State Senator Karen Tallian (D-Portage) is offering a plan, that would allow alternative adult education services to be available to students in the event a school corporation is unable to fund them. Senate Bill (SB) 287, now under consideration by the General Assembly, would permit the State Board of Education to select another provider outside of the school district to ensure adult education programs are offered in the local area.
“We know that adult education is a critical factor in helping Hoosiers learn new skills and retool our workforce,” Tallian said. “I think it is imperative that the state provide a local adult education system for workers who are willing to make the investment in themselves and the future of our region.”
Funding for adult education services comes from two sources: the state general fund and a match of those funds by the federal government. Under current state law, Indiana school corporations are the only providers with access to Indiana’s adult education fund, despite the federal fund being open to various nonprofit organizations certified in providing adult education services.
Due to a recent reduction in state funding for adult education by Governor Mitch Daniels, school corporations throughout the state are experiencing a severe lack of funding for the programs. In some cases, the funding cuts have resulted in the school corporations being forced to discontinue classes.
Additionally, Sen. Tallian says that the Department of Education is looking to turn over the business of adult education to the Department of Workforce Development (DWD).
In areas such as Portage, this proposed legislation would allow for adult education programs to be resurrected after a lack of funding has forced them to discontinue services.
“Locally, Work One has responded to the problem by reopening a number of adult education sites, but state funds are currently not available to them,” Sen. Tallian said. Under this bill, other local providers could access the state’s adult education fund when the school corporation is unable to meet the demand.
For more information on Sen. Tallian, her legislative agenda or other State Senate business call 1-800-382-9467 or visit www.senatedemocrats.in.gov.