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Senate Shuts Down Teacher Hiring Bill

Last updated on Friday, February 26, 2016

(STATE HOUSE) - The Senate decided yesterday they wouldn’t go any further with a bill that might make it easier to hire teachers.

"The bill would allow school administrators to negotiate salaries for people in those shortage areas, outside the collective bargaining agreement, which is what you do in the private sector," said Kevin Brinegar, with the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.

He supported the bill and said the blame for the teacher shortage can go to the union.

"We have pressure being applied by the teachers union because they don't like anything that would amend the union work rules and that has for many many years contributed to the teacher shortage in math, science and special ed."

Senate Pres. Pro Tem David Long said in a statement yesterday that while he does not believe the bill would hurt teachers or their salaries, there has been a large misconception by some that it would and they will head back to the drawing board for next year.

"We believe that the bill's intent to deal with the teacher shortage issue in Indiana was misperceived by some as something that would be harmful to teachers. That was not the bill's intent, nor do I believe that would actually occur. However, it is clear we need to go back to the drawing board, work with the education community and find the right approach to address this issue. I look forward to working with education leaders throughout the state to find the right answer," said Long's statement.

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