S-OCS School Board President Derek Morgan attended the Indiana School Boards Association’s sixth annual State House Day at the Indianapolis Hyatt Regency on February 6, 2024.
The annual gathering offered school board members an in-depth briefing on the education bills under debate this session, informative panel discussions with top lawmakers, and a special opportunity to connect with representatives and senators from their area.
The morning opened with a conversation and audience Q&A with leaders from the four legislative caucuses discussing their respective legislative agendas.
ISBA Executive Director Terry Spradlin and ISBA General Counsel Lisa Tanselle then provided an update on bills impacting the education community, as well as an overview of ISBA’s advocacy efforts to date. Following the briefing, the chairs and ranking minority members of the House and Senate education committees participated in a panel discussion.
During lunch, attendees were seated with legislators from their region, providing an opportunity for school board members to share their personal stories and speak about the issues they care about. Finally, board members made their way across Washington Street to the State House for additional meetings with lawmakers.
Mr. Morgan said, “Attending ISBA’s State House Day was an enlightening experience, providing crucial insights into legislative agendas and fostering meaningful connections with lawmakers.
Events like this are an invaluable asset in helping advance the interests of Spencer-Owen Community Schools.”
The annual event is part of ISBA’s award-winning Legislative Action Network, a program that leverages the unified voices of Indiana school board members to inform, influence, and shape sound education policy.
The legislative leadership panel featured House Speaker Pro Tempore Mike Karickhoff, Senate Assistant Majority Caucus Chair Eric Bassler, House Minority Leader Phil GiaQuinta, and Senate Assistant Minority Leader Shelli Yoder.
The education committee panel consisted of House Education Committee Chair Bob Behning, Senate Education and Career Development Committee Chair Jeff Raatz, House Education Committee Ranking Minority Member Vernon Smith, and Senate Education and Career Development Committee Ranking Minority Member J.D. Ford.