STATEHOUSE (Jan. 26, 2021) – The Indiana House of Representatives today voted in support of legislation co-authored by State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) 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.
Rowray 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.
The 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.
"As a former school board member, I know it is essential we ensure Hoosier schools are fully funded," Rowray said. "Our educators and students need our support now more than ever. This bill advancing to the next step in the legislative process is encouraging and I look forward to getting it over the finish line."
To learn more about House Bill 1003 and watch legislative proceedings online, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) represents House District 35,
which includes portions of Delaware and Madison counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
