Founded in 1949 and established as an autonomous nonprofit in 1967, ISBA has grown into the premier voice for public education governance in Indiana. Its mission is clear: to promote excellence in local school governance and serve as a powerful advocate for Indiana’s public schools and the students they serve. Executive Director Terry Spradlin explains,“Our goal is to empower school boards with the knowledge, resources, and training they need to make the best possible decisions for their communities. Every policy, every law, and every initiative should come back to what is best for the students of Indiana.” A MISSION ROOTED IN GOVERNANCE AND ADVOCACY ISBA’s vision extends beyond policy manuals and legislative briefings. At its heart, the association is committed to strengthening public education by elevating board governance, advancing advocacy, and supporting leadership development. Membership spans the entire state, encompassing both urban and rural districts. Whether a large metropolitan board or a small rural one, each member receives guidance on legal compliance, policy development, board training, and legislative advocacy. In a state with more than 1,500 pages of education law and administrative rules, ISBA provides essential clarity and direction. NAVIGATING LEGISLATIVE CHALLENGES One of the most pressing policy issues currently facing Indiana schools is the state’s proposed block grant for K-12 education. Introduced by the Department of Education, this initiative seeks to consolidate funding streams into a simplified model. While the proposal promises efficiency, ISBA is closely monitoring its potential impact. “We have to ensure that the block grant system does not inadvertently disadvantage certain populations, including English language learners and students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds,” says Spradlin. The proposal is still open for public comment, and ISBA is playing a key role in helping districts 147 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 10 INDIANA SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION (ISBA)
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx