About 150 people turned out to the Indianapolis Glendale Library last night for Indianapolis Public School’s first meeting about plans to close 3 of 7 high schools next year.  This is a subject that resonates with Delaware County residents, as school closings are again on the horizon in Muncie.

Indianapolis school district leaders faced pointed questions and even jeers during the two hour session intended for gathering public input about how to rethink high school options.

Carrie Harris — vice president of the Crispus Attucks alumni association — echoed many who spoke out against the district’s timeline. “Let’s not rush this thing. It appears you are trying to push on us. That fact that we need to close these schools. We may need to close some schools but somehow you’ve got to let us be involved.”

Steve Nelson — a School 47 parent — worries that the closures, coupled with the increasing use of private school vouchers and charter schools in Indianapolis will disproportionately hurt minority students by leaving them in failing schools.  “We are concerned this is a new version of Jim Crow. Will our children be left behind — our black, brown and all children, really, be left behind because of this closure.”

IPS Superintendent Lewis Ferebee was booed at the start of the meeting. At the end, he asked the public to keep an open mind about the process.  “I know many times when you have these discussions, there’s always the question: Is this a dog and pony show? Are decisions already made? I want you to leave ensured that no decisions have been made at this point.”

The three schools chosen for closure will be announced in June. The IPS School Board will vote whether to approve the recommendation in September. A main reason for closing the schools is a large decline in high school students during the past few decades.  The next public meeting is May 1st at the Ivy Tech Culinary Center.