Panel backs shifting power to Indiana state education board
An Indiana House committee has advanced a Republican-led proposal for shifting authority over education policy away from the elected state superintendent of public instruction.
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Nearly 80 schools, districts could face takeover under bill
House Bill 1638 would give significant new powers to the State Board of Education to intervene in schools earning a D or F grade for at least four straight years—even creating new schools within a school district.
Lawmakers consider shifting Ritz’s power to state board
A wide-ranging bill discussed Tuesday would give the Indiana State Board of Education authority over testing, standards, student data, state takeovers and teacher evaluation.
Education officials’ plan for school money differs from Pence’s
Indiana Department of Education officials presented their two-year budget proposal to the House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday. It includes large increases to the Non-English Speakers Fund, textbook relief funding, and tuition support.
Bill would create fund for teaching expelled students
A bill introduced in the Indiana General Assembly would divert $10 million or more in state education money into a new fund that would make grants to schools that focus on teaching expelled students.
Bill would let state education board select its own chair
Democrats called the legislation a political attack that would let Gov. Mike Pence replace Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz, a Democrat, with his own leader.
Education board member disses teacher-evaluation system
State Board of Education member Gordon Hendry said the teacher-evaluation ratings are based on a “clearly flawed system.”
Lawmakers urged to weigh in on online instruction days
An Indiana Board of Education member renewed his call Wednesday for lawmakers to define what constitutes an instructional day as schools move to replace snow days with online instruction.
Bill would make superintendent appointed, not elected
Senate Bill 24, authored by Sen. Jim Buck, R-Kokomo, would allow the governor to appoint the state superintendent of public instruction beginning in 2021.
Nearly all Indiana educators rated effective again
Hardly any teachers got low ratings despite major changes to toughen up state’s teacher evaluation system in 2011.
Indiana legislators eye school funding revamp
Indiana lawmakers could face a prickly debate as they aim to tighten up funding differences between the state's school districts during the General Assembly session that starts Tuesday.
Snow days melting away in many Indiana schools
The state Department of Education has granted 37 public school districts and 13 private schools permission to hold online learning days in cases of inclement weather this school year.
Education budget draws scrutiny over costs for student testing
Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz is seeking $20 million more for testing as part of her spending proposal, which calls for an overall 3 percent increase and free textbooks for all Indiana students.
Pence’s Board of Education overhaul wins backing
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence's call to overhaul the State Board of Education won the support of the two top legislative leaders Thursday, setting up what could be one of the most acrimonious education fights the state has seen.
Governor says he’s confident in Bennett investigation
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence is standing by outgoing Inspector General David Thomas amid questions about an investigation into whether former Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett misused state resources.
Pence proposes move to strip Ritz of oversight
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence is setting up a showdown with Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz as part of a push for an overhaul of Indiana's education system.
Watchdog urged prosecutor to seek Bennett charges
In a letter, Indiana’s top ethics watchdog notified a local prosecutor of evidence suggesting former schools chief Tony Bennett violated the state’s “ghost employment” and federal wire fraud laws.
Board takes control of state takeover from Ritz
Wide-ranging recommendations by the Indiana Board of Education also ask the Legislature for more funding and a quicker path to take over schools, and even school districts.
Bosma: Dysfunctional relationship in education needs to stop
House Speaker Brian Bosma said he’s thinking about whether to pursue legislation to make the state superintendent of public instruction an appointed rather than elected position.
Chamber to push appointed schools chief, Sunday booze sales
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce wants the state schools superintendent to be appointed by the governor in 2016, setting the stage for another acrimonious education battle.