INDIANAPOLIS—Senate Bill (SB) 248 concerning the South Bend Community School Corporation, authored by Sen. Linda Rogers, has been filed. State Senator David Niezgodski (D-South Bend) issues the following statement.
“The only tool of measurement for any legislation impacting our local schools should be our students’ achievement of academic excellence. It is the only mark of evidence that will ever gain the support of our community.
“I know the authors of SB 248 have true regard for higher student achievement, but I am fervently expressing my belief that further collaboration must take place. A solution integrating the voices of parents, educators and local stakeholders is key and should be central to ongoing conversations concerning the future of our local community.
“I have spoken with Senator Rogers and shared with her my belief that greater South Bend community input is necessary. Additionally, I have also requested a meeting early next week with Secretary of Education Katie Jenner to share my deepest concern for SB 248 to include greater inclusion of our local community.
“Over the past year, I have heard directly from residents about both the challenges and successes in our schools and I take seriously my responsibility to represent these perspectives at the Statehouse. South Bend’s leaders also have a deep investment in the success of our students. Our community values stability and local leadership, and this shall always remain my highest priority for the families I stand for.
“I will continue advocating for solutions that respect local input and support our children, educators and schools.”
