Vince Bertram Resigns From State Board Of Education

Vince Bertram resigned from the State Board of Education over the weekend.

Former Gov. Mike Pence appointed Bertram to the state board in 2015 and Gov. Eric Holcomb reappointed him last year. In his resignation letter to the governor, Bertram says increasing demands as president and CEO of Project Lead The Way, a STEM-focused education group, conflict with his role on the board.

“It just makes it very difficult with my travel schedule to be 100 percent committed to attending board meetings and doing the due diligence necessary to make good decisions on the board,” he says.

Bertram says he had been contemplating the decision for months, because of the rapid growth of Project Lead The Way. The group has programs in nearly 12,000 schools nationwide.

“I just did not feel that it was right to the state board or to teachers or children across the state to not be able to fully commit to the State Board of Education,” he says.

In a statement, Holcomb praised Bertram’s work.

“Vince sets high expectations and is driven to ensure all students receive access to the best opportunities,” Holcomb said. “I know he’ll continue to advocate for Hoosier students, families and educators.”

Eight of the state board’s 11 members are appointed by the governor, and Holcomb has appointed or reappointed nearly all of those eight in his term so far. He’s expected to name Bertram’s replacement in early 2019. Four other board members’ terms are set to expire in June.