Indiana
McCormick emphasizes curriculum, accountability and teachers in Indiana education plan • Indiana Capital Chronicle
School accountability, teacher salary boosts and “academic freedom” are priorities on Jennifer McCormick’s education plan, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate announced on Thursday.
The former state public instruction superintendent, along with running mate Terry Goodin, said their platform largely intends to create more flexibility for K-12 administrators and educators to craft curriculum, while still ensuring academic rigor and accountability across both public and private schools.
The plan also guarantees that teachers would be paid at least $60,000 per year — an increase from the current $40,000 minimum.
“Obviously, education is my passion. It is also Terry’s passion. We believe in the power of education — not just for our kids — but for our families and our communities and the entire state. It’s also what empowers us as a nation,” McCormick said during a Thursday press call. “Too often in Indiana, we talk about the expense, because we are incredibly expensive, but we don’t talk about it as an investment, and it needs to be. … It’s not a K-12 isolation, it is a system of education.”
The costs of the proposal are unknown at this time.
Democrats outline education priorities
The McCormick-Goodin “Commonsense Education Plan” is broken down into five pillars: increased funding for early education; school accountability; teachers’ pay and bargaining rights; keeping partisan politics out of school curriculum decisions; and “re-establishing” a statewide emphasis on attaining post-high school education.
Specifically, the Democratic plan would expand “quality and affordable childcare to address Indiana’s childcare deserts.” The platform also seeks to guarantee universal pre-kindergarten education for all Hoosier families.
Although McCormick said the state is doing “a much better job” at expanding child care now than in years past, she emphasized that “we still have an enormous amount of Indiana” that does not have access to quality care.
“And with some of that childcare, too, we’re really struggling to find providers because of (low) wages,” she added.
The platform also promises to “protect the rights of students and parents” by establishing a “streamlined,” “consistent” and “transparent” accountability platform for all schools accepting public dollars. McCormick said the system seeks to ensure schools — public, private, urban, rural and so on — are all being held to the same academic and fiscal standards.
This would impact private schools receiving voucher dollars that currently don’t have to follow some of the same rules and regulations.
“We’re a school choice state, and there are no quality guardrails on that system,” she said. “And so in order to really do it in a way that makes sense and is fair to kids and families and our business industry — that’s relying on us getting this right — and taxpayers, there should be some accountability.”
“If we’re going to be a state of school choice, it needs to be parent choice and not school choice,” McCormick continued. “It also needs to be one that those quality guardrails are tight so parents at least know there’s some threshold that when you come into a school, that you do have some educated and trained teachers. What kind of curriculum you are following? What kind of fiscal responsibility are we following?”
McCormick and Goodin said they’ll also “champion” Indiana’s K-12 and post-high school instructors “by implementing policies to recruit and retain the best and brightest educators.” That means fighting for a minimum base salary of $60,000 for Hoosier teachers, and adjustments for veteran teachers’ salaries “to reflect their non-educator peers.”
When it comes to finding the funding for increased salaries, McCormick said “there are a lot of areas” in the state budget that “we just need to re-look at again.”
Need to get in touch?
Have a news tip?
“It’s about prioritizing,” she said, noting that her property tax relief plan, for example, “really offers some relief” and “tries to relieve some of the local dollars, which would also help with some of the expenses at the school level.”
The Democratic duo further promised to uphold teacher rights by “protecting the freedom of teacher unions to bargain for wages and benefits.” Mandates placed on educators and school boards will be reviewed, too — and where unnecessary or burdensome — those will be eliminated, McCormick said.
The plan additionally calls for “autonomy at the local level” to design a unique curriculum “that prepares students for the future they choose.” The Democratic nominee said that doesn’t mean lowering standards, though. Rather, it’s guarantee of “more flexibility.”
“Why should we have to go to the State Board of Education to beg them to address the needs of our kids?” McCormick asked. “We can still hold everyone accountable for certain thresholds and certain standards of performance, but allowing them to take care of the needs of their schools with the resources they are provided — given where they are located within the state of Indiana, and the partners they have access to and don’t have access to — only make sense. For too long, Indiana has said one size fits all.”
And when it comes to higher education, McCormick and Goodin said they intend to “celebrate, champion, protect, and better fund our higher education institutions and direct workforce development training programs.” That means ensuring resources are place for high schoolers to earn certifications they can use upon graduation, McCormick noted, in addition to maintaining and promoting clear paths towards college.
