STATEHOUSE (Jan. 27, 2021) — The Indiana House of Representatives voted Tuesday 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 Rep. Zach Payne (R-Charlestown).
Payne, who co-authored the bill, 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.
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.
"Funding education is a priority, and we are moving this bill quickly on behalf of our hard-working students and teachers," Payne said. "K-12 education is our state's largest budgetary investment, and this bill will make sure schools can continue providing high-quality instruction to young Hoosiers."
House Bill 1003 now advances to the Senate for consideration. To learn more and watch legislative proceedings online, visit iga.in.gov.
-30-
State Rep. Zach Payne (R-Charlestown) represents House District 66, which includes
all of Scott County, most of Jefferson County and northeastern Clark County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
