Indiana teacher pay bill advancing despite criticism

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Many school district administrators and Indiana’s teachers unions are arguing against a legislative proposal that would give districts the authority to negotiate higher pay with individual teachers.

Supporters of the Republican-backed bill say it would help districts recruit teachers in high-demand subjects such areas as science, math and special education.

The Republican-dominated state Senate on Monday rejected an effort to remove those provisions from a bill that won House approval last month. The Senate could vote on the full bill later this week.

Teachers unions argue allowing higher pay for some teachers outside district-wide contracts would cause division among educators. Some school leaders say allowing individual negotiations could overwhelm their administrative staffs.