INDIANAPOLIS -- A bill that would make the state schools chief an appointed position instead of elected is headed to Governor Eric Holcomb's desk. Holcomb has advocated for the change.
The House approved the bill Tuesday in a 66-31 vote.
The amended bill, which will become effective in 2025, includes a two-year residency requirement.
The appointee must also have an advanced degree and served as a teacher, principal or superintendent or as an executive in the field of education for at least five years.
The bill will change the title of the position to Indiana Secretary of Education.
House concurs on state schools chief bill in 66-31 vote. Now headed to Governor, who has advocated to make it appointed position. @rtv6
— Katie Heinz (@katieheinz6) April 18, 2017
House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) released the following statement on the bill's passage:
"For over 30 years, legislators on both sides of the aisle have supported the move to an appointed superintendent and for the first time, the measure successfully passed both chambers. The bill's passage underscores the importance of taking politics out of education and putting Hoosier children first. Our students, parents and educators deserve consistency and better coordination in the administration of education policy and this action marks a giant step forward. While it was a long road to get here, we reached a compromise with the Senate and I look forward to the bill becoming law."
