Johnson responds to Bray’s letter threatening Hoosier public schools with funding cuts

INDIANAPOLIS- State Representative Blake Johnson (D-Indianapolis) today released the following statement after schools received a letter yesterday from Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) stating that schools who choose to operate virtually will be at risk for funding cuts.

The letter states that students who receive half or more of their instruction online will be funded 15% less than traditional students. This percentage comes from the amount of funding virtual charter schools received per student, but does not take into account the fixed costs for public schools such as building rent, electricity, and school administration costs.

“It's inexcusable that legislative leaders would threaten further disinvestment in Hoosier public education simply because a school decides to protect their students from a public health crisis,” Johnson stated. “We are constantly asking educators to go above and beyond – to educate, empower and protect our children - but when they choose to go virtual for that exact reason, Republican legislative leaders threaten funding cuts.

“As local leaders and educators face these extraordinary challenges head-on, the Legislature should be fortifying and deepening our investment in public education, not asking districts to choose between their already limited funding and the health and safety of their students and staff.”