The Indiana House of Representatives voted in support of legislation co-authored by State Rep. Todd Huston (R-Fishers) to help direct more money to teachers.
House Bill 1003 would establish clear spending goals to help local school districts prioritize teacher pay. Teacher pay decisions are made at the local level through collective bargaining and budget decisions. Huston said the proposal sets a target for public schools to make every reasonable effort to ensure that 85 percent of their state funds are going to the classroom.
Huston
“Across the state, we have thousands of dedicated teachers helping students succeed,” said Huston, co-chair of the House Ways and Means Committee. “Focusing efforts on where schools are allocating their funds and encouraging officials to shift that money directly to classrooms will help educators get the compensation they deserve.”
According to Huston, if all of Indiana’s traditional public school corporations meet the target goal, up to $350 million would stay in the education fund, from which teachers are paid. Huston said the policy is not a mandate for corporations that do not meet the 85 percent objective.
Huston said the bill would also provide lawmakers with key teacher salary data showing how education funds are being spent. This data would be used to increase transparency and inform future budgeting and policy decisions at both local and statewide levels.
“We worked with our education partners to develop this bill, setting reasonable and appropriate spending targets for our schools to help put more money in teachers’ pockets,” Huston said. “Each school district operates differently, so having a comprehensive understanding of how money is being spent will help as we continue conversations to find a more permanent solution.”
Huston’s legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration. Visit iga.in.gov to learn more.
State Rep. Todd Huston (R-Fishers) represents House District 37, which includes portions of Hamilton County.