Lost Debate

The Best School System In America

Jan 23, 2025

Brandon Brown, CEO of The Mind Trust, shares insights on how Indianapolis has become a beacon of education reform. He discusses the pivotal role of charter schools and initiatives that have emerged from community-driven efforts. Brandon highlights the bipartisan coalition behind these changes and the importance of autonomy and leadership. The conversation also touches on the evolving political landscape affecting school choice and the future of education innovation, offering a glimpse into what could redefine student opportunities by 2025.

42:30

Episode guests

Brandon Brown

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The bipartisan coalition supporting charter schools in Indianapolis has fostered sustainable education reforms and increased student enrollment in innovative educational models.

Indianapolis has successfully integrated community support into its education system, addressing learning loss during the pandemic through initiatives like community learning sites and summer learning labs.

Deep dives

Bipartisan Support for Charter Schools

The success of charter schools in Indianapolis can be attributed to a long-standing bipartisan coalition that has supported education reform. This coalition began with a Democrat mayor who endorsed charter schools on his campaign platform, which laid the groundwork for ongoing support across party lines. Over 20 years, this steady political backing has evolved, resulting in a significant portion of the public school student body now enrolled in charter or innovation schools. The presence of local civic leaders from diverse backgrounds who advocate for these reforms has also contributed to a less divisive educational landscape in the city.

Intro

2min

Bipartisan Support for Charter School Reform in Indianapolis

13min

Exploring the Impact and Initiatives of the Mind Trust

2min

Exploring Indianapolis: Education, Affordability, and Political Dynamics

2min

Unionization and Charter Schools in Indiana

21min

Growth and Diversity in Indianapolis School Options

3min

Ravi sits down with Brandon Brown, CEO of The Mind Trust, to explore the groundbreaking education reforms that have elevated Indianapolis into a national example of excellence in public education. From charter schools to innovative community-driven models, Brandon shares how educators and advocates have harnessed the three pillars of success—autonomy, accountability, and leadership—to build a sustainable, bipartisan coalition in support of transformative change. Ravi and Brandon then delve into the evolving political landscape and emerging forms of school choice, unpacking how these forces will shape the future of education. Finally, they turn to the future and discuss what true innovation in education means in 2025 and how it can redefine opportunities for students nationwide.

Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show! 321-200-0570

Follow Ravi on Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/ravimgupta

---

Follow Ravi at @ravimgupta

Follow The Branch at @thebranchmedia

Notes from this episode are available on Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/

Follow Ravi on Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/ravimgupta

Lost Debate is available on the following platforms:

• Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lost-debate/id1591300785

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xR9pch9DrQDiZfGB5oF0F

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ravimgupta

• Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vTERJNTc1ODE3Mzk3Nw