Indiana Senate Votes To Make State Schools Superintendent Appointed In 2021

The bill is heading back to the Indiana House where it is expected to clear it's last major hurdle before landing on Gov. Holcomb's desk.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) – The next Indiana state schools superintendent could be appointed by the governor.

The Indiana Senate on Tuesday voted 29-19 to pass a bill which moves up the date for the state superintendent to become a position appointed by the governor, instead of being elected by voters.

HB 1005 passes the Senate, 29-19. pic.twitter.com/ZocPwwHk0n

— Indiana State Teachers Association (@ISTAmembers) March 19, 2019

A previously passed bill would see the change be made in 2025, but House Bill 1005 moves up the timeline to 2021.

Last year, current Republican state superintendent Jennifer McCormick announced she will not run for re-election. Her announcement could be the driver of Statehouse GOP lawmakers to make the change prior to the next statewide election in 2020.

McCormick released the following statement after the passing of House Bill 1005: 

 “With today’s passing of House Bill 1005, the finish line for serving Indiana’s students with an elected State Superintendent has been determined. As the 44th State Superintendent, and one of only three women elected since 1852, it has been an honor and a privilege to serve. Indiana is home to over 1.2 million students and more than 75,000 educators. Each deserves our complete attention and support. While politics has been interjected into our education, at the end of the day the question should not be, ‘what side of the aisle are you on,’ but ‘are you on the side of kids?’ The 2020 gubernatorial race will deserve greater attention as our students’ futures are dependent upon it. Education impacts all of us. Our children, educators, and school communities deserve a strong, representative voice.”

Among local legislators, Chip Perfect (R-Lawrenceburg) and Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) voted in favor of the bill, while Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg) opposed.

House Bill 1005 now heads back to the Indiana House for final approval. The House previously passed the bill in January.  

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