A proposed law in Indiana would dissolve five of the state’s public school districts into charter schools, an approach the bill’s author argues could help students where school leaders are “failing.”

Indiana House Bill 1136 was introduced this month by state Rep. Jake Teshka, R-District 7. If passed, the bill would affect school districts where over 50% of students residing within its boundaries are not enrolled in the district.

Such a school district would be “dissolved” and each of its individual schools would be converted into charter schools, according to the legislation. Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) would be one of five school districts impacted by the legislation.

Teshka said in a statement he authored the bill to ensure students are receiving “the best education possible,” as well as to find solutions in school districts where “the current governance is failing its students.” However, IPS leadership released a statement pushing back against the argument, saying the district “strongly opposes” the bill.

“This legislation is not student-focused and fails to reflect the community’s input on how they envision their public schools thriving,” the statement reads. “Instead of fostering growth and innovation, HB 1136 risks dismantling the very foundation that supports student success and community collaboration.”

IPS claims the proposed legislation threatens “massive disruption” to its systemand would divert resources needed for students. District leadership said in the statement Indianapolis schools already partners with innovation schools which “provide additional choices and programming for our families.”

The statement also points to IPS increasing its graduation rate from 60% to 87% over the last decade, calling it evidence of the district’s dedication to supporting its entire community.

Imposing solutions without local input undermines the progress and years of collaboration that have propelled our city forward,” IPS leadership says. “Urban education systems face complex, nuanced challenges that may be unfamiliar to some policymakers.

“We invite legislators who are genuinely invested in public education to visit our district, gain firsthand insight into our unique mission and vision, and work alongside us to ensure sustainable and meaningful outcomes for students, educators, and families.”

Teshka’s bill is currently in the Indiana House Committee on Education, according to the Indiana General Assembly’s website.

A report published in October by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools (NAPCS) found charter school enrollment growth has significantly outpaced traditional public schools over the last five years. NAPCS determined charter school enrollment had jumped by nearly 400,000 students nationwide since the 2019-20 academic year, while nearly 1.8 million students left traditional public schools.

Indiana saw an increase of 5,603 in its charter school enrollment over the last five years, according to the report. Meanwhile, the state’s traditional public school enrollment dropped by 23,930, NAPCS said.

In comparison, Texas saw the greatest spike in charter school enrollment at 85,989 students, according to NAPCS. Of the 44 states analyzed by NAPCS, 42 have experienced a drop in traditional public school enrollment since the 2019-20 academic year.

Have a news tip? Contract Kristina Watrobski at kwatrobski@sbgtv.com.