Local lawmakers call for more transparency in school corporation spending
By Krystall Shull
State Senator Jim Banks of Columbia City and State Senator Carlin Yoder of Middlebury are working to increase transparency in school corporation spending.
Banks and Yoder introduced Senate Resolution 7 calling for a legislative review of information included in instructional and non-instructional spending in public schools. The northeast Indiana lawmakers are both members of the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development.
“A more open and transparent exchange surrounding school spending will ensure that Hoosier tax dollars are used in the most effective and impactful ways,” Banks said. “Increased transparency will not only help lawmakers be the best stewards of taxpayer dollars, but also guarantee Hoosier children receive more resources necessary for success in the classroom.”
According to the most recent report from the Indiana Office of Management and Budget, 41 cents of every education dollar does not go to instruction.
“What exactly does that 41 cents go toward?” Yoder asked. “We owe it to parents and taxpayers to find out.”
Banks added that the legislative review will allow school corporations to simplify and focus their spending.
Yoder said state leaders need to find and harness the areas of spending that benefit students the most.
“Every tax dollar spent toward public education should be accounted for to reassure Hoosiers their money is being used wisely.”
Hoosiers can get a full updated copy of the legislation online by visiting http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/2012/SRESF/SR0007.html.