This decision breaks with years of growing this model, district leaders say this does not signal a shift in policy.

A report presented to the Indianapolis Public Schools board says commissioners should look for a superintendent with experience in an urban environment, connections to Indianapolis, and a successful track record.

The district plans to hold at least three community input sessions before the search for a new superintendent begins.

One of the event's sponsors said he decided to host the event after calls during the November election for the district to engage more with its community.

The board released an update on the search process Thursday with public engagement as a focus. Former IPS Superintendent Lewis Ferebee was tapped as the new leader of Washington, D.C. schools late last year.

District staff will receive between a 3 and 22 percent raise.

The district conducted reviews of seven struggling schools, to provide feedback and recommendations on whether a restart should be considered.

Two of the new commissioners ran campaigns critical of the IPS administration and ousted two incumbent board members

Aleesia Johnson takes over as the new Indianapolis Public Schools interim-superintendent this week.

Decisions about the new superintendent will be held off until three new commissioners assume their seats in January.