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Senate approves bill making Indiana schools chief an appointed post

Republican Jennifer McCormick thanks supporters at an election night rally in Indianapolis, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016 after wining her race for Indiana's Superintendent of Public Instruction. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana voters have elected their final state schools superintendent after the state Senate gave final legislative approval to a bill making the position one appointed by the governor.

The Senate approved the bill 29-19 Tuesday, sending the measure to Gov. Eric Holcomb for his signature. The bill was one of his legislative priorities.

Beginning in 2021, the Indiana Department of Education will be led by a secretary of education. Current Superintendent Jennifer McCormick’s term expires in 2020. She isn’t seeking re-election.

The bill moves up the change by four years as the Republican-dominated Legislature passed a law in 2017 making it an appointed position starting in 2025 after numerous policy disagreements with former Democratic Superintendent Glenda Ritz.

Indiana is one of 13 states with an elected superintendent.

Statements

Superintendent Jennifer McCormick on House Bill 1005: 

“With today’s passing of House Bill 1005, the finish line for serving Indiana’s students with an elected State Superintendent has been determined. As the 44th State Superintendent, and one of only three women elected since 1852, it has been an honor and a privilege to serve. Indiana is home to over 1.2 million students and more than 75,000 educators. Each deserves our complete attention and support. While politics has been interjected into our education, at the end of the day the question should not be, ‘what side of the aisle are you on,’ but ‘are you on the side of kids?’ The 2020 gubernatorial race will deserve greater attention as our students’ futures are dependent upon it. Education impacts all of us. Our children, educators, and school communities deserve a strong, representative voice.”

Gov. Eric Holcomb

“Students are the key to our state’s future. I’ve long been committed to the notion that, as the state’s chief executive, the Governor should be responsible for administering the education policy that comes out of each legislative session and be held accountable for the results. I have great respect for Superintendent Dr. Jennifer McCormick’s commitment to Indiana students. Her decision to not run for re-election provided an opportunity to move up a good idea four years early. Our students and workforce don’t have a day to lose.”