No specific GOP plan yet
McCormick was endorsed by the political action committee for the Indiana State Teachers Association — the state’s largest teachers union — earlier this year.
A former Republican, McCormick fell out of favor with the Indiana GOP while serving as state superintendent.
The Republican-controlled legislature — with approval from Gov. Eric Holcomb — eliminated the elected position and replaced it with a Secretary of Education, who is appointed by the governor.
McCormick switched sides to become a Democrat shortly after. She announced her campaign for governor in May 2023 and was the only gubernatorial candidate on the Democratic primary ballot in May.
Goodin, a former Indiana lawmaker and social conservative, was previously a teacher, assistant principal and public school superintendent at Crothersville Community Schools.
“I think, unfortunately, the other team, they look at education as a liability. But our team, the Democratic team, looks at it as an investment,” Goodin said Thursday. “We look at the state budget … over 50% of that budget goes to education. We’re looking at that as an investment that will make Indiana better going forward and into the future. And the folks on the other side say that it’s a waste of money, and that’s been proven in the policies that they’ve been trying to push for the last, three, four, five 10, years. ”
McCormick’s competitor, Republican Sen. Mike Braun, has yet to release a detailed education platform.
Braun’s campaign website emphasizes that while more than half of the state budget is spent on K-12 education, “far too many of our graduates are not prepared to enter the workforce or pursue a degree.”
The Republican candidate — a former school board member — “knows parents are the primary stakeholders in their children’s education and every family, regardless of income or zip code, should be able to enroll in a school of their choice and pursue a curriculum that prepares them for a career, college or the military,” Braun’s website continues.
Recently, he has additionally supported the state education department’s proposed overhaul of Indiana’s high school diplomas and graduation requirements, saying Hoosier education focuses too little on career readiness.
Libertarian Donald Rainwater is also running for governor.
He said he is troubled by McCormick’s focus on “expanding government control over our children and their educational opportunities. Rainwater supports expanding educational opportunities, including school choice.
“Let’s break down barriers, empower parents, and create a vibrant educational landscape,” he said. “By trusting families and respecting their choices, we build a stronger Indiana—one where every child’s potential is unlocked.”
GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Caitlin Clark explains what she learned from injury in Indiana Fever season
Caitlin Clark spoke for seven minutes on the opening day of Indiana Fever training camp. Here’s what she learned from an up-and-down season, and more.
INDIANAPOLIS — Caitlin Clark has some new strategies to help keep her loose throughout games, and one garnered a lot of attention in the Indiana Fever’s season opener against the Dallas Wings.
Saturday was Clark’s first regular season WNBA game since July 2025, when she suffered a right groin injury against the Connecticut Sun. She was limited to just 13 games last season because of various injuries that compounded and lingered throughout the season, including to her left groin, right groin, left quad, and ankle.
Clark, who finished with 20 points, five rebounds and seven assists in 30 minutes, went back to the Fever’s tunnel twice throughout the 107-104 loss, and she said postgame it was just to get her back readjusted. It’s something new for the Fever star after she missed most of last season because of various injuries, but she didn’t report any major issues with her back.
“It gets out of line pretty quickly,” Clark said. “It’s just that, getting my back put back in place a little bit, but other than that, I feel great.”
Buy Caitlin Clark merch!
Clark also started wearing a heat therapy pad on her back as well when she’s on the bench, but that doesn’t automatically mean an injury, either. Former Fever player Natasha Howard wore one while sitting on the bench the entire 2025 season, and she did not miss a game.
These back issues, Fever coach Stephanie White said, shouldn’t keep her out of the game.
“We wouldn’t have played her 30 minutes if she wasn’t OK,” White said.
Clark’s response postgame came after ABC’s commentators reported in-game that trainers were working on Clark’s hip flexor and groin area — the same that kept her out of most of the 2025 season. When asked about ABC’s in-game report, White said: “That would be the first time I’ve heard that.”
Fever communications staff added that they did not provide an official update to ABC on why Clark left for the tunnel, so everything reported on the broadcast in-game was speculation.
“I think it’s just part of maintaining the body,” White added of the tunnel trips. “… I mean, look, when we’re all really young, we don’t learn proper mechanics, and then it doesn’t get exposed until something happens, and we’re trying to get her body mechanically the way it needs to go. This is gonna be an ongoing thing, and not just her. We’ve had multiple players who have gone back, and we don’t have a blue tent, right, but they’re gonna go back and get it adjusted and make sure that the body’s working.”
