The Daily Report Card: IPS Layoffs, Video Games For Tuition, School Consolidation

IPS board approves 163 layoffs – “The move was part of a plan announced last week to cut an additional $27 million from next school year’s budget, driven primarily by the removal of four schools from IPS that are now under state takeover. The vast majority of the layoffs were at those schools.” Indianapolis Star

Romney Considering Big School Choice Expansion – “Disadvantaged families and parents of students in special education could choose to spend federal funds at any district or charter public school, tutoring provider, or online course, according to the document circulated over the weekend. It outlines a series of ideas that have been considered by Romney and his advisers, which could be announced as early as this week.” Education Week

School Districts To Join ‘Race To The Top’ For Federal Grant Program – “Until now, applications for the federal grant program were made at the state level, with funds then distributed to schools. Tuesday’s announcement by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan opens up a new funding stream that would flow directly to individual districts.” The Educated Reporter

What if You Could Pay for College by Playing Games Online? – “Cash-strapped students are always looking for new ways to pay for college, but they also spend lots of time playing games online. So why not combine the two? New social platform Grantoo does exactly that, allowing students to earn tuition money through virtual gaming tournaments.” GOOD

Dismissal bell rings for the last time at New Harmony school – “The school district, one of Indiana’s smallest, is consolidating this summer with the Metropolitan School District of North Posey. Official enrollment in grades K-12 had plummeted to 137 students. New Harmony’s state funding would have dropped by a third if the school continued operating.” Evansville Courier & Press