Ball State President Issues Statement On House Bill 1315

MUNCIE, IN — Ball State University President Geoff Mearns has released a statement after House Bill 1315, which would allow the university to take responsibility for Muncie Community Schools, was passed in the House and Senate Monday. The Ball State Daily News says the House voted 63-30 and the Senate voted 34-14 for the legislation that will now go to Gov. Eric Holcomb's desk.

In his statement President Mearns says he anticipates that Governor Holcomb will sign HB 1315 into law, which will give the university the opportunity to appoint a new school board for MCS.

Here's what Mearns says is next for the University in this process in anticipation of the governor's signature:

"Now, our Board of Trustees must meet to consider whether our University should accept this significant responsibility. A special Board meeting will take place at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 16, in Cardinal Hall in the Student Center. If our Board of Trustees approves the necessary resolution, then the school board appointed by Ball State will assume responsibility of MCS on July 1, 2018."

Mearns adds that he's grateful to Governor Holcomb, General Assembly members, Muncie residents, parents, MCS teachers, staff, BSU staff, students, community leaders and more who showed support for HB 1315.

To see the full statement, visit cms.bsu.edu.

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