INDIANAPOLIS — Some Indiana Senate Republicans are aiming to make Indiana school board members, a historically nonpartisan position, choose a political party.
Senate Bill 287 had its first reading on Jan. 13 and was referred to the Senate Committee on Elections. The committee hosted testimony on the bill on Monday, in preparation for a committee vote expected to occur later this month.
The bill would require all school board candidates in Indiana to register with a political party and go through a primary process, something authors stressed would match how other offices are elected. If passed, the bill would also raise board member pay.
The bill was written by:
- Indiana State Senator Gary Byrne, a Republican from southern Indiana
- Indiana State Senator Chris Garten, a Republican from southern Indiana
- Indiana State Senator Blake Doriot, a Republican from northern Indiana
During Monday’s committee hearing, Byrne said the change would allow voters to have an idea of the ideology of the candidate they are voting for. Byrne said keeping it nonpartisan sounds “nice” but stated there has been evidence that voters are “unsure of who to vote for.”
Byrne said that he was on a school board for eight years and found it to be one of the more “partisan positions” he ever served in. Byrne said he wants someone with the same ideology and beliefs to serve on the board.
“To me, it’s already partisan, but it’s hidden,” Byrne said. “…Raising taxes and making policy. I think the citizens should have the right to understand where they stand.”
Questions from other lawmakers during the committee session focused on candidates running as independents and whether or not this bill would force people to “join the political club.”
After questioning from fellow lawmakers, testimony was offered from members of the community. David Finkel, a member of the Shelbyville Central Schools board, said that he takes pride in doing what a school board member does, helping with the education future of students.
Finkel emphasized during his remarks that boards do not determine curriculum or academic standards, stressing that partisan boards serve “no purpose.”
“I’ve never had partisan issues come in my 15 years in the boardroom,” Finkel said. “Let’s keep that rhetoric out of our school boards and let us focus on education.”
Jenny Blackburn, a member of the East Allen County Schools board, also urged to maintain nonpartisan school boards. Blackburn said that she has “never discussed politcs” with other board members.
“I believe (board members) should be chosen on the basis of their qualifications, merits, experience, no matter what their political affiliation (is),” Blackburn said.
In a statement from the Indiana Democratic Party, officials said they believe partisan politics do not belong in nonpartisan school boards.
If passed in its current form, this bill would be effective starting July 1. For a full look at the bill in its current form, click here.
