November's IPS school board election could mean a change in direction for the district.

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Board vice-president Marianna Zaphiriou, a supporter of Superintendent Eugene White, decided at the last minute not to seek reelection. Three candidates to replace her are sharply critical of the school district's direction.

Ex-I-P-S guidance specialist Larry Whiteman charges I-P-S has acted more concerned about money than students. Former I-P-S English teacher Caitlin Hannon says there's too much top-down control -- she says teachers need more authority to craft their own curriculum. James Nixon, a veteran business manager who is married to a teacher, says the board has too often been rubber stamp for the administration.  

Since the 2010 election, it's become more common for board votes to break down 4-3, and Zaphiriou's exit could shift the balance of power. But incumbent Elizabeth Gore says it's too simplistic to break the board into pro- and anti-White factions. She says she's a supporter of the district as a whole, and points to increases in ISTEP scores and graduation rates.

Gore is running against three challengers for a northside district seat instead of her current at-large seat. Former I-U Health C-O-O Sam Odle is running against Larry Vaughn for Gore's old seat.

Diane Arnold, a critic of White, is unopposed for another term.