A recent letter to the editor (“State lawmakers Cherry, Crider turn their backs on public schools,” Page A4, May 11-13) implied Hoosier legislators do not support public education. This is far from the truth.
Education remained a top priority throughout the 2019 legislative session, with record investments in K-12 education and innovative programs to elevate the teaching profession.
Half of the state’s $34 billion biennial budget is dedicated to supporting Hoosier students, educators and schools. This session, we provided a historic increase in education. In fact, more than $763 million in new funding will go to K-12 education, with traditional public schools set to receive more than 93 percent of total tuition support.
Another new law strongly urges schools to shift at least 85 percent of their state funding toward classroom expenses like teacher pay. If traditional public schools meet this goal, educators statewide could see a 5 percent salary increase. Lawmakers also took steps to directly benefit teachers by investing more in Teacher Appreciation Grants, which reward effective and highly effective teachers. We also used reserves to pay down $150 million of an unfunded pension liability, freeing up an estimated $70 million annually so schools can increase teacher salaries.
To enhance teacher pay, another law gives schools more flexibility in how they spend their funding. Schools currently have three primary pools of money to spend: the education fund for classroom expenditures; the operation fund for other costs; and a rainy day fund, which is surplus money at the end of the year that can be used to cover one-time expenses. With this new law I authored, schools can transfer portions of the operations fund to the education fund to cover the costs of teacher salaries and benefits. This change will improve local control of school spending and drive more dollars to the classroom, while maintaining transparency.
Along with providing schools the resources to be successful, lawmakers also worked to establish programs to help elevate the profession and pay teachers more. A new law creates the teacher residency pilot program, which provides opportunities for college students pursuing teaching degrees to receive training from experienced educators. Those who participate in this pilot will spend a year in a Hoosier classroom under the guidance of veteran teachers. This program offers aspiring educators critical training, while also giving them and their mentors a stipend.
Building off this residency program, a new law establishes career ladders and mentorship programs that pair veteran educators with new teachers. Too often, educators look to administrative positions outside the classroom to make more money. Implementing career ladders in schools will provide experienced educators the opportunity to earn more while remaining in the classroom and providing much-needed guidance to newer teachers.
Hoosier teachers are true public servants and are vital to the success of our state. As a former educator myself, I believe this year’s efforts reflect a strong commitment to Indiana’s students, teachers and schools. Greenfield residents continue to be well-served by area lawmakers like state Rep. Bob Cherry and state Sen. Michael Crider, who are strong advocates for public education and put students first.
Rep. Tony Cook, R-Cicero, is vice chair of the Indiana General Assembly’s House Education Committee. Send comments to [email protected].
