Local educators are keeping an eye on some education-related bills in this year’s state legislative session. Raising teacher salaries was identified as a priority in Governor Eric Holcomb’s State of the State address. But Plymouth Education Association President Laura Kruyer told the school board last week that she’s been disappointed with the bills that have followed, saying that they’ve lost the momentum.
Other bills propose changes to the school referendum process. Kruyer felt that some of the proposals seek to limit when referenda may take place and who gets the money.
Senate Bill 127 would allow school corporations to have a referendum specifically for school safety. However, school corporations have already been using operating referenda as a way to boost safety funding, including last year’s Culver Community Schools referendum and the Plymouth Schools referendum coming up in May.
Kruyer was concerned that the state, which she felt is in many regards responsible for schools’ financial challenges, isn’t stepping forward to help schools when they need it. Plymouth School Superintendent Andy Hartley said that there are over 180 bills that the various school-related associations are keeping an eye on, including the state budget.
Kruyer added that the Indiana State Teachers Association will be holding a Day of Action at the Statehouse on Saturday, March 9.
