The Lilly Endowment is investing $348 million in Indianapolis school buildings, marking a historic private donation to public education infrastructure. This final phase of the endowment’s Marion County K-12 Public Schools Initiative will fund construction and renovations across 19 school districts and charter schools.
One recipient, Herron High School, will use its share to build a much-needed theater. Currently, students perform in a makeshift space within a technical theater classroom, moving costumes and props to create a temporary stage. Janet McNeal, president of Herron Schools, expressed relief at the $25 million donation, calling it a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity.
A theater and more for Herron
The new theater will be a significant upgrade, doubling as a gathering space for the school community. Herron, housed in a former art museum, has long struggled with limited space. The expansion will also include a larger kitchen and new science labs built to be labs rather than art galleries.
Career-focused facilities get a boost
The Metropolitan School District of Perry Township received the largest grant, $40 million, with $30 million dedicated to a new building for its entrepreneurship pathway. This unique program, located on the University of Indianapolis campus, will offer students broad business skills and industry connections.
The Lilly Endowment’s funding model, while providing much-needed resources, raises questions about the role of private donors in public education. Christopher Lubienski, an education policy professor, notes the risk of donors supplanting public funding, potentially reducing democratic control over schools.
The endowment’s impact is undeniable, offering schools opportunities that would typically require taxpayer approval. However, the absence of Indianapolis Public Schools from the funding list, due to ongoing governance changes, highlights the complexities of private education funding.
As Herron and other schools embark on their projects, the Lilly Endowment’s investment promises to shape the education system in Indianapolis, providing students with improved facilities and expanded opportunities.
Lilly Endowment’s Role in Education Funding
The Lilly Endowment has significantly influenced education funding in Indiana, contributing $1.2 billion to K-12, higher education, and youth initiatives in 2025, a substantial increase from $456 million the previous year.
This includes supporting the state’s shift to the science of reading in 2022, demonstrating its commitment to various educational reforms and programs.
Funding Distribution and Future Plans
While the endowment’s funding has been widely distributed, Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) has not yet received any grants due to ongoing governance changes.
The creation of the Indianapolis Public Education Corporation (IPEC) introduces complexities, as it has the authority to manage school buildings, including those funded by private donors, which may impact the endowment’s decision to fund IPS projects.
The endowment has not made a final decision regarding IPS funding, leaving the district’s future involvement in the initiative uncertain.
In contrast, charter schools like Herron are not obligated to participate in IPEC’s facilities sharing plan, allowing them to maintain control over their buildings and plan for future growth independently.
Herron’s expansion, made possible by the endowment’s grant, will address critical space shortages, providing new facilities for various activities, although a gym will still be absent.
The Metropolitan School District of Perry Township’s new entrepreneurship building, funded by the endowment, will offer students unique opportunities to develop business skills and explore various industries.
