Bill would void changes by Indiana schools chief-WEB ONLY

Democrats who control the Indiana House took a swipe at the Republican state schools chief yesterday, passing a bill that would prevent him from changing a snow-day policy as he proposed.

State Superintendent of Public Education Tony Bennett said last week that he will require schools to make up a day of school for each day they miss because of weather starting next year, ending a Department of Education practice that allowed exceptions. Bennett also said half-days and parent-teacher conference days will no longer count toward the 180 days of required instructional time.

But House Democrats stuck an amendment into a bill yesterday that would put current Department of Education practice into law, which would basically void Bennett’s attempt at changes.

Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels blasted the move, saying he would veto the bill if it reaches his desk.

“Here again, the system places adults ahead of children,” Daniels said. “With our kids needing major academic improvements, they should spend more days in the classroom, not fewer.”

Democrats who supported the proposal said that parent-teacher conferences and professional development time are critical to student learning, and should be included in the 180-day school year. And they said the snow-day policy had been a long-standing practice that should stay put.

The state’s largest teachers union has also been critical of Bennett’s new policies, saying they would tie the hands of school districts despite Bennett’s campaign pledges to free schools of burdensome state regulations.

Bennett said his goal is to simply provide students with 180 full school days, as required by law.

“I don’t know if this is political posturing or a serious attempt to establish education policy,” Bennett said of the House amendment. “I’m discouraged that some members of the General Assembly are more interested in doing what’s easy for adults than what’s right for kids.”

The House voted 51-44 to adopt the amendment, with only Republicans voting no. The House could vote on the full bill later this week. If it passes, the measure would head to the GOP-led Senate for consideration of the House amendment.

Current Department of Education policy allows school districts to apply for a waiver to avoid the financial penalty for instructional days canceled because of weather. Schools must currently make up one day for each of the first five days missed, then make up one day for every three days missed after that.

So far this school year, at least 12 school districts have filed waivers with the Department of Education.

Critics of half-days say they are wasteful because districts spend thousands of dollars to transport children to school for only a few hours. Parents are also forced to adjust their regular work schedules during half-days.