Indiana Senate Passes Partisan School Board Bill

The Indiana Senate narrowly passed Senate Bill 287, which would require school board candidates to declare a party affiliation, run as independent, or choose a nonpartisan option—marked as a blank space on ballots—departing from the state's current nonpartisan system. The bill passed by a single vote and now goes to Gov. Mike Braun for approval. Supporters say the measure gives voters more information, while opponents warn it could deter qualified candidates, particularly federal employees concerned about Hatch Act violations. Amendments clarify procedures for filling board vacancies based on departing members' affiliations. The legislation also raises school board member pay, tying it to a percentage of the district's lowest starting teacher salary. If signed, Indiana would become one of the few states with partisan school board elections, counter to national trends.