Klinker stands against partisan school boards. expresses deep concern about SB 287

 Senate Bill 287 makes Indiana’s school board elections partisan, requiring candidates to run as Democrat, Republican, Independent or with a blank space next to their name. The bill passed in the Senate and passed in the House Elections and Apportionment Committee. SB 287 has stalled on the House floor despite being eligible for a final House vote for three session days this week.  

State Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) released the following statement regarding her deep concerns with partisan school boards:

“I’m deeply concerned about this bill. I was a teacher at Miami Elementary and Tecumseh Middle School for 34 years and during my decades as an educator, I never thought 'Our schools need more politics.' Our schools, teachers and administrators need help. Partisan elections do not solve any of the problems they are now facing. As a teacher, I never knew the politics of my school board members, and I never asked. 

“Our school board candidates should be elected based on their principles, educational background and desires for our children. I fear good candidates will be judged by a letter next to their name, not by their plans for our future. We do not need more division or polarization. I want my school board to serve our children first, not the desires of a political party.”