STATEHOUSE (March 20, 2019) – A bill sponsored by State Sen. Dennis Kruse (R-Auburn) that would work to improve school environments, while engaging the senior citizen community passed the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development today by a vote of 10 to 0.
House Bill 1224 would establish the School Intergenerational Safety Pilot Project, a mentorship program that would be tested in three Indiana schools to foster positive relationships between students and volunteers who are at least 55.
Under the bill, volunteers must be willing to commit to participate in the project for two consecutive school years, and additionally, they would undergo extensive background checks.
“I am confident this project would help create a positive learning environment for students by ensuring they have trusted adults they can turn to for encouragement and support,” Kruse said. “This program would bring people together and gather best practices to make the School Intergenerational Safety Program readily available to more schools in Indiana in the future.”
HB 1224 will now move to the full Senate for further consideration.
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For a high-resolution photo of Sen. Kruse, click here.
