Respect for teachers, strong neighborhood schools, and small class sizes where kids can learn and thrive—these values have been part of the fabric of Hoosier life for generations.
But state lawmakers are considering legislation that would undermine these values. For example, school vouchers divert scarce tax dollars to private schools while undercutting our neighborhood public schools. Independent research has found that tuition vouchers that send kids to private schools do not have a positive impact on education.
Another bad idea before the Legislature would cut teachers out of the decision-making process in their schools and silence their voices on behalf of students. Stripping teachers of collective bargaining rights does not improve student achievement.
Our legislators were elected to create jobs, cut wasteful spending and preserve Hoosier values. We should ask them to honor—not undercut—teachers and others who are making a difference every day in the lives of students. We should demand that our elected officials reject this radical legislative agenda that would undermine one of Indiana’s great resources: our public schools.
