Morning Bell: Higher Education Funding, Glenda Ritz, Charter Schools, Consolidation
Courtesy of Indiana University
Indiana University president Michael McRobbie delivers the 2012 State of the University address at IUPUI in Indianapolis. The presidents of four state universities will testify before the budget committee Thursday.
College presidents ask state lawmakers to increase funding – “Also in recent years, lawmakers have urged universities to keep their tuition increases to no more than about 4 percent, although the targets varied by school. The Indiana State board last year voted for higher increases but pulled back at the request of lawmakers, a move that cost the school about $1.6 million in annual revenue.” Evansville Courier & Press
New superintendent Glenda Ritz likely to face obstacles from GOP foes – “The position is most powerful when the superintendent is working in concert with others — the governor, the speaker of the House and president of the Senate, education committee chairmen in the House and Senate and the State Board of Education, whose members are appointed by the governor.” Indianapolis Star
Indianapolis now a top 10 charter school market – “But a 2011 law is already priming the city for more charters. That year, the legislature created a new statewide charter school board with the power to approve new schools, and the new board has been active.” Get On The Bus
Education Reform Not Dead in Indiana – “Both the incoming and outgoing governors of Indiana have made it clear school reform will move forward. Also, House Speaker Brian Bosma and Senate Pro Tempore David Long have made it clear there will be no turning back the clock.” Friedman Flyer
Parke school districts begin re-organizing – “The major driving factors for the consolidation have been enrollment declines and reduced state funding. Under the current state funding formula, it’s become difficult for small school districts to keep funding levels high enough to support educational programs for students, officials have said.” Terre Haute Tribune-Star