League of Women Voters drop opposition to Ball State taking over local schools

The League says it changed its stance after learning that BSU is less likely than the state-appointed emergency manager to cut art, music and other classes.

The district would continue to be governed by an emergency management firm if House Bill 1315 isn't enacted. The legislation has passed the House and is scheduled to be heard on Thursday by the Senate Appropriations Committee.

The House version of the bill calls for Ball State to govern financially struggling MCS starting July 1 by appointing a seven-member school board to replace the current five-member elected school board.

Last week, the League issued a "Call to Action" opposing the bill on grounds that it permanently "removes power from the people," requires that only two of the seven school board members reside in Muncie, and establishes a governance structure that is "anything but open, representative, accountable and responsive."

Since then, the League says it has learned that the state's Distressed Unit Appeal Board (DUAB) could appoint a new emergency manager on June 30, when the current emergency manager's contract expires.