Questions, focusing in the educational arena: grading system, charter schools, ISTEP stress test as well as common construction wage and funding for road repairs, were asked to Rep. Curtis Nisly and Sen. Carlin Yoder during the first Third House Session, hosted by the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce.

Most of the questions were geared towards Yoder, due to Nisly’s freshman position in the House of Representatives.

The one question Nisly was asked was to explain further his proposed bill to improve teacher education. The individual asking the question, requested the explanation based on schools are being empowered to deal better with those struggling and standards of remediation.

Nisly stated the bill ideals with universities in preparing teachers. He stated teachers are coming into the classrooms not equipped or prepared to handle special needs students. The bill would call for more training and take several years to implement. It was noted this was for all teachers, not just those with a special needs degree.

Yoder fielded the remainder of the questions, including a question from Brett Boggs, superintendent at Tippecanoe Valley Schools. Boggs noted he disagreed with the governor’s proposal to give charter schools $1,500 additional funding per student. He pointed out it appeared as if public schools were being punished or forced to be eliminated. (See video above)

Yoder responded to questions regarding the recent stress test for ISTEP and the governor’s rejection of funding for a pre-elementary pilot program. Yoder stated continual work is occurring on the ISTEP testing as well as a new avenue to pay teachers. Regarding the governor’s refusal to accept federal funds for pilot pre-elementary eduction, Yoder stated, “There were strings attached to that. I’m happy he turned it down.” He also noted he felt the head start program was a complete failure.

Dan Brown, owner of Phend and Brown, Inc., Milford, commented legislators have done several things in the past to divert funds to  transportation, but more is still needed. He asked Yoder his thoughts about sales tax on gasoline as not all the taxes are going to roads.

Yoder remarked there is a bill proposed to slap a fee on alternative fuel and electric vehicles, as owners use roadways as well, while it will not add much. He also noted there was consideration of tax on mileage driven instead of gas. It was pointed out what is going to happen in Washington will have a huge impact on the forecast of money available.

Chet Fincher, representative of the Indiana/Kenturcky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters, asked Yoder his thoughts on allowing contractors to be exempt from sales tax on building materials and permit fees. Yoder stated it is time for a discussion on the matter to get a clear understanding of what the common construction wage bill does and doesn’t say. Concern was expressed that it will become a workforce issue in maintaining a workforce after training.

The next chamber sponsored Third House Session event will be form 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at Center Lake Pavilion, Warsaw.

Chet Fincher talks further with Rep. Curt Nisly and Carlin Yoder regarding concerns. (Photo by Deb Patterson)