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Indiana Secretary of Training Katie Jenner will probably tackle a twin function overseeing the state’s faculty and college system together with its Ok-12 colleges following a Friday vote.
The Indiana Fee on Increased Training will maintain a particular assembly on Friday to vote on whether or not Jenner will develop into the subsequent Commissioner for Increased Training, in response to a information launch from the Fee on Increased Training despatched Wednesday. Jenner would retain her present function as the pinnacle of the Division of Training accountable for the state’s Ok-12 colleges.
The transfer is a part of an ongoing effort by GOP Gov. Mike Braun to streamline state authorities, giving cupboard heads like Jenner extra duties. In a December announcement reappointing Jenner to the highest Ok-12 job, Braun mentioned her function would come with “establishing a unified, student-centered imaginative and prescient throughout the complete spectrum of training, from Pre-Ok and Ok-12 to school.”
“As we proceed to determine methods to higher serve Hoosier taxpayers, having a confirmed, constant chief instantly overseeing each Ok-12 and better training is the logical subsequent step and can make sure that one of the best curiosity of our college students stays prime of thoughts each step of their academic journey,” Braun mentioned in Wednesday’s announcement.
Present Commissioner of Increased Training Chris Lowery introduced in July that he would go away the function in October.
“The logical subsequent step of Secretary Jenner assuming the function of Commissioner will provide readability and consistency for the Fee, whereas persevering with to drive our mission and ship higher outcomes for Indiana college students, employers, and our state,” Lowery mentioned within the announcement.
Neither the Division of Training nor the Fee on Increased Training instantly responded to a request for remark from Jenner. If the fee votes for her, she is going to start her new function on Oct. 11.
Jenner won’t obtain a pay increase for the brand new function, in response to Division of Training spokesperson Courtney Bearsch. Any future structural modifications to the upper training fee would require legislative motion, Bearsch mentioned.
As the pinnacle of each the Ok-12 and better training methods, Jenner would give attention to larger training accessibility and affordability, the profitable implementation of the state’s new highschool diploma necessities, and trainer preparation packages, amongst different initiatives, in response to the announcement.
Jenner is the state’s first appointed secretary of training, assuming the function in 2021.
The fee will meet on Friday at 1 p.m. at its Indianapolis workplace. The assembly may also be livestreamed.
Aleksandra Appleton covers Indiana training coverage and writes about Ok-12 colleges throughout the state. Contact her at aappleton@chalkbeat.org.
