News Releases

Ford: Bill to fully fund virtual students in public schools sent to governor's desk 3.16.2021

A bill co-authored by State Sen. Jon Ford (R-Terre Haute) that would fully fund students attending school virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic was concurred on by the Indiana Senate today by a vote of 44-4.

Senate Enrolled Act 2 would provide 100% of the state's per-student funding for students at brick-and-mortar public schools who have gone to virtual instruction for part or all of the 2020-2021 academic year, so long as those students weren't already learning virtually prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under current law, public schools receive 85% of the per-student state funding for any student who gets at least half of their education virtually.

“Before the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual classes were, for the most part, an anomaly, with most Hoosier students attending class in person,” Ford said. “The distribution of school funds heavily depended upon this, leaving schools unprepared for such a significant shift. SEA 2 would ensure schools receive the full amount of funding for students who went virtual due to COVID-19 and in-person students during the 2020-2021 school year.”

SEA 2 will now be sent to Gov. Holcomb for consideration.