Administration says IPS will keep ownership, negotiate long-term lease with museum nonprofit

Staff told the board that, under the proposed structure, Indianapolis Public Schools would maintain ownership of the museum site and its collections while entering a long-term lease with the new nonprofit operator.

"IPS would maintain ownership, obviously, at the X High School. IPS would maintain ownership," the Presenter said while describing the lease arrangement and artifact stewardship. The Presenter compared the plan to a recent long-term lease the district approved for a community partner, saying the proposed lease for the museum would be similar in structure.

In addition to a lease, staff proposed a service-level agreement governing day-to-day programming and preservation responsibilities between the district and the nonprofit. The Presenter emphasized that district staff would retain responsibility for documentation and diligence during the incorporation and contracting phase.