Posted on 11/05/2012 12:31:48 PM PST by Kaslin
If the Indiana State Teachers Association had its way, 2011 never would have happened.
While much of the focus was on the antics of leftists at the Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin and their efforts to subvert Gov. Scott Walkers reforms, Indiana endured its share of union silliness, too.
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels and State Superintendent Tony Bennett were pursuing a bold plan to remake the government education system and expand educational options for families. Enacting the first statewide school choice program in the country, the duo led the nation with a comprehensive education reform plan.
That program was, of course, contested in court by the Indiana State Teachers Association. The union lost. Families now have school choice because of Daniels and Bennett.
The natural union reaction was to exact revenge and thats precisely what its attempting to do in this years state superintendent race.
Bennetts Democratic opponent is Glenda Ritz. Shes was on the ISTA board of directors when the union experienced a financial meltdown of its insurance arm. ISTA Trust, which provided health and disability insurance to dozens of school districts, lost $67 million of school money due to mismanagement and was subsequently investigated by the FBI. The situation for the ISTA was so bad that its parent organization, the National Education Association, took over day-to-day operations.
Ritz wants to bring that type of leadership to the state level.
Curiously, in its endorsement of Ritz, the ISTA didnt list that experience, nor did it mention Ritz was president of the Washington Township Education Association, a suburban Indianapolis local teachers union.
The ISTA likely doesnt want voters to realize that its trying to install one of its own in the statehouse, right across the street from its massive headquarters. That would make the union seem self-serving, which is exactly what it has been for decades.
Regardless of the unions intentions or its efforts to gloss over its candidates history, the election comes down to a contrast in visions for education. Will voters endorse bold reform and expanded choice, or ISTAs agenda of collective bargaining over the color of the paint in the teachers lounge and other adult-centered issues? Well find out next week.
Is there an Indiana ping list? Please a add name if so.
I wouldn’t vote for a stinking Rat union slug anyway
but I will relish voting Tony Bennett that much more knowing it will help keep this Glenda Ritz out of our State offices.
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