INDIANAPOLIS -- In the aftermath of a video taken at George Washington Carver School 87 showing a 1st-grade student beating a special needs student, Indianapolis Public Schools released a letter to parents Friday stating things would be different for the upcoming school year.
The video depicted a fight between two students that appeared to be encouraged by former IPS teacher Julious Johnican.
Parents are hoping for progress as changes are being made to the school's leadership next year.
“I think at this point, we're cautiously optimistic,” said parent Brendan Maxcy.
He currently has two boys at the school.
Maxcy said he's seen a change since the principal and assistant principal were removed.
“I think that the parents that we've spoken to, and were at the town hall on May 4th, felt that the district has begun to listen,” he said.
The District Administrator Heather Haskett and the school's Executive Director Adrienne Kuchik will be in place until they've made new hires.
“We want to make sure that those changes are followed through upon,” said Maxcy. “We want to make sure that there is both parent and teacher involvement in the selection of the leadership going forward."
In a letter to parents on Friday, IPS assured families that clinical social workers are on-site at the school.
“Not only the child who was targeted in the video, but also those other children who were shown in the video or were bystanders and making sure that they are getting care support with regard to their mental health, and anything they needed,” said Maxcy.
There have also been some changes to school procedures. Some of those include reviews of mandatory reporting policy and increasing the number of staff members and administrators with students throughout the school day.
Maxcy said his boys will be returning to the school next year. He encouraged other parents to stay involved in their children's learning environment.
“Look broadly, what are the climate and cultural issues going on in schools throughout the district and well beyond the district as well,” he said.
The school system is asking parents to fill out a climate and culture survey to share their thoughts. Tuesday is the deadline to complete that feedback form.