Klinker comments on discussion items for teachers, school districts

Yesterday, several members of the House Democratic Caucus spoke on Senate Bill 486. This legislation includes a provision to make discussions between school districts and teacher unions optional as opposed to mandatory. State Rep. Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis) offered an amendment that would have removed this from the bill. The amendment failed by a vote of 32-62.

State Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) offered the following statement today regarding the amendment, which she spoke in support of:

“As a retired teacher of nearly 35 years in the Lafayette School Corporation, I know firsthand the importance of teachers having the ability to work with their districts to discuss salaries and benefits. Senate Bill 486, as written, weakens teachers' ability to discuss items relating to their compensation and their working conditions. These discussions have the ability to alleviate tensions between teachers and their districts, and must be mandated.

“Mandating these discussions ensures teachers have some say in their salaries, class sizes and other components of their jobs. Unfortunately, we cannot always expect school districts to do right by the teachers unions, and this amendment would have made sure there is clear and open communication between union members and their districts.

“Teachers are already leaving Indiana classrooms – and the state – in droves. Instead of actively working to make their jobs more difficult, we, in the legislature, should be doing everything we can to fund schools, give teachers a livable wage and the support they need to effectively lead their classrooms. This amendment would have helped us do that, and it's a shame it was voted down. While I'm concerned about the impact this bill will have on educators, I'm determined to continue the work to enhance Indiana schools for our teachers, administrators and students.”