Pence concentrates on jobs, education

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Governor Mike Pence is engaged in a concerted effort to rebuild his image following the RFRA controversy.

He’s trying to focus on two issues: jobs and education.

Wednesday he was at a GM announcement near Fort Wayne.

On Thursday the governor was at IPS School 88 to conduct a ceremonial bill signing.

It’s a way the governor can highlight accomplishments of the General Assembly even after a bill has become law.

In this case it’s a bill that lifts regulations at some schools across the state and gives teachers the opportunity to make more money. IPS 88 took part in a pilot program.

“We’re giving students and our teachers the best opportunities to be successful in our classroom,” said IPS Superintendent Lewis Ferebee.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to ceremonially sign into law a bill that will give more freedom to teach,” said Pence. “More innovation, and most important of all, will make it more possible for our teachers to be able to do their jobs in new and fresh ways to help our kids achieve their full potential now and in the future.”

It’s also an opportunity for Pence to win some teacher support at a time when Glenda Ritz, the state school superintendent who is a teacher favorite, is expected to announce a bid next week to challenge the governor in 2016.