Report: Four Districts Pulling Out Of Non-Profit Cooperative

Four Indianapolis-area school districts are pulling out the Central Indiana Educational Services Center a non-profit organization designed to help districts pool their resources to try and maximize efficiency.

The reason? District officials say CIESC membership is not worth the expense, reports Network Indiana:

Four Indianapolis area school districts have decided not to renew membership in a local nonprofit group, citing cost concerns.

RTV6 report nearly 25 school districts may pay dues to be members of the Central Indiana Educational Services Center with an aim toward helping school districts be more efficient. 

This year, Indianapolis Public Schools, as well as the Lawrence, Washington, and Pike Township school system have all pulled out of the program.

A Pike Township Board member, speaking with RTV6, said they were really only saving $10,000 per school year for their annual $50,000 membership fee.

CIESC took a central role in the controversy over school busing in Franklin Township, where the district decided to cut busing services.

The district instead contracted with CIESC, which provided transportation to any parents willing to pay a monthly fee — that is, up until recent state legislation banned such busing fees.

Transportation is just one service CIESC provides. For example, CIESC’s website says the non-profit allows districts to combine their purchasing power to make more competitive bids for supplies and services.

A press release indicates CIESC offers “cooperative programming, student programs, shared services, professional development, advanced technological resources, and cooperative purchasing for greater efficiency and lower costs.”