School Disparities in Focus for Indianapolis Clergy

With students back in school for a new year, religious leaders on Tuesday night turned their focus to educating parents about the disparities in Indiana's education system.

A panel discussion hosted by the Baptist Ministers Alliance and The Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis at Olivet Baptist Church addressed topics such as public school funding, charter schools, voucher programs, teacher shortages, racism, and legislation impacting schools.

Wayne Moore, a pastor and president of the Baptist Minister's Alliance, emphasized the importance of educating parents on how to navigate these issues. "All of the cuts, all of the policies, new demands that have been placed on education: We want to try to give parents the information on how to navigate and maneuver through those processes."

Panelist James Scheurich, an Indiana University professor, discussed teacher shortages, stating that Indiana ranks 39th in teacher salaries. "If there's one thing I'd like parent advocates to do, it's just get involved with your local communities and groups and make sure you are involved with the process and stay aware of legislative issues." He emphasized that these issues affect everyone in the state who has children.

Attendee Deaundre Williams, a father of three, noted that understanding the climate of schools in Indiana is crucial. "I think it's important that we understand where the climate of schools are in the state of Indiana and the investment and financial aspect of things, and the importance of where those finances are going as it relates to their education."

The discussion also touched on charter schools, publicly funded schools open to all students regardless of income. Many attendees believed they were taking away funds from public schools. Moore stated, "Charter schools are nothing but a leach. It has a tendency to suck, if I can use that term, or retract resources from established public schools."