I’m in Chicago today taking care of some family matters; however I wanted to make sure I jotted down a few thoughts about political activities this past weekend. I managed to attend both the Indiana Democratic Party’s Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner Friday night and the Indiana Young Republicans Convention this weekend. Both functions were well attended, […]

This is the fifth and final installment in a series of blog posts this week regarding the possible takeover of several failing Indianapolis Public Schools by the State of Indiana. There is a debate beginning about whether the Mayor of Indianapolis, regardless of who he or she should have control of the schools.  Let’s all […]

Here’s the latest gossip, rumor and innuendo coming from the Capitol.  Do with it what you will… There’s a lot of speculation about what happened in the impromptu meeting Wednesday afternoon between House Speaker Brian Bosma and Democratic leader Pat Bauer.   Bauer was in town for a “personnel issue” that involved the four legislative leaders […]

The saga that is Indiana’s political scene continues to play itself out.  Here’s today’s assessment of events… House Democrats are entering into their fourth week of self-imposed exile.  A number of us in the media think they will return this week, although it won’t be Tuesday.  There are some positive signs; more talks on “procedural” issues […]

In the debate over education reform in Indiana schools, it took a little while to figure out exactly how the opponents of education reform would try to frame the debate, but they have finally tipped their hand.  They are calling it a “war on public education and a war against teachers”. I find that somewhat […]

As education reform moves through the Indiana General Assembly, I managed to obtain a copy of the State Teacher’s Union (ISTA) talking points on various school reform proposals.  It’s a pretty interesting read, to say the least.  Here are some of the highlights… The proposal would give Dr. Tony Bennett, Superintendent of Public Instruction, “dictatorial […]

It’s not everyday that you get a chance to talk to the Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction and the head of the Indiana State Teachers Association at the same time, but this morning I did. Both Dr. Tony Bennett and Nate Schnellenbeger appeared at a joint news conference promoting mentoring by the Indiana Youth Institute.  […]

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels and Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett unveiled the details of school reform at Wednesday’s meeting of the Education Roundtable. The main goals include… Identifying and rewarding great teachers and principals. Empowering school leaders and bring success to failing schools. Offering equal educational opportunities to all children and give parents a […]

As always there’s nothing like a few Sunday morning tidbits to get the week started.   I do plan to expand on some of these items this week, particularly the Mayor’s re-election bid and the Indianapolis FOP’s decision to pay for David Bisard’s legal defense. Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard all but announced he is going to […]

Critics of Governor Mitch Daniels and Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett are having a field day with recent news that a number of teachers across Indiana are being laid off including one who got a teacher of the the year award. What my friends tend to forget is that teacher layoffs are usually determined […]