INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Public Schools plans to sell two of its vacant buildings.
This comes after a judge ruled Monday that IPS is exempt from a law that requires districts to sell closed school buildings to charter organizations for $1.
Francis Bellamy and Raymond Brades schools closed at the end of last school year.
IPS is considering a number of options for its old buildings, including transforming the facilities into places that will serve students with mental health needs, deaf students and adult education.
"We were wondering what else they were going to put there ... being in this neighborhood and all," said Alice Farrell, who lives in the neighborhood. "We were thinking they were going to put another school. What we didn't want is something for mental health."
A purchase agreement obtained by 13News shows that the nonprofit group VOICES Corp. wants to buy Francis Bellamy for $550,000. It a youth- and family-centered organization, offering leadership development, life coaching and educational programs.
"I never thought of it becoming a youth center, but I think that's a really good idea," Marcus Dooley said. "There are a lot of kids walking around the neighborhood. They just want something to do."
IPS Board of School Commissioners released the following statement:
“We are grateful for the judge’s ruling, reaffirming the district’s ability to make decisions about the reuse of Indianapolis Public Schools facilities. We’re proud that we have already worked with organizations and community members so that, along with a number of possible options, some of these buildings will serve students with mental health needs, deaf students, and adult learners. We continue to strive to not only be a good partner but also be fiscally responsible with the resources that have been entrusted to us by our community. IPS continues to work toward the sustainability of our school district and this outcome supports our ability to keep Rebuilding Stronger.”
The school board will vote on the sale of the school later Thursday.
On Wednesday, Attorney General Todd Rokita said his office has filed a motion for a stay of the court's ruling and that his office will file a notice with the Indiana Court of Appeals to challenge the Marion County court ruling.