(FROM INDIANA PUBLIC BROADCASTING)
Governor-elect Mike Braun doubled down on his outlook for the future of Indiana schools and students. Braun holds strong to his campaign pitches in his first-term agenda.
The newly elected governor says he wants to address the teacher shortage by increasing base salaries for educators and encouraging students to consider the career through apprenticeship programs.
In a more controversial policy, Braun’s agenda seeks to limit gender identity conversations in schools and ensure that transgender girls are not allowed to play in girls’ sports. That’s already established in state law.
Braun will direct the state’s Department of Education to study the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent mask mandates on school children.
Any new policies from Braun would require legislative input and likely laws to be passed.
Senate and House leaders have already hinted that some of Braun’s wishes – like school choice expansion – could come up during session. They plan to unveil their priorities for session in early January.
