heard and that schools are enforcing the rules and that the Indiana Department of Education is involved and enforcing the rules,” Michael said.

Haskett will continue as the administrator on special assignment until new leadership has been secured.

Additionally, the email listed changes the school has implemented or is planning to implement following a town hall with parents last week:

  • Reviewed mandatory reporting requirements with staff at the May 1 staff meeting.
  • Increased the number of staff who are transitioning with each class to ensure student safety and visibility in the hallways.
  • Adjusted protocol of teachers greeting students in the mornings while also watching the students in their classrooms. This increases visibility of students to ensure safety in hallways.
  • Modified communication protocols for teachers regarding notifying administration when there is a level 3 or 4 Code of Conduct infraction so corrective actions can be determined and implemented immediately.
  • Increased behavioral support for classroom teachers by school administrators.
  • Implemented social emotional support for staff with the introduction and use of “Mind, Body, Medicine Strategies” facilitated by the district’s Equitable Supports Team.
  • Increased presence of staff during lunch times in the cafeteria.
  • Implemented morning walks of the building by administration after daily announcements.
  • Implemented administration presence in hallways to greet students during arrival.
  • Implemented administration presence at dismissal for Car Rider duty.
  • Identified additional staff at Car Rider duty during dismissal to increase efficiency and safety.
  • Implemented an open-door policy for administration to receive feedback from staff or families.
  • Increased communication with families regarding upcoming events.

The email further says that the district has had clinical social workers and members of our Unified Student Supports team speak with students in the classroom when the alleged fight was captured on video. A member of that team has been on site every day since April 25 to provide support to any student who may need it. 

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