DR. STEVE YAGER APPOINTED TO STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION – Straight From The Senate

I recently appointed long-time Allen County educator Dr. Steve Yager to serve on the Indiana State Board of Education (SBOE), which plays a critical role in the state’s K-12 education system. Yager’s dedication to academic excellence will greatly benefit the Board and I am eager to see the impact his expertise will have on Hoosier students and schools.

Yager served as the Superintendent of Northwest Allen County Schools for nearly two decades before taking the job as Superintendent of Southwest Allen County Schools in 2009, where he served diligently until his retirement last year.

In addition to his years as a superintendent, Yager has served as a principal, school counselor and a teacher. He has earned five advanced degrees in education-related topics, including a doctorate in secondary school administration from Indiana State University.

Perhaps most importantly, Yager has a proven record of accomplishment and leadership in our local schools where has earned widespread respect from students, parents, faculty and members of the surrounding community.

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My appointment comes under a new law that passed the General Assembly this year. Senate Enrolled Act 1 reforms the makeup of the 11-member SBOE in an effort to improve its effectiveness and eliminate the dysfunction it has experienced in recent years.

One way this is achieved is by diversifying the appointments to the Board. Under the new law, the governor’s appointments are reduced from 10 to 8 and the leaders of the Indiana Senate and House of Representatives are each charged with appointing one member of the Board. The State Superintendent of Public Instruction also remains a member of the Board.

The new law ensures geographic and political diversity on the Board, and requires at least six Board members to have professional experience in education.

The new Board members appointed under this legislation, including my appointment of Dr. Yager, began their service on June 1.

I’m hopeful this law will effectively address the problems the SBOE has encountered recently and help improve outcomes for Indiana schools, students and teachers.

As always, I encourage you to contact my office with your input at Senator.Long@iga.in.gov or 800-382-9467.