Chloe Peterson is the Indiana Fever beat reporter for IndyStar. Reach her at chloe.peterson@indystar.com or follow her on X at @chloepeterson67. Get IndyStar’s Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark coverage sent directly to your inbox with our Caitlin Clark Fever newsletter. Subscribe to IndyStar TV: Fever for in-depth analysis, behind-the-scenes coverage and more.
The six towns below all sit within a two-hour drive of downtown Indianapolis, close enough for a quick trip into the city, far enough that housing money goes considerably further. Each one brings something specific to the trade. Frankfort pairs lower-than-state-median home values with a small-town pace and an 18-hole course right next to its top assisted-living campus. Connersville has a working heritage railroad running through downtown and a population where nearly one in five residents is already over 65. Greenville, just over the Ohio line, splits the difference between Indianapolis and Dayton and still keeps a Main Street that earns the name.
Frankfort, IN
About 40 minutes from Indianapolis, Frankfort is one of the best blends of senior resources and affordability around the capital. Rent comes in well below the average inside Indianapolis city limits per Zillow, and home values sit below the state median. Combined with healthcare at IU Health Frankfort Hospital and senior living communities like Wesley Manor, independence in retirement is realistic here.
Things happen at a slower pace, which might be just the speed a senior is looking for in a new community. The historic downtown holds shops and eateries like the locally loved Downtown Diner. For golf, Frankfort Commons Golf Course is a well-maintained 18-hole course right next to the Wesley Manor campus.
Crawfordsville, IN
Crawfordsville sits roughly 55 minutes from downtown Indianapolis and offers an affordable alternative for retirees who want some distance from the city. The proximity keeps seniors connected to a wealth of resources when they’re not using in-town options like emergency and specialty care at Franciscan Health Crawfordsville or social programming at the Crawfordsville Community Center. The cost of living here runs 10% below the national average per the Economic Research Institute, with rent and home values below the state median.
Cultural life is a big draw, much of it tied to Wabash College’s programming. The town was also the home of Lew Wallace, who wrote Ben-Hur, and residents can dig into that history at the General Lew Wallace Study & Museum. Outdoor options include Turkey Run State Park’s views and trails or Sugar Creek Nature Park’s nearly 64 acres for birdwatching.
Shelbyville, IN
Shelbyville sits about 35 minutes from downtown Indianapolis. Its centuries-old architecture is a draw, and its commitment to senior living is solid. Ashford Place Health Campus is a top-tier assisted living facility with a life enrichment team on site. Healthcare is conveniently placed via the Indianapolis proximity, with smaller clinics in town for specialty and short-term care. Home values run below the state median per Zillow.
To see the ‘Streets of Old Shelby,’ visit the Grover Center Museum and Historical Society. The free attraction has storefronts from the early 1900s, including a bank, post office, and saloon. The Historic Strand Theatre opened in 1916 and still plays films, hosts concerts, and works as a community gathering spot. A few miles away, Horseshoe Indianapolis offers horse racing and casino games for anyone wanting a livelier change of pace.
Connersville, IN
Connersville has long been a solid option for seniors, which is probably why nearly 20% of the population is over 65. The town sits about an hour and 15 minutes from Indianapolis, a reasonable drive for those commuting regularly. The cost of living offsets the distance, falling below the national average across most categories. If assisted living becomes a need, places like Hickory Creek promote independent living with various levels of assistance.
Standing here since 1813, Connersville blends history and nature for retirees ready for a slower pace. The historic downtown district has a few protected properties, including the Canal House, a museum focused on Fayette County’s history. The Whitewater Valley Railroad runs along the historic Whitewater Canal on diesel locomotives with a direct connection to Metamora. Connersville is also a gateway to Brookville Lake, with 25 miles of shoreline and access for fishing, camping, and hiking.
Greenville, OH
Crossing into Ohio, Greenville sits about an hour and forty-five minutes from Indianapolis and only about 50 minutes from Dayton. The cost of living runs below the national average, including a $650 a month median rent that comes in below what people pay in Indianapolis. Connection is another big draw, starting with Wayne HealthCare’s facilities, which now include a helipad and robotic technology for orthopedic surgeries. For assisted living, Trustwell Senior Living at Oakley Place is a top option.
Greenville works for seniors looking for an American Main Street town. Local history is on display at the Garst Museum & National Annie Oakley Center. The historic downtown has many protected facades and shops including the Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe, which has been there since 1934. Greenville also hosts the Great Darke County Fair in August, with entertainment, showcases, rides, and harness racing.
