Kruse Resigns As Education Committee Chair, Raatz Takes Over

WFYI News

Sen. Dennis Kruse (R-Auburn) resigned Friday as the chairman of the powerful Education & Career Development Committee. He said in a statement the position is rewarding, but it has also been demanding for him and his family.

He led the committee for 10 years, during which he oversaw huge changes in the state’s education policy, including the teacher evaluation system and private school vouchers.

Controversy surrounded Kruse in 2013 when he introduced a bill that would allow reciting the Lord's Prayer at public schools each day.

Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Centerville) will become the new committee chairman in the 2019 General Assembly.

Raatz was elected to the Senate in 2014 and was a ranking member of the Education & Career Development.

“While I’ve chosen to step down as chair to spend more time with my wife and family, I believe Sen. Raatz will serve this committee well, as he strongly cares about Indiana students and the quality of their education,” Kruse said in a statement.

The legislative session begins in January.

Tags:Indiana General Assembly

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