The Indiana State Board of Education (Board) met Wednesday for its monthly business meeting. Based on community feedback gathered at five public meetings over the course of six months, the School Transition Task Force assembled recommendations for next steps for three turnaround academies located in Indianapolis. The schools, currently operated by Charter Schools USA (CSUSA), are: TC Howe Community High School, Emmerich Manual High School, and Emma Donnan Middle School. The Board heard testimony from Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) leaders and CSUSA, as well as numerous community members. A majority of community members spoke in favor of the Task Force’s recommendations. The Board voted to accept the Task Force’s recommendations, directing Board staff to work with IPS to resolve bond concerns on Manual and Howe High Schools. The Board considered documents submitted by South Bend Community School Corporation indicating their intent to create a school transformation zone. With a motion from board member Dr. David Freitas, members voted unanimously to approve the corporation’s letter of intent with a final detailed plan due April 10, 2019. The plan will establish an innovative governance structure for Navarre Middle School and the feeder elementary schools.