VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Vigo County leaders are pushing hard for a new education bill, as they were in Indianapolis Thursday morning, testifying about Senate Bill 382.
The bill was unanimously approved, 10-0, at the statehouse.
It will allow a board of Vigo County and school officials to oversee the use of any county funds or property that the county gives to the school system.
Vigo County School Board Member Amy Lore says the schools are very much in need.
“We are all extremely excited about this opportunity that we have to work with county government and potentially pursue some innovative ways to help our crumbling school infrastructure”, Lore said.
Mayor Brandon Sakbun says the members of the board were chosen to give the county, schools, and resident families a chance to have their voices heard.
“You are balancing public and private partnerships and having conversations from each unit of government, as well as the private sector to have that business perspective in that”, Sakbun said. “Definitely a lot of people coming in, then to top it all off, you have a school board member. Ultimately, the school board is looking at the facility study and the demographics.”
County Commissioner Chris Switzer added that the bill does not allocate funding for schools but rather ensures a transparent and collaborative process if resources become available.
“I think the commitment that we are showing today, with this board of directors, is the right way to show the community that we are moving forward in a positive direction with additional accountability”, Switzer said.
The process is just getting started, as the bill must pass a second and third hearing before transferring over to the house.
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