Securing Our Workforce Pipeline

​The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce stands at the intersection of education and economic growth where our Success School exemplifies the partnership between public education and workforce development. Indiana's new high school diploma requirements mean that students must now complete 150 hours of work-based learning to better prepare them for postsecondary success. For over two decades, The Success School has been perfectly aligned with this initiative.

As we face potential changes to school funding through Indiana's Senate Bill 1 and 518, we must consider how reducing property tax revenue to public schools could impact essential career preparation programs that serve our community's future workforce.

Our community-focused public school districts—Richland-Bean Blossom (RBB) and Monroe County Community School Corporations (MCCSC) —work hand-in-hand with the Chamber's Success School to deliver real-world career experiences that align with Indiana's Graduation Pathways initiative. This partnership provides students with invaluable opportunities for career shadowing, financial literacy education, internships, and professional mentorship—all crucial components in preparing career-ready graduates.

As highlighted in this Indianapolis Star article about the impact of SB 518,  investing in public education is not just about preparing students for the future—it’s about securing the long-term economic health of our region. By supporting teachers, expanding career exploration programs, and advocating for strong K-12 education policies, we are ensuring that businesses have access to a well-prepared talent pool and that our community continues to thrive.

Chelsea Thompson, principal of IPS' William Penn Middle School, expressed concern that the proposed bill would severely impact the 6,000 students participating in work-based learning programs, describing the funding reduction as devastating for both the district and the broader community. She emphasized that weakening the district would have widespread consequences for the city and state, while also noting strong support for maintaining these vital programs.

Taxpayer Accountability is Essential
Unlike traditional public schools governed by locally elected boards, many charter schools operate without direct community oversight. Instead, state agencies or appointed boards oversee decisions, often with looser financial reporting with little regard for transparency. This means local taxpayers fund schools where they have little say in operations or spending, raising concerns on accountability.

Indiana’s charter oversight has led to major financial and academic failures. Indiana Virtual School and Indiana Virtual Pathways Academy inflated enrollment by 14,000 students, improperly collecting $68 million and funneling $85 million to related companies, triggering a $154 million lawsuit. Carpe Diem Schools expanded too quickly and collapsed within a year, while The Mind Trust awarded a $800,000 fellowship to a charter operator who misrepresented credentials. These cases highlight the risks of weak oversight and the need for strong local control to protect public education funds. The State simply does not have the track record of oversight and compliance to expand this role.  They have even less incentive when the tax dollars used are not from the State. 

Indiana’s Senate Bill 518 proposes sharing property tax revenue with charter schools, raising concerns about accountability and community oversight. The Chamber supports responsible investments in all educational institutions, but we also firmly believe that traditional public schools—accountable to taxpayers—are best positioned to prepare students for successful careers. 

Workforce Partnerships 
Traditional public schools already have established partnerships with workforce development organizations, businesses, and higher education institutions. Diverting local tax dollars to charter schools that lack public accountability risks undermining these efforts, potentially reducing access to business-led career programs like those provided by the Success School.

If local tax revenue is allocated to charter schools: 

• Charter schools should be nonprofit organizations and publicly accountable through open meeting laws and held to the same financial reporting as traditional local education agencies or school districts
• Tax dollars should only support institutions with a proven track record of student outcomes and fiscal prudence.   Local taxpayers deserve transparency in how education funds are spent, ensuring resources strengthen student success and economic development
• Consistent performance record of engagement with the business community that provide workforce readiness programs

Conclusion: A Strong Traditional Public School System is the Best Workforce Pipeline
A thriving local economy depends on well-prepared graduates entering the workforce. Public schools, in partnership with Chambers of Commerce and business leaders, play a critical role in shaping Indiana’s next generation of workers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.

By investing in K12 public education intuitions  and supporting partnerships like the Success School, we can ensure that students graduate career-ready while strengthening our local economy. We urge policymakers to prioritize funding accountability, maintain strong business-school partnerships, and keep public education at the forefront of workforce development.

The future of our economy starts in the classroom—let’s ensure our public schools have the tools to build it.
 

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