Indianapolis Schools Seek Parent Input on Bus Changes
Major changes are on the horizon for Indianapolis school transportation, impacting both traditional and charter schools across the city. The Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA) is actively considering new collaborative systems, and recent surveys highlight what matters most to local families as these crucial decisions are made.
Shaping the Future of Student Transportation
Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) initiated a survey over the summer to gather feedback from families on their current transportation experiences and priorities. This input is vital for the ILEA, which aims to develop a more unified transportation system for all schools within the IPS boundary.
Currently, IPS provides transportation for 17 of its 30 innovation schools, often at a reduced or no cost. Other charter and innovation schools typically manage their own transportation or rely on families. The survey, which received nearly 500 responses—primarily from IPS families—revealed key insights into current modes of travel, with 39% using an IPS-managed bus and 36% opting for car rides.
What Matters Most to Parents?
Families ranked several factors as “very important” for school transportation, emphasizing a holistic approach to student well-being and logistical ease:
- On-time pick-up and drop-off
- Physical and emotional safety
- Shorter ride times
- Clear communication from the district
- Convenience for families
Beyond these core points, parents also stressed the importance of prioritizing safety and accommodations for students with special needs, ensuring guaranteed access for those in underserved areas and with disabilities. Addressing budget limitations and equitable contributions from charter schools were also noted as critical concerns.
Exploring New Transportation Models
The survey presented four potential transportation models to families, gauging their preferences for future systems.
The Preferred Option: Grade-Based Buses
The model that garnered the most support was “grade-based buses.” This system would group students in similar grade spans (e.g., K-3) who attend different schools onto the same bus. Approximately 39% of respondents found this model viable, with another 36% saying they would “maybe” consider it.
Families cited fewer safety concerns with grade-based buses compared to mixed-age options. However, potential challenges included unfamiliar peers and longer routes. To make this model successful, parents suggested an emphasis on behavioral expectations, the provision of adult monitors, and robust communication protocols.
The Least Favored: Public Transit for High Schoolers
Conversely, the model most rejected by parents involved shifting the majority of high school students to the city’s IndyGo bus system, which could necessitate two to three transfers. Around 60% of respondents felt this model would not work for their families. While nearly 2,000 high schoolers (including 1,400 IPS students) already utilize IndyGo for school transportation—a method IPS adopted in 2021 to address an $18 million funding gap—parents expressed low confidence in students’ readiness for public transit, citing safety and independence concerns.
Diverse Family Preferences
The survey also captured insights from Spanish-speaking and Haitian Creole families, who represent the two most common non-English languages in the IPS district. Both groups ranked the “community hubs” model as their top choice. This model proposes centralized locations, such as churches or community centers, where parents would drop off their children to take a school-specific bus. Spanish-speaking families, in particular, strongly opposed the public transit option for high schoolers.
Comparing the Models: A Quick Look
| Model | Parent Support | Key Advantages (Per Parents) | Primary Concerns (Per Parents) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade-Based Buses | Most supported (~39% viable, ~36% maybe) | Fewer safety concerns than mixed-age buses. | Unfamiliar peers, longer routes. |
| Community Transportation Hubs | Top choice for Spanish/Haitian Creole families | Centralized, school-specific buses. | Logistics for drop-off/pick-up. |
| Public Transit (High School) | Least favored (~60% rejected) | Cost-effective for district. | Student readiness, safety, independence, transfers. |
What’s Next for Indy School Transportation?
The Indianapolis Local Education Alliance is currently analyzing all feedback and is expected to present its final recommendations to state and local officials before the end of 2025. This critical phase will determine the blueprint for future student transportation across Indianapolis.
Public meetings are scheduled to provide updates and gather further input. The next meeting is set for Wednesday, October 22, at 6 p.m. at the City County Building (200 E. Washington St.) and will be livestreamed. You can find all remaining meeting times and presentation materials on the indy.gov/activity/indianapolis-local-education-alliance website.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is making these decisions about school transportation?
The Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA), with input from Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) and community feedback, is developing the recommendations. - Why are changes being considered for school buses?
The goal is to create a more collaborative and efficient transportation system that serves both traditional and charter schools within the IPS boundary, potentially addressing past funding gaps and improving service. - What are the top priorities for parents regarding school transportation?
Parents highly value on-time service, physical and emotional safety, shorter ride times, clear communication, and overall convenience for families. - How can I stay informed about the ILEA’s progress?
You can monitor the ILEA’s official website at indy.gov/activity/indianapolis-local-education-alliance and attend their public meetings. You can also sign up for the IndyStar’s Study Hall education newsletter.
As the ILEA moves closer to finalizing its recommendations, continued parent engagement will be key to ensuring Indianapolis schools adopt a transportation system that truly serves the needs of all students and families.
Indianapolis Schools Survey Parents on Bus Changes
