FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 15, 2026) —State Sen. Linda Rogers (R-Granger) announced today that she has chosen to withdraw Senate Bill 248, which would have established a new selection process for the South Bend Community School board, from consideration by the General Assembly.
SB 248, authored by Rogers, would have created a local school board nominating commission made up of local stakeholders to nominate a pool of potential board members from which the Indiana Secretary of Education would have selected the new governing body.
SB 248 received feedback from many advocates when it was heard in the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development on Wednesday, Jan. 14.
"Over the last year, I worked with many local stakeholders, including education and community leaders and parents, who all agreed that something needed to be done to help turn the tide and improve outcomes in our South Bend schools," Rogers said. "After hearing the testimony this week, I agree that this is not the right solution at this time. I am grateful to all of those who shared their thoughts on this bill, and I hope that even though this piece of legislation is not moving forward, I was able to garner some thoughtful conversation on the significant issues the South Bend Community Schools are facing."
Rogers plans to continue to support the progress of the South Bend Community Schools and will keep working with local stakeholders to help improve the most pressing issues the schools face.
"I appreciate the steps the current leaders are taking to address the challenges we see in South Bend Community Schools, and I hope we can see some positive change come from these initiatives," Rogers said. "I am dedicated to ensuring the success of our Hoosier children. I want them to receive the best possible education so they can be successful in all their future endeavors."
One recommendation Rogers has heard is the possibility of establishing an advisory board made up of parents, community leaders and educators who can provide input to the school board.
"I look forward to continuing to collaborate with those in my community, especially Sens. Ryan Mishler and David Niezgodski, who have been working with me and offering advice on this legislation," Rogers said. "I hope we can continue to find ways to help and support the South Bend Community Schools now and in the future."
Rogers can be reached by filling out a "Contact Me" form online at www.IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Rogers or by phone at 800-382-9467.
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State Sen. Linda Rogers (R-Granger) represents Senate District 11,
which includes portions of Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
Contact: Emma Balzer, Deputy Communications Director
Emma.Balzer@iga.in.gov
317-232-7184
