Legislative Leaders Look Forward To Teacher Rally At Statehouse

Legislative leaders from both parties say they’re looking forward to Tuesday’s teacher rally at the Statehouse.

But Republicans and Democrats still seem split on the education issues driving the public demonstration.

Teacher pay, while not the only issue, is at the forefront of the education rally at the Statehouse. Educators are putting the onus on state lawmakers to provide adequate funding for a salary boost.

But House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) turns it back around on local school districts. He says the last decade has seen a 31 percent increase in administrative staff.

“During that 10-year period, 3 percent decrease in teachers – making us one of the lowest in the nation on the percentage of our K-12 work staff that’s certified personnel,” Bosma says.

Rep. Terri Austin (D-Anderson) says the debate needs, in her words, “intellectual honesty.”

“We know that 15 years of education reform hasn’t necessarily given us the results that we want or need,” Austin says.

The teacher rally is expected to draw thousands from across the state.

Contact Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.