The staffs at Plymouth Schools are showing their support for public education by wearing red every Friday in February. Pictures of administrators, teachers, aides, maintenance personnel, cafeteria workers as well as some students all wearing red shirts began surfacing on social media over the weekend.
Superintendent Daniel Tyree said it is a “silent protest” to bring the need to support public schools to the attention of the public.
Laura Kruyer, co-president of the PEA (Plymouth Education Association) said “Wear Red for Public Ed” is a grassroots initiative. The same type of initiative has been used in several other states since 2011.
Kruyer said, “Public education in Indiana is under attack by our General Assembly. Money is being diverted from public education to promote a privatization of our schools.” She said, “This is an attempt to consolidate schools and is an attack on small and rural schools which is at the heart of our communities.”
School funding equity continues to be debated by state legislators.
Most funding for public schools is based on a formula of dollars per pupil through state and local taxes. The Federal Government’s contribution is roughly 10 percent.
Many public schools that are struggling already believe that Governor Mike Pence’s call to expand the voucher programs where money is extended to private schools could take significant dollars away from public school programs. Still other proposals being debated point to the gaps between the funding per pupil for different school districts.
Pence is asking for an additional $1,500 per student for charter schools at an estimated cost of $41 million over two years. He had said it would fund building work and transportation that traditional schools districts receive from local taxes. Pence’s proposal would increase the vouchers to private schools that is currently capped at $4,800 per elementary student. The number of vouchers now serve some 30,000 students.
Kruyer said, “Those proposing the bills will tout it as a way to equalize funding between fast growing school corporations and schools that are losing enrollment.” She added, “The current complexity index takes into account the number of free and reduced students and students with special needs. The new proposed formula will decrease the amount of money given to schools based on those groups.” “Schools are going to struggle to provide services for the neediest students.” Kruyer said.
Tyree said, “We need to be careful that they don’t let public schools dwindle away.” He said, “It is something that needs to be looked at and talked about. Eventually every student could be educated by a private school.”
Both Tyree and Kruyer shared their concerns over proposed legislation that , if passed, would allow the Indiana State Board of Education to appoint their own chair as opposed to the current method where the Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction automatically holds the position. Tyree said, “Other states do have the position filled by appointment. However, those states also have an elected board.” Currently in Indiana, the State Board of Education is appointed by the governor and the superintendent is elected.
Kruyer said, “Glenda Ritz (Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction) was elected by over 1.3 million Hoosiers who were fed up with the education policies of Tony Bennett (former superintendent). Those Hoosiers went to the polls to cast their votes believing that social change can happen through the democratic process of electing officials.” “Now the General Assembly is trying to silence those voices by disenfranchising Indiana voters as they are set to strip Glenda Ritz of much of her power.” she added.
On February 24, both Tyree and Kruyer will among a group from the schools to lobby at the State House. Tyree said, “We have already talked to legislator’s from our district, but we hope to get to talk to many legislators before they leave to go home after the session.” Others joining Tyree and Kruyer on the trip to the state include Bob Pickell, PEA Vice-president of negotiations; Jim Condon, principal of Plymouth High School; and Larry and Ruthie McCullough, retired Plymouth Schools teachers.
Tyree said he didn’t know how much time they would be given to speak with legislators. At this time, all 2nd and 3rd readings of bills before the legislation must be read before the end of the session. But Tyree said he is hopeful. “At least I’m going to try and hope it will make a difference.” he said. Kruyer said, “We will be speaking with a united voice.’
Carol Anders Correspondent
