Ferebee Begins New Era For IPS

Indianapolis Public Schools' new superintendent started his first day on the job the way about 90-percent of IPS students start their day - on the bus.

"The bus ride was phenomenal.  I wanted to begin my day with my students," said Dr. Lewis Ferebee. 

Ferebee rode IPS bus 91 with 22 students into Francis Scott Key Elementary 103, Monday morning.

"The bus was great.  The students were great.  The drivers were great. It was just a good opportunity for me to see the level of service that we provide for our students," he said.

The 39-year-old former chief of staff of Durham Public Schools in North Carolina replaces Dr. Eugene White, who stepped down earlier this year.

"I've been anticipating this day for some time now," said Ferebee.  "Now that I am here, I am ready to go get started."

Ferebee said the main area he wants to see the district improve is in student achievement. 

"We have some ways to go there in terms of raising our expectations for our students," he said. "I have very high expectations for our students and staff."

Ferebee said he wants to hit the ground running and is using his first day leading the district to hear from the community on what needs to be done.

"I want to know what we are doing well and areas that we can improve upon," he said.  "I also want a chance to get into our classroom and observe instruction and begin to think about the direction we need to go in in terms of raising student achievement."