Organized efforts to prevent certain policy changes in schools have disrupted school board meetings across the country, and educators and school officials are calling for more civility in places where it's happening in Indiana.

Local school board members are on the frontline of what is a health crisis at its core. Some school board members and superintendents across the state speak of a tough spot they’re put in. Some convey a message of confidence that things will be under control soon but others question why public health officials are not making these decisions in the middle of a resurging global pandemic.

Racial equity issues have been an afterthought -- if mentioned at all -- in most Indiana school board races in past years. But after this summers social justice protests, students and communities are demanding school boards address systemic racism and a wide range of connected issues.

Political groups are pouring big money into school board campaigns in Indiana this year. These hotly contested elections help shape the future of education, but school boards make decisions that have a wide impact on their local communities.

The consideration of the policy sparked public outcry and death threats towards school board members.

Teachers say the Red for Ed rally comes as a final push for additional funding during the last week of the legislative session.

After the review, the IPS school board may choose to restart or close these schools.

IPS school board candidates critical of the current administration made gains this election cycle, ousting two incumbent board members.

At Thursday's Indianapolis Public Schools board meeting, commissioners considered a list of schools interested in partnering with the district to become innovation schools.

There are eight candidates running for three open seats in the upcoming Indianapolis Public Schools Board of Commissioners election. To understand the IPS school board race it's helpful to look at candidates' endorsements.