Sen. Goode bill looks at governance of potential county school funds
State Sen. Greg Goode, R-Terre Haute, has authored a bill that would create a local oversight board to manage county resources for potential school improvements, should funds become available.
The bill could potentially benefit the Vigo County School Corp., although it applies to all counties.
Goode will present Senate Bill 382 to the Senate Committee on Local Government during a hearing at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Indiana Statehouse, Room 233.
The bill proposes the creation of a local, three-member oversight board to ensure transparency and accountability in managing county resources for potential school improvements, should funds become available, according to a news release through the Indiana Senate Republican press office.
According to the Legislative Services Agency, the bill provides that, if a county transfers or gifts any unencumbered funds or property to a school corporation, a local board must be established to have oversight and manage the use of the funds or property. It also provides that the expenses of the local board shall be paid by the county.
The local three-member board would have one member appointed by the mayor of the city or executive of the town having the largest population within the county; one member appointed by the county fiscal body; and the president of the school board for each school corporation wholly or partially located within the county.
On Thursday, key stakeholders will join Goode to provide testimony in support of the legislation, highlighting its importance for Vigo County's future.
'While it is my name on the bill, SB 382 reflects a tremendous bipartisan collaboration and team effort for the potential greater good of Vigo County,' Goode said in a news release. 'I want to especially thank the leaders of Vigo County, City of Terre Haute, the school corporation and the business community for coming together and working for the advancement of this proposal to state policy makers.'
Goode had no further comment on the bill Tuesday.
Others slated to speak on the bill's behalf include Chris Switzer, Vigo County commissioner; Kristin Craig, president of the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce; Amy Lore, Vigo County School Board member; Brandon Sakbun, Terre Haute mayor; and Andy Volkl, Saturn Petcare COO.
Those interested can also view a livestream of the hearing at bit.ly/4jxggpb
Sue Loughlin can be reached at 812-231-4235 or at sue.loughlin@tribstar.com. Follow Sue on X at @TribStarSue.
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