Three confidential settlements connected to sexual abuse allegations were approved Thursday by the Indianapolis Public Schools Board.

During a nearly 10-hour hearing that grew heated at times, former Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent Lewis Ferebee was interrogated about why student passing rates on Indiana’s state test declined during a three-year period in his tenure.

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.

IPS teachers will receive an average 5 percent raise from a $5.2 million collective bargaining agreement.

As the search for a new superintendent begins, district leaders face significant decisions in the coming months.

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

A source close to the search process confirmed Ferebee’s name along with another candidate, according to the Washington Post.

Indianapolis Public Schools will ask voters to approve a $315.2 million property tax referendum during November general election to help fund teacher pay and other operating costs.

Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent Lewis Ferebee emerged two days ago as a finalist to lead Los Angeles Unified Schools. Wednesday afternoon he withdrew his name from consideration.

Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent Lewis Ferebee could be a finalist to lead the Los Angeles school district, the Los Angeles Times reported Monday.