INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — With students back in school for a new year, religious leaders on Tuesday night wanted to educate parents.

At Olivet Baptist Church on the city’s west side, the Baptist Ministers Alliance and The Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis hosted an education panel discussion Tuesday evening.

Wayne Moore, a pastor and the president of the Baptist Minister’s Alliance, said about Indiana education, “All of the cuts, all of the policies, new demands that have been placed on education: We want to try to give parents the information on how to navigate and maneuver through those process.”

The gathering, he said, addressed and educated the widening gap and disparities in the state’s schools.

Panelist included James Scheurich, an Indiana University professor; state Sen. Fady Qaddoura, a Democrat; John O’Neill, president of the Indiana State Teacher Association; and public school advocate Gwen Kelly. They discussed the lack of public school funding, charter schools and voucher programs, teacher shortages, racism, and legislation impacting schools.

O’Neill said Indiana teacher salaries in 2025 dropped compared to other states; the state ranks 39th. “Parent advocates, if there’s one thing, it’s just get involved with your local communities and groups and make sure you are involved with the process and stay aware of legislative issues. … This effects everybody in the state who has children.”

Deaundre Williams, a father of three, attended the event. “I think i’s important that we understand where the climate of schools are in the state of Indiana and the investment and financial aspect of things, and the importance of where those finances are going as it relates to their education.”

There was an extensive discussion about charter schools, publicly funded schools that is open to all students regardless of income. Many at the discussion believed they’re taking away funds from public schools. Moore said, “Charter schools are nothing but a leach. It has a tendency to suck, if I can use that term, or retract resources from established public schools.”

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