IBLC members serve as panelists for Administrators of Color – Preparing for the Future Conference

INDIANAPOLIS – Yesterday (Sept. 9), multiple members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) participated as panelists for the Embracing Your Power: Black Educators Forging Paths in Leadership panel. The panel was part of the Administrators of Color – Preparing for the Future Conference, hosted by the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents.

IBLC members who served as panelists include IBLC Chair State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), State Rep. John Bartlett (D-Indianapolis), State Sen. Andrea Hunley (D-Indianapolis), Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis), State Sen. Lonnie Randolph (D-East Chicago), State Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis) and State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary).

Below are statements from members of the IBLC regarding the panel:  

“The education of Hoosier students directly impacts the future of our state,” Harris said. “It is crucial that we center the needs of students and teachers so they are given every opportunity to succeed.

“Various issues have placed an undue burden on our educational system. As a legislator, I relish opportunities like yesterday to speak directly with leaders in the education community, and I hope that by working together, we can address the faults and improve our state’s education.”

“I am grateful to have the opportunity to speak about the ongoing challenges faced by teachers and administrative staff,” Bartlett said. “We need to better serve our education community, but to do that, we need to make our voices heard in the Statehouse. Remember that the Statehouse is the People’s House.”

“Yesterday’s Administrators of Color Panel felt like a family reunion in the truest sense,” Hunley said. “It was a privilege to stand alongside mentors who have shaped my journey and who I’ve had the honor to serve with throughout the years. These are not just colleagues; they are champions for our children and our communities. 

“As someone who has taught for seven years and served as a public school administrator for 10, I carry an unwavering respect for those who dedicate themselves to the noble cause of public education. Our panel didn’t just reflect on the challenges; we dug into what’s most urgent as we approach the 2025 budget session: protecting public school funding. We owe it to our students, educators and communities to ensure the resources they need are not just maintained but expanded. This work is deeply personal to me, and I stand ready to fight for the future of our schools.” 

“It was an incredible event that brought together legislators, administrators and educators of color to build a common agenda,” Porter said. “I’m grateful I was included in yesterday’s discussion since I heard directly from administrators before the 2025 budget session. We spend half of our budget on public education, and we need to use that funding to support our students no matter their tax bracket.”

“Yesterday’s education panel was an excellent opportunity for educators to engage directly with legislators and share their concerns and insights,” Shackleford said. “I’m grateful to have been a part of such a meaningful discussion and driving force that continues to support our Hoosier students. Following the event, educators are more motivated than ever to deepen their understanding of advocacy and amplify their voices further.”

“I’ve been on the Education Committee for a long time and an educator for even longer,” said Smith. “During my tenure, I’ve seen taxpayer dollars diverted from public schools and multiple failed attempts at reform. It’s no secret that our majority-minority schools have suffered the most from failed reform. At yesterday’s panel, I told our educators to mobilize and advocate for change. Specifically, we must call for equitable school funding during the next budget. I hope the rest of the public will do the same.”