A controversial bill that would add political party affiliations to Indiana’s school board elections narrowly passed the House, with heated debates between supporters and opponents. Proponents argue that knowing candidates’ party affiliations would increase transparency and voter turnout, while opponents fear it would inject unnecessary politics and worsen the partisan divide. The bill would require candidates to state their party affiliation on nominating petitions, with partisan candidates having letters next to their names on the ballot. However, a House committee removed the original requirement for school board candidates to run in primary elections, replacing it with a general election designation. The legislation still faces further approval by the Senate before becoming law. The Indiana School Boards Association expressed disappointment with the move towards partisan elections but vowed to work collaboratively to focus on students’ best interests once the bill takes effect on July 1. Additionally, the bill includes a provision to increase board member pay by tying compensation to teacher salaries. Governor Mike Braun aims to raise the minimum to $45,000.
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