NPE Action endorses Leslie Nuss Bamesberger for Indiana State Senate, District 5.
The Network for Public Education Action is proud to endorse Leslie Nuss Bamesberger for Indiana State Senate, District 5. Leslie is a parent of a child with special needs, and has been active in her son’s school, the Special Education Learning Facility (SELF) School, which is in Valparaiso. SELF is a part of the Porter County Education Services system. Leslie was asked to form the school’s PTO group, which had been abandoned for several years. She served as president of the PTO and is currently serving as treasurer.
Leslie has worked with other parents to improve the morale and quality of the education children in Valparaiso receive. One example of that would be that she and other parents advocated for paraprofessional pay to be increased from $10 per hour. They were successful in that effort, and now paraprofessionals are paid $17 per hour. She has also volunteered as a music instructor at her son’s school. Leslie strongly believes that Improving education is a critical priority because it directly impacts every Hoosier’s future and the state’s prosperity.
Leslie feels strongly that investing in education will have a long-lasting, positive impact on countless lives, from Indiana’s urban centers to its rural communities. Leslie wants to improve academic outcomes, but also strengthen Indiana’s workforce, boost the economy, and create more equitable opportunities for all. Her core belief is that every child, regardless of their background or zip code, deserves access to excellent schools and the chance to succeed. Leslie plans to work hard to increase teacher pay and reduce class sizes. She will fight against policies that push teachers out of the classroom. She will also expand early childhood education and ensure that every child has access to pre-k. Finally, Leslie will advocate for increased funding for special education and ESL programs.
Leslie’s positions on elected school boards, charters, and vouchers are all in line with those of NPE Action.
Here’s what Leslie told us.
Elected School Boards: “I support a democratically elected school board to ensure community representation in education decisions. Valparaiso, my hometown, is one of a few school districts in Indiana that does not directly elect school board members. And while there are terrific people who serve on our school board, we have seen for many years the school board be used as a political tool.”
Charters: “While charter schools can sometimes innovate, I’m concerned about their impact on public school funding. I will not advocate for charter schools because our public schools are more important. They keep communities together, and they are the answer to issues like poverty and crime. Strong public schools will make our state stronger in every way imaginable.”
Vouchers: “I oppose vouchers, ESA vouchers, and tax credits for private schools. These programs divert funds from public schools and we have seen the effects of the policy here in Indiana for the last few decades. Our test scores, when compared to other states, are some of the worst in the nation. 70% of our students do not meet their grade level standards in math and English. And this is because we have focused all of our energy and money on standardized testing and “innovative strategies” that have only made corporations and private schools more money.”
NPE Action urges Indiana State Senate District 5 public education supporters to get out the vote for Leslie Nuss Bamesberger in the general election on November 5.
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee. Authorized and paid for by Network for Public Education Action, PO Box 227. New York, NY 10156. 646-678-4477.