Long House Discussion On Ball State-Muncie Schools Plan Affects Few Changes
The bill that would allow for Ball State University to run Muncie Community Schools is now one step closer to law. After an hour-long discussion on the House floor Wednesday, only one amendment dealing with Muncie was successfully added to the bill. IPR’s Tony Sandleben reports on what’s different and what’s next for the measure.
Some lawmakers groaned as House Bill 1315 was introduced because of the 32 proposed amendments attached. Two of those passed – one talking about Gary schools and one talking about Muncie.
“What other surprises might be in store for the citizens of Muncie? I don’t want out-of-district school board appointments to be one of them.”
The successful amendment wasn’t one that Democratic Muncie Representative Sue Errington wrote, but it was similar. Errington insisted all members of a Ball State-appointed school board for Muncie Community Schools live within the district’s boundaries.
Republican Representative Tim Brown authored the full bill and the Ball State proposal amendment.
“Why would we not want a Bill Gates potentially on the board? An Oprah Winfrey. A John Schnatter, who has a lot of Muncie ties. A David Letterman. An Arnie Duncan. Somebody who’s made a difference in the lives of kids. Would we not want their expertise?”
His amendment now ensures at least two members will live within the MCS borders. But, it leaves the door open for the rest of the appointed members to come from anywhere.
Read More: First Boston, Now Muncie? Lessons From A University-School Collaboration
The bill needs to be voted on one more time in the House, before it continues its journey in the General Assembly this session. The deadline for that vote is Monday.
IPR’s Stephanie Wiechmann contributed to this report.
