More than 60 school districts across the state are cancelling classes later this month as they prepare for thousands of teachers to flock to the Statehouse ahead of the upcoming legislative session.

A group of lawmakers studying key education questions have finalized their recommendations for the General Assembly to consider next year.

An analysis from the Legislative Services Agency shows schools that pass referendum measures focused on general school operations and programs pay their teachers more on average.

In January, Gov. Eric Holcomb tasked the commission with finding innovative ways to raise teacher salaries. More than 100 people turned out for the night of public comment.

Gov. Eric Holcomb says the commission will hold three hearings as part of his effort to make teacher pay competitive with surrounding states.

Gov. Eric Holcomb announced the formation of the commission in this years State of the State as part of his plan to address teacher salaries.

In the Indiana Statehouse, education was the star of the legislative session. On Monday, Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb acknowledged, Were not there yet" on increasing teacher pay.

The bill says if schools transfer more than 15% from their classroom spending account, they have to tell the state why and how they might avoid doing it in the future.

Teachers say the Red for Ed rally comes as a final push for additional funding during the last week of the legislative session.

Teachers unions, the Coalition for Public Education and Indiana PTA helped organize the event as a near-final push for more money in the state budget as the legislative session winds down.