Bill To Fully Fund All K-12 Public School Students This Year Advances To Senate
News Release
INDIANA — State Rep. Craig Snow (R-Warsaw) and the Indiana House of Representatives voted Tuesday, Jan. 26, in support of legislation to fully fund all K-12 public school students for the 2020-21 school year, regardless of whether students attended classes in-person or virtually due to COVID-19.
Snow said the pandemic caused many traditional public schools to shift from in-person classes to remote learning. Under current law, schools receive 85% of tuition support per virtual student, which is defined as a child learning 50% or more of their instruction online. This means many schools would qualify for the lower funding amount because of moving classes online. The legislation, which now advances to the Senate for consideration, would help mitigate requirements under current law and allow K-12 public schools to receive 100% funding for each student, whether they attended classes in-person or virtually.
“This past year has been full of changes and transitions for all Hoosiers, including our schools that have adapted and modified their services to keep students and staff safe,” Snow said. “Ensuring our schools continue to provide the best education they can, with the certainty they will receive full funding, is critical. Let’s keep the focus on our students and their academic success.”
The House voted in support of the bill 93-2, and now heads to the House Ways and Means committee for consideration.