INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana State Board of Education voted Wednesday to make sure schools receive their full funding as many continue to meet virtually, though not quite in the way Gov. Eric Holcomb requested.
Currently, state law requires that students receiving 50% or more of their education virtually are currently funded 85% of their normal funding, compared to 100% at in-person schools. This poses a problem for many schools that would ordinarily get their full funding but wouldn’t because they’re doing virtual learning because of COVID-19.
The board voted to allow students who are receiving virtual education because of COVID-19 as full, in-person students.
Holcomb recommended the board delay the Sept. 18 average daily membership count, to a date where presumably more students would be attending school in-person. But the Sept. 18 date will remain in place, as will the next average daily membership date of Feb. 1, 2021.
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If a student is counted as virtual in the February count and in the upcoming September count, they will only be funded at the 85% level. If a student is counted as in-person in the February count but virtual in the September count, they will be funded at 100%.
“I am pleased the State Board of Education took action to implement the Department’s original guidance to provide 100 percent funding for impacted students who receive virtual instruction due to the pandemic associated with the fall count,” Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Jennifer McCormick said. “I am grateful for the many calls and emails made by educators, administrators, parents, and community members to our elected officials. This tireless advocacy created action and change.”
