IPS asks parents to weigh in on school transportation in new survey

Indianapolis Public Schools is asking families to share their transportation experiences through a new survey aimed at shaping future policy decisions.

The responses will help guide the work of the Indianapolis Local Education Alliance, a newly formed planning group led by IPS and Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett. The alliance is expected to make recommendations on transportation access and other shared services between IPS and charter schools in the city.

The survey asks parents and guardians about how their children get to school, what barriers they face and what changes could make daily travel easier. Questions also gauge which transportation priority would a family be most willing to compromise on.

“As a part of its work, the ILEA will make recommendations regarding transportation,” the district wrote to families about the survey. “Therefore, we want to hear directly from families about what’s working, what matters most and how different transportation options might impact your daily routine.”

The alliance is part of a larger effort to improve collaboration between IPS and charter schools. Its work comes as transportation has become a flashpoint in the local debate over education equity and funding. Many families rely on district-provided busing, while some charter schools lack consistent transit options.

The survey is open now and can be completed online in English, Spanish, or Haitian Creole.

Eric Weddle is WFYI's education team editor. Contact Eric at eweddle@wfyi.org or follow him on X at @ericweddle.