Yuri Smith | IPS District 5
Giving back to IPS. Inspiring change in a community he loves.
With deep roots on Indy’s westside, Yuri Smith credits his IPS education and community ties for shaping his success in life and his commitment to helping children.
Yuri has dedicated the past 20 years to serving IPS students – as an educator, an assistant principal, a mentor and a community leader. He began as a volunteer in the IPS school he once attended and later served students at Goodwill’s Indianapolis Metropolitan High School and the Center for Leadership Development. His diverse career in education and youth mentorship give Yuri a unique perspective on the needs and challenges youth face today, while underscoring his belief that the work can’t be done alone. It’s vital for leaders to bring community together to support and encourage every child who walks into an IPS building.
While Yuri is running for IPS board to strengthen the “village” he’s been shaping on Indy’s westside, he also knows these community voices need to be fired up to drive change in IPS. For too long, children from his neighborhood and across the city are reaching middle school still unable to read; and the gap between students who have strong support and resources and those who do not continues to grow.
Yuri is running for IPS board to build a movement that inspires change in the district and community he loves. And he wants you to join him.
WHAT YURI SMITH SR. IS FIGHTING FOR
Strong families, schools and communities.
- Student-centered leadership Keeping the focus on what matters most: helping children succeed academically, socially, and personally.
- A “Fave 5” for every student Building support networks that ensure every child has at least five trusted adults investing in their success.
- Effective and well-compensated teachers We must invest more in our educators and give them the support and resources to succeed.
- Stronger family engagement Partnering with parents and caregivers to make sure families have a meaningful voice in their children’s education.
- Opportunity in every neighborhood Ensuring every family has access to high-quality schools and opportunities, regardless of ZIP code.
- Data-driven decisions Supporting programs and school models that demonstrate strong outcomes for students.
LEARN WHY PARENTS & COMMUNITY MEMBERS ENDORSED YURI
WHY THIS MATTERS
It takes a village to help every child succeed.
Great schools don’t operate alone.
When educators, parents, mentors, faith leaders, neighbors, and community organizations work together, students thrive. That’s how stronger schools create stronger communities.
Yuri’s life is proof of what’s possible when a child is surrounded by people who believe in them.
As an IPS graduate, educator, mentor, and community advocate, he understands the power of investing in young people and giving them the support they need to succeed.
That’s why Yuri is committed to:
- Strengthening family and community partnerships.
- Ensuring every student has a strong support network.
- Expanding access to high-quality schools.
- Supporting programs that deliver results.
- Creating opportunities for students in every neighborhood.
- Building stronger ties between schools and communities.
- Helping every child reach their full potential.