STATEHOUSE (Jan. 27, 2021) – The Indiana House of Representatives recently voted in support of legislation to fully fund all K-12 public school students for the 2020-21 school year, regardless of whether students attended classes in-person or virtually due to COVID-19, according to State Reps. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) and Tom Saunders (R-Lewisville).
"Our schools and educators have been working hard to teach their students during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak," Barrett said. "For the safety of Hoosiers, this has meant learning virtually when necessary. These schools should receive full funding and not be penalized for prioritizing the health of the community."
Barrett said the pandemic caused many traditional public schools to shift from in-person classes to remote learning. Under current law, schools receive 85% of tuition support per virtual student, which is defined as a child learning 50% or more of their instruction online. This means many schools would qualify for the lower funding amount because of moving classes online.
"It is important we support our schools, teachers and students as they face many challenges this year caused by the pandemic," Saunders said. "Fully funding Indiana schools is necessary for our young Hoosiers to continue getting the resources and quality education they deserve."
Saunders said this legislation, which now advances to the Senate for consideration, would help mitigate requirements under current law and allow K-12 public schools to receive 100% funding for each student, whether they attended classes in-person or virtually.
To learn more about House Bill 1003 and watch legislative proceedings online, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) represents House District 56,
which includes portions of Wayne County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Tom Saunders (R-Lewisville) represents House District 54,
which includes Henry County and portions of Rush and Wayne counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
