Blog & Statehouse Notes
This space serves as vital resource for those who are dedicated to preserving and enhancing public education in Indiana. Through insightful articles, updates, and analysis, ICPE provides timely information on legislative actions, policy changes, and advocacy efforts impacting Indiana’s public education system. We strive to empower stakeholders with the knowledge and tools necessary to support and defend public education.
Vic’s Statehouse Notes #365
Dear Friends, WTHR, Channel 13, the NBC affiliate in Indianapolis, reported that more than 200 people signed up to testify at the Wednesday February 16 hearing on the most contentious education bill this session, House Bill 1134. Senator Raatz, chair of the Senate...
Celebrate Public Schools Week 2022!
What you can do to celebrate Public Schools Week Feb. 21-25, 2022 Monday, February 21 -- Join us for ICPE’s Day of Action at the Statehouse. The program begins at 2 p.m. in the north atrium. Visit your legislators beforehand if possible, and write...
Public Schools Unite Us – ICPE Day of Action
In these divisive times we need you to come together for our public schools. We’re taking a slightly different approach to our Statehouse event this year. What hasn’t changed: It’s on Presidents Day, (Monday, Feb. 21), with the program beginning at 2 p.m. in the North...
Amended HB 1134 Analysis
Joel Hand’s analysis of HB 1134 with the proposed amendment as of Feb. 15, 2022 Overall, HB 1134 with the proposed amendment will remain a bad bill, but it is less bad than it was. What the amendment removes: The amendment strikes ALL of the House Engrossed version of...
Vic’s Statehouse Notes #364 – HB 1134
Dear Friends, Thank you for your notes and messages to lawmakers! They have helped kill House Bill 1182 that would have made school boards partisan. This is significant! Your grassroots efforts make a tremendous difference when bad ideas are considered by lawmakers....
Vic’s Statehouse Notes #363
Dear Friends, House Bill 1252 is a flawed plan for remediation and enrichment for students who performed poorly on ILEARN. How is it flawed? Here are ten flaws that need to be fixed on the House floor on second reading. House Bill 1252 would allow millions of dollars...
Vic’s Statehouse Notes #362
Dear Friends, The Indiana Treasurer’s office is building an online portal that could be used to dismantle public education in Indiana. Now the Treasurer wants more money to build it and maintain it. This move should be resisted by all who support public education....
Vic’s Statehouse Notes #360
Dear Friends on MLK Day, HB 1134 and SB 167 are nearly identical bills. In actions last week, HB 1134 has advanced out of committee by a vote of 8-5 and now goes to the House floor. SB 167 was removed from Wednesday’s Senate Education Committee agenda after sparking a...
Vic’s Statehouse Notes #359
Dear Friends, In a stunning break with Hoosier tradition, House Bill 1182 would change school boards from non-partisan to partisan. It’s time to contact your legislators before the bill is heard on Tuesday to express your strong opposition to this damaging change to...
Why ICPE?
As we bid farewell to 2021, ICPE Board Member and Founder, Dr. Vic Smith, explains the critical importance of ICPE: "Public education in Indiana needs a strong voice of general citizens who agree that the future of our democracy and the success of our local...
What public school advocates need to know about SEL
(With great thanks to our friends at the Indiana School Counselor Association for sharing their expertise) An old memory emerged as I was writing this blog. I was in second grade in IPS School 52 in Haughville. A girl I considered to be a friend was walking in front...
Vic’s Statehouse Notes #358
Dear Friends, All who support public education In Indiana should know that Republican leaders in the General Assembly have advanced a plan to make school boards partisan instead of non-partisan. Let legislators know of your strong opposition to this stunning change as...
Not a member? Donate and join today!
Questions? Contact us at info@indianacoalitionforpubliced.org