SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- On Thursday, Indiana Senate Bill No. 248, authored by Sen. Linda Rogers, Sen. Jeff Raatz, Sen. Ryan Mishler, and Sen. Stacey Donato, was introduced.

The bill would affect how members become part of the board for South Bend Community School Corporation.

If passed, the bill would take effect on July 1, at which point members of the board would be appointed by the Indiana Secretary of Education following a nomination process.

 SBCSC released the following statement regarding the bill:

“The South Bend Community School Corporation is aware that legislation affecting the district has been introduced. As the bill was filed today, the district is reviewing the proposal and will continue to monitor the legislative process. Additional comments will be made as necessary, particularly as the public needs to be aware of the impact on local parents and their children.”

You can view the full bill proposal below:

Rep. Maureen Bauer (Mishawaka and South Bend) released the following statement regarding Senate Bill No. 248:

"I am aware of the legislation filed by State Senator Linda Rogers that would fundamentally change how the South Bend school board is selected, shifting it from an elected body to one appointed by the state. I am deeply concerned by this proposal, which moves decision making away from local voters and toward a centralized, state run model of governance. Decisions about our schools should remain rooted in local control, with transparency, accountability, and meaningful input from the community they serve.

That said, I am actively engaging with legislators and all parties involved to fully understand the intent of this bill and to advocate for outcomes that truly serve South Bend students, families, and educators. Our shared goal should always be strengthening public education and supporting the children and communities who rely on it.

I strongly encourage residents to stay engaged, review the bill, and make their voices heard by contacting members of the Senate Elections Committee. If you are able, please consider coming to the Statehouse to testify and share your concerns in person. Public participation matters, and this decision should not be made without the voices of the people most impacted."