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Residents urge library board to restrict in‑branch student recruiting by charter and private schools
Summary
Four public commenters asked the Indianapolis Public Library Board to clarify and tighten policy on whether organizations that recruit K–12 students may set up tables or recruit inside library branches.
Multiple residents used the public‑comment period at the July meeting of the Indianapolis Public Library Board of Trustees to ask the board to adopt clearer rules on in‑branch recruitment by charter or other K–12 schools.
Corbin Havener, a teacher at IPS School 51 and member of the Indiana Education Association, said library spaces should not be used by organizations that actively recruit students. "We need to look at whether or not it is appropriate for representatives of nontraditional public schools to be recruiting students at any of our library branches," Havener told the board, arguing that the proliferation of charter schools creates unequal competition for the same students.
Carla Schmidt, a Washington Township special education teacher, said she observed a charter school table at a Michigan Road branch set up to sign up students and called for a policy that clarifies what types of organizations may recruit in libraries. "When someone sees a table at the front of the library, they think the library is endorsing that table even if they're just providing the space," Schmidt said. She suggested a formal application or checklist, neighborhood signatures, or signage making clear the library does not endorse outside organizations.
Mary Ann Schlegel Ruger, a Northside resident, said recruiting by a charter school in a prominent position inside a library entrance constitutes a special case because each K–12 student can attend only one school and recruiting shifts students between public providers. Jackie Harrell, a Southport patron, praised Southport’s senior programming and did not press the recruiting issue but spoke in support of continuing adult classes.
Why it matters: Commenters framed the request as a policy and equity question. They distinguished general community outreach or non‑enrollment activities from direct, in‑person recruitment aimed at signing up students. Several asked the board to treat school recruiting differently from routine nonprofit outreach because enrollment decisions affect public school enrollment and tax‑supported responsibilities.
Board response and next steps: Trustees acknowledged the comments and the Human Resources & Diversity Committee chair said she would start a review of relevant policies. Meeting materials that follow this session will circulate draft policies for trustee input before committee discussion.
Ending: Speakers said they were available to work with library staff on policy language; the board did not take immediate action but signaled a policy review would be added to committee work.
