INDIANAPOLIS — Leaders from the Indy Chamber and Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) recently gathered to release the results of their IPS Operational Analysis, an in-depth review of IPS operations in areas of finance, human resources, information technology, facilities, and transportation.
The partnership between IPS and the Indy Chamber began in the summer of 2013 when IPS leadership approached the Indy Chamber about conducting this analysis. The goal was to engage an outside source to produce a set of tangible recommendations regarding operational excellence and opportunities for significant savings within IPS. As a result, volunteer business leaders, IPS executive staff and Board members worked to analyze and make strategic recommendations on how the school district can best address its projected $30M budget deficit. The final report is the result of an eight-month process to find thoughtful, innovative ways to reduce the projected IPS deficit, while putting the best interests of students first.
Highlights of the IPS Operational Analysis recommendations include:
• Explore options for creating multi-use facilities throughout IPS and Indianapolis
• Conduct energy assessments of district buildings
• Utilize IndyGo buses for magnet students needing extracurricular transportation
• Conduct full assessment of employee views and knowledge to reveal areas for improvement within IPS
• Review benefits packages to remain competitive and find efficiencies
• Include the IPS financial management team in all spending decisions