Richmond, IN
About an hour and 15 minutes from downtown Indianapolis, Richmond is one of the most cost-effective and connected options on the entire list. The general cost of living runs below the national average and below Indiana’s average. Reid Health’s campus covers emergency, cardiovascular, orthopedic, and vascular care. The town has multiple senior amenities including Springs of Richmond and the Friends Fellowship Community for retirees who need more attention as they age.
Richmond has historical depth from several angles. Wayne County’s evolution gets the full treatment at the Wayne County Historical Museum, housed in an old Quaker house from the 19th century. Richmond was also home to Gennett Records, a recording studio that produced songs for Louis Armstrong and Bix Beiderbecke, now honored at the Gennett Records Walk of Fame. The arts side runs through the Civic Hall Performing Arts Center, with a packed performance calendar from Richmond’s own professional symphony.
Towns near Indianapolis can mean greater savings for seniors without giving up the resources of the big city. Each of the six places listed brings something different, whether it’s the Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe in Greenville serving loose meat sandwiches since 1934 or riding the rails on refurbished diesel locomotives from downtown Connersville.
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A business owner on the city’s south side on Friday morning reported a theft, saying a person stole thousands of dollars’ worth of Pokémon cards from his store.
Security footage captured the suspect breaking into Grandmaster Games and targeting valuable card collections.
The thief gained entry by breaking through a window and immediately went to a display case containing high-value cards.
The suspect bypassed six other display cases, making a direct route to the owner’s private collection, which included a One Piece card alone worth approximately $12,000. Other stolen cards are valued between $5,000 and $6,000 each.
Alex Bradshaw, owner of Grandmaster Games, said many people underestimate the value of such collectibles. “People think ‘cardboard,’ not really worth a lot. Except for these instances where a bunch of stuff gets taken. You can see the suspect trying to break into the display case, but couldn’t get it open.”
Bradshaw described the suspect’s actions inside the store. “He came over here to where our Pokémon cases are, and he smashed one of our cases that had our ungraded cards. Took the top row of those and moved on to graded cards.”
Approximately 60 Pokémon cards were stolen during the break-in, with their total value estimated to be between $10,000 and $15,000. The suspect was inside the store for only about five or six minutes.
Bradshaw thinks the suspect had prior knowledge of the store’s layout due to the targeted nature of the theft. “Because if you aren’t familiar with my store, you wouldn’t necessarily know to go to this display case because this has stuff of value.”
Grandmaster Games has been in business for about a decade, and it’s the first break-in the store has experienced.
Following the theft, Bradshaw is reconsidering how he displays his valuable collection. “I don’t know if I’m going to completely take this display down because there’s a lot of cool nostalgic stuff from the last 20 years — especially the Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh! items. But the manga collection is definitely going into the safe. I realize having this stuff out makes me a target.”
With the PopCon Indy convention underway during the weekend at the downtown Indiana Convention Center, Bradshaw was concerned the stolen cards could easily be sold or concealed among other merchandise.
Despite the significant loss, Bradshaw has expressed a desire not to press charges. He attributes the theft to potential desperation and indicated he would rather offer assistance than punishment. “Nobody steals because they want to. They steal because they need to. Most of the time, people are at the end of the rope. They want something easy, which you can’t blame them for wanting something easy. If you need some help, most of us are willing to help one way or another.”
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department encouraged anyone with information regarding the theft to contact them.
Bradshaw said he simply wants his cards returned.
-
World5 minutes agoWoman who spent 7 years in Chinese prison describes torture, surveillance and loss of her husband
-
Politics11 minutes agoTrump-backed Board of Peace, Israel ‘will take action’ if Hamas remains out of compliance: Netanyahu advisor
-
Health17 minutes agoCelebrity chef reveals No. 1 mistake sabotaging your weight loss: ‘Fuzzy math’
-
Sports23 minutes ago2026 NASCAR Odds: Pole-sitter Shane van Gisbergen Favorite for Watkins Glen
-
Technology29 minutes agoWhy last year’s breach is this year’s identity fraud
-
Business35 minutes agoPressure grows on California attorney general to try to block Paramount’s deal for Warner Bros.
-
Entertainment41 minutes agoCulver City’s Wende Museum of the Cold War announces major expansion in Hawthorne
-
Lifestyle47 minutes agoAfter an L.A. windstorm, he used fallen trees to make furniture with a story behind it