School Financial Management Bill Sent To House Floor

The state’s House Ways and Means committee approved a bill Wednesday that would have a major impact on financially struggling schools. But, some key provisions of the bill are causing concern.

It would allow financially struggling school corporations to fire up to 5 percent of teachers mid-year. It would also give a state board the power to suspend or revoke licenses for superintendents of districts identified as “at-risk” for four consecutive years.

Representatives from Gary and Muncie are also worried about the legislation.

It would limit the number of times the Gary school board can meet to just four times a year. It would also change the board’s function to an advisory committee. And, an amendment would allow Ball State University to take over Muncie Community Schools.

The bill was sent to the House floor in a 16-7 vote.