Morning Bell: IPS Launches Pre-K Program, Legislative Session Starts

IPS to launch what could be state’s biggest publicly-led preschool effort – “The new initiative will cost about $8 million annually and employ about 105 IPS staff, including 51 teachers and 51 classroom assistants, next year.” Indianapolis Star

Following the money – “Some veteran lawmakers had suggested that the raft of education changes pushed by Daniels and outgoing state Superintendent Tony Bennett deserved some time for digestion, but efforts to amend some already are under way.” Fort Wayne Journal Gazette

Students eat, but schools handle bills in creative ways – “School district officials agree that no child should go hungry, but that often leaves school districts with thousands of dollars of unpaid bills for meals served.” Evansville Courier & Press

Indiana lawmakers to look at expanding school voucher program – “The changes being considered include increasing the amount of aid for younger students and ending a requirement that students attend public school for a year before they are eligible, both of which could put more students in the voucher pipeline.” Associated Press