INDIANA – Indiana lawmakers held a hearing Monday on a bill that would allow school board candidates to declare a political party affiliation on the ballot.
Under Senate Bill 188, all candidates would have a political party affiliation next to their name on the ballot or would run as independent candidates.
The idea, which is backed by some Republican lawmakers, was discussed in a committee hearing in the House last year. But the bill died after no one testified in support.
The Indiana School Boards Association is voicing its concern over the senate bill.
The Indiana School Boards Association’s executive director Terry Spradlin argued against senate bill 188.
“School board candidates should be elected on their own qualifications; merit, experience, and platform no matter their party affiliation,” Spradlin said.
However, State Senator Jack Sandlin (R-Indianapolis), the author of Senate Bill 188 said, “I find that there’s a large interest in having people designate their party in school board elections.”
The committee chairman, State Sen. Jon Ford (R-Terre Haute), did not hold a vote on the bill Monday since lawmakers will continue to work on the legislation, he said. He did not indicate when the bill may get a vote to advance out of committee.
