IPS Task Force Convenes After Mass Shooting to Ensure Safe Environments

An Indianapolis Public Schools task force convened for the first time since a mass shooting at the downtown Artsgarden on July 5, where two teens died and five others were injured. The meeting aimed to ensure safe environments within school buildings and outside school walls.

School Board Commissioner Hope Star emphasized the importance of addressing trauma in the community. “I’m concerned around trauma and what that does to our children... Children are losing their cousins. I was telling people a few years ago, we’re just a few degrees separated from any child that dies.”

Star noted that the violence has been hard for both adults and children, with some IPS households dealing with homelessness or loss of Medicaid.

“We’re all human. It’s a difficult time right now for us to figure out how to care for each other, care for the least in our community. It’s important.”

The task force is creating surveys that target students, teachers, parents, and guardians to gather insights on what they have to say about their school environments.

Audrey Wathen, vice president-people strategies lead at Intrinz, stated the goal of reviewing responses with the board and public to create actionable items. “That’s where learning takes place. That’s where success is for the students. That’s where you can look at student’s pathway to say they were successful because we created an environment where they can learn.”

The task force will hold open meetings at 6 p.m. in the board room of the John Morton Finney Education Center on the following dates: August 27, September 17, October 29, November 12, and December 10.