The Interim and soon to be leaving Superintendent of the Indianapolis Public Schools, Dr. Peggy Hinckley engaged in a contentious interview on Afternoons with Amos. In talking about IPS’ $30 million budget deficit and those controversial staff cuts which disproportionately impacted African-Americans, Amos repeatedly asked about IPS’ commitment to preserving and increasing the racial diversity of its workforce. Of the 133 paid off, 57.8% were Black. Dr. Hinckley couldn’t tell Amos when the district would know what the full impact of the layoffs would be on the district’s racial diversity. On the issue of the budget deficit, Amos challenged Dr. Hinckley’s contention that the amount of dollars IPS receives from the state would be falling from some $7,100 per pupil to some $4,600 per pupil. When Dr. Hinckley was told that the Indiana’s Legislative Services Agency strongly disputed Dr. Hinckley and IPS’ financial data, Hinckley claimed IPS’ financial analysis was correct, even though no other school district in Indiana, and no legislators of either party are saying the reductions will be that sharp. Amos also asked Dr. Hinckley about a new policy unveiled this week at the IPS Board meeting where some schools might be given “autonomy”. With principals given full control of hiring and firing their staffs and greater control of spending on programs for their schools. Amos asked Dr. Hinckley why that wouldn’t be considered a charter school and challenged how IPS would insure that an “autonomous” IPS school would handle staff diversity. Hinckley’s answers to those and other quiestions and issues were highly contentious and charged. Click the Arrow to Hear the Full Interview with Amos & IPS’ Interim Supt. Dr. Peggy Hinckley. Runs 30 Minutes ©2013 WTLC/Radio One.
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