More on Indiana's teacher shortage

From a shared Facebook post by a dear, respected friend:

"Thanks go to State Representative Ed Delaney (Indpls.) for his efforts to address Indiana's teacher shortage. He explains how we got here very well.

One more point...when local property taxes were capped, the State of Indiana was supposed to replace lost LOCAL revenues with STATE funds for public schools. Instead, public schools were cut, then, further drained to finance charter and private schools. Curricula, class-sizes, teaching positions and pay have all suffered ever since."

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2142784025804824&id=351225391627372

Here's how Gov. Holcomb's plan to boost teacher pay could widen pay gap in Indiana

"Based on the analysis of 2018 wages, Indianapolis Public Schools could save more than $2 million a year. Lawrence, Perry and Wayne townships would save more than $1 million. Hamilton Southeastern Schools would save nearly $1.5 million.F

For tiny Medora Community Schools in rural Jackson County, the loss of just two students would erase the $12,000 that district is projected to save. An enrollment drop of two students — or even 10 students — spread across all 13 grade levels isn't enough to cut staff. So fixed costs will stay the same, but state money will drop, explained Roger Bane, superintendent at Medora."

The money following the student like it is right now is hurting all the small schools," he said."

https://tinyurl.com/yasnks2z

Hoosiers close to losing chance to vote for state schools superintendent

Hoosier voters are on the precipice of losing the right to directly choose who they want to administer education policy in Indiana.

https://tinyurl.com/y7rb7y84

Costly choice: Indiana can't afford voucher money-grab

"Southwest Allen County Schools Superintendent Phil Downs, who has closely tracked the financial effects of the voucher program on Indiana school districts, points out the cost of HB 1675 could double the cost of the state's voucher program...House Bill 1675, a voucher expansion bill that could cost taxpayers as much as $170 million a year.

http://www.journalgazette.net/opinion/20190129/costly-choice

National School Choice Week

Hoosier parents are being encouraged to explore options for their student’s education during National School Choice Week. Here’s the broadcast from Fox59 in Indianapolis.