Wayne Township outlines literacy, staffing and professional-development plan as part of goal to reach grade-level reading by 2030

Chairman Keith Graves convened the Indianapolis City–County Council Education Committee hearing and said he has made it “my mission … to ensure that every student in Indianapolis reaches grade level reading proficiency by 2030.”

Dr. Jeff Butts, superintendent of MSD of Wayne Township, told the committee March 4 that Wayne Township is pursuing a citywide push on literacy as part of a broader strategic plan that emphasizes reconceptualizing teaching and learning, increasing student belonging and recruiting and retaining staff.

Why it matters: Council members framed tonight’s hearing as an information‑gathering session about what is working in local schools and where the council might supplement efforts. Third‑grade reading proficiency carries policy consequences at the state level; committee members pressed district leaders on IREAD‑3 performance, preschool access and teacher turnover as potential leverage points.

Most important facts

- District goal and context: Chairman Keith Graves said the committee’s objective is that “every student in Indianapolis reaches grade level reading proficiency by 2030.” Dr. Butts described Wayne’s strategic planning process, which included feedback from more than 8,325 constituents and nearly 11,000 students.

- Demographics and size: Dr. Butts said Wayne Township employs just under 2,300 staff and serves 22 schools and programs. He said the district’s current enrollment is 15,810 and that Wayne represents students from 90…