Schools to be rewarded based on performance

Indiana (WLFI) - Two lawmakers in our area announced a new proposal to financially reward schools based on performance.

State Senator Brandt Hershman and State Representative Randy Truitt announced their proposed legislation to award high performing public schools with additional money.

Their proposal calls for awarding an additional $500 for every student that passes the I-STEP with an 85 percent or higher rate on both math and the english, language arts portions of the test.

“This is an opportunity to not only reward school corporations through out the entire state but also set a bar where other school corporations have something to strive for as we continue to look for ways to improve our education climate,” said Rep. Truitt.

“In recent years, we have enacted a number of reforms to try and drive enhanced performance from our school systems based upon a balance of accountability innovation and financial incentives,” said Senator Hershman.

According to the legislatures last year, 15 Indiana schools surpassed the proposed 85 percent threshold.

West Lafayette Community School Corporation achieved the second highest in the state.