summary
Introduced
01/13/2025
01/13/2025
In Committee
03/13/2025
03/13/2025
Crossed Over
02/18/2025
02/18/2025
Passed
04/01/2025
04/01/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
05/06/2025
05/06/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
School board matters. Requires a petition of nomination for a school board office to state one of the following: (1) The candidate's political party affiliation. (2) That the candidate is an independent candidate. (3) That the candidate elects not to disclose any affiliation with a political party or that the candidate is not affiliated with a political party and does not identify as an independent candidate. Specifies that unless a candidate who states a political party affiliation is challenged, the candidate's statement must be indicated on the ballot. Provides that the name of a candidate for school board office who does not run in affiliation with a political party or as an independent candidate must be printed with a blank space after the candidate's name signifying that the candidate elects not to disclose any affiliation with a political party or that the candidate is not affiliated with a political party and does not identify as an independent candidate. Specifies that a straight party vote does not count for any candidate for a school board office. Requires a school board vacancy to be filled by: (1) a caucus if the vacating member stated an affiliation with a major political party; and (2) the remaining members of the governing body if the vacating member did not state an affiliation with a major political party. Modifies the annual amount that the governing body of a school corporation may pay a member of the governing body from $2,000 (under current law) to an amount not to exceed 10% of the lowest starting salary of a teacher employed by the school corporation.
AI Summary
This bill modifies various aspects of school board elections and governance in Indiana. It requires candidates for school board positions to specify their political party affiliation, independent status, or elect not to disclose any party affiliation when filing a nomination petition. Candidates affiliated with a major political party must have voted in the two most recent primary elections or receive certification from their county party chairman. The bill changes ballot formatting to reflect these new affiliation options, including printing a blank space after the name of candidates who choose not to disclose party affiliation. Importantly, the bill stipulates that a straight party vote will not count for school board candidates, meaning voters must make individual selections for school board positions. For school board vacancies, the bill introduces a new procedure: if the vacating member was affiliated with a major political party, the vacancy must be filled by a caucus; if not, the remaining board members will appoint a replacement. Additionally, the bill modifies the compensation for school board members, changing the annual payment from a fixed $2,000 to an amount not exceeding 10% of the lowest starting teacher salary in the school corporation. These changes aim to provide more transparency in school board elections and create a more flexible system for filling board vacancies.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (8)
Gary Byrne (R)*,
Blake Doriot (R)*,
Chris Garten (R)*,
Michelle Davis (R),
Mike Gaskill (R),
Bob Heaton (R),
J.D. Prescott (R),
Tim Wesco (R),
Last Action
Public Law 195 (on 05/06/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
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