STATEHOUSE (June 13, 2017) — The Indiana State Budget Committee today approved nearly $2 million for the Excellence in Performance Grant program, according to State Rep. Tim Brown (R-Crawfordsville) and State Sen. Luke Kenley (R-Noblesville).
“Funds provided under this grant are specifically awarded to highly effective teachers in Title I schools,” said Brown, chair of the State Budget Committee. “These educators work in the state’s highest-need schools and are dedicated to being a positive influence on the students in their classrooms, regardless of their special needs or obstacles they may face.”
According to Kenley, who will soon chair the committee once Brown’s term expires, 569 teachers in 48 Indiana schools will receive a cash award this year.
“The recipients of this grant go above and beyond to prepare Hoosier children for their academic futures,” Kenley said. “They deserve recognition, and I am pleased this grant is able to honor their efforts.”
School districts applying for the grant must be a Title I Focus or Priority school. These schools serve a high percentage of children from low-income households and receive financial assistance to help ensure their students meet academic standards. Selections, which are made by the Indiana Department of Education and then reviewed by the State Budget Committee after a competitive application process, are based on staff performance evaluations and the development of career pathways in school corporations. Approved schools then provide cash awards to highly effective educators working in their corporations.
A list of schools receiving funds under the Excellence in Performance Grant program is attached and can be found here. Information about the application process can be found online at www.doe.in.gov.
