Plymouth School Board Updated on Education Bills

Plymouth school administrators are keeping an eye on several education bills being considered in the Indiana General Assembly. Assistant Superintendent Andy Hartley gave a legislative update to the Plymouth School Board Tuesday.

Of great interest is the bill that would replace the ISTEP test with a new ILEARN test. Meanwhile, Hartley said a financial management bill is gaining momentum. It would replace school corporations’ General Fund with an Education Fund supported by the state. The Capital Projects, Transportation, and Bus Replacement funds would be combined into an Operating Fund supported by tax revenues. The Debt Services Fund would stay the same.

Changes to the General Fund and Capital Projects referendum processes are also being discussed. Other bills would delay the start of school to the fourth Monday in August or after Labor Day, depending on the legislation. However, the second bill would give schools the option to keep the balanced calendar, if they hold a public hearing first.