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.
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.
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.
The State of Indiana announced $30 million in grants Thursday to 1,317 schools around Indiana to reward their performance on the state standardized tests and graduation rates.
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.
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.
The investigation of former Indiana schools Superintendent Tony Bennett found more than 100 instances in which he or his employees violated federal law. The state’s formal report in February minimized the infractions, and Bennett has never faced prosecution.
The City-County Council voted Monday night to approve a $40 million public-private preschool partnership between the city, business and philanthropic leaders.
Some parents complained the move, which will bring more International Baccalaureate students to Shortridge, puts the interests of affluent north-side families ahead of those of other families.
Republican legislative leaders want to restore their credibility among Indiana teachers with proposals they say will mean more money for education and drive more dollars into classrooms and away from administration.
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.
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.
The percentage of Marion County charter schools receiving a D or an F from state regulators has spiked from 30 percent two years ago to 54 percent this year.
One of Indianapolis Public Schools' most famous schools would shut down and four others would see dramatic changes to their offerings under a plan presented to the school board Tuesday night.
As part of the negotiations over the city budget and a preschool proposal, a 1-percent charter school management fee is being considered.
More schools received As and fewer had Fs under grades the Indiana State Board of Education assigned Wednesday.
City-County Council Democrats and Republicans have agreed on alternative sources to fund a preschool program proposed by Mayor Greg Ballard, which also would include $20 million from private sources.
On the line is whether the district will continue to move toward cooperation with charter schools and the business community, or instead slow the move toward aggressive reforms.
Charlesbank Capital Partners and Partners Group say the purchase—reportedly for $1.5 billion—ensures the educational-products company “has the capital structure, resources, and financial flexibility” to further expand.
Democrats released the numbers Friday, saying they are evidence that the voucher program supported by Republicans is stealing money from public schools.
