Statehouse policy and politics
In the fourth week of the legislative session, lawmakers advanced a bill to reinstate A-F grades for schools, and discussed a bill on math skills.
Officials say they want to pare down funding for some programs in order to increase support for both public schools and private school vouchers.
The IPS school board took a stand against legislation that could threaten the district’s future, and called on the public to share their concerns about the legislation with lawmakers. Some members also spoke against the growth of charter schools.
Indianapolis-area teachers will share their classroom experiences at this story slam that’s co-hosted by Chalkbeat Indiana on Feb. 25.
A bill advanced by the House Education Committee would require the Indiana Department of Education to develop a new A-F grading system for schools by the end of this year.
Indiana has been at the forefront of policies aimed at trans students, curriculum, and school choice that could soon be reflected on a national scale.
Two bills advanced by Indiana lawmakers would cut DEI programs and initiatives at schools and universities. They echo previous fights in the legislature over critical race theory.
In his first budget as governor, Braun proposed sales tax holidays for back-to-school and youth sports supplies.
The legislation would provide 20 days of paid parental leave for teachers under certain conditions and raise their minimum pay to $45,000. The latter proposal would cost around $14 million.
As lawmakers create the next state budget, they may seek to fund an expansion of school vouchers and pay raises for teachers. But the state’s revenue forecast could complicate matters.
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Schools can adopt the new requirements, which offer 3 graduation pathways for students, as early as next year.
A 2024 survey of Indiana counselors found they don’t have enough time to help students.
Democratic lawmaker Sheila Klinker plans to again introduce legislation mandating $60,000 minimum salaries for teachers.
Programs like Indiana Learns that relied on federal emergency funding are in jeopardy, but there’s still time for families to use the grants until March.
Legislative leaders urged caution on property tax reform, a priority for Governor-elect Mike Braun.
Braun beat Democrat Jennifer McCormick and Libertarian Donald Rainwater. The Associated Press called the governor election soon after the polls closed.
Three school districts hoped voters would approve or renew property tax increases that would fund school bus transportation, teacher pay, and academic programs.
There are three candidates in Indiana's election for governor: Mike Braun, Jennifer McCormick, and Donald Rainwater.
Legislators heard how counselors and attendance liaisons can help reduce absences. Earlier this year, Indiana adopted a law focused on improving student attendance.