INDIANAPOLIS — On Wednesday, March 6, the Indiana State Board of Education ordered Charter Schools USA, a Florida-based private company, to seek charters to independently run Howe and Manual High Schools when their status as takeover schools ends in 2020. However, IPS interim superintendent Aleesia Johnson noted that financial issues with the buildings could create problems for the district. Under the law, the buildings could be turned over to a charter in a sale for as little as $1. IPS hold bond debt on Howe and Manual.
Almost eight years ago the board made the decision to take over both Howe and Manual high schools due to academic failure. Charter USA was hired to manage the schools and turn them around. After a difficult start at Howe, CSUSA has begun to gain students and make some improvement in state test scores and graduation rates.
Final arrangements for the charters will be announced at a later date.