Indiana

NEA Takes Control of ISTA

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

The AP is reporting what I heard earlier this week might happen, the National Education Association is taking over the Indiana State Teachers Association.  This has serious political consequences as ISTA is one of the largest contributors to Indiana Democrats. This is also a big victory for choice  and charter schools.  Stay tuned.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The National Education Association has taken over its troubled Indiana affiliate after problems with its insurance trust landed the teachers union in financial trouble and spurred investigations.

Indiana State Teachers Association President Nate Schnellenberger has sent an e-mail to members saying the NEA will have complete control of the state’s largest teachers union.

The NEA appointed trustee Edward Sullivan to run ISTA. Schnellenberger says Sullivan will try to keep ISTA running smoothly while exploring financial options for the union and making corrections as needed.

Schnellenberger says ISTA’s board requested the NEA trusteeship to ensure the union is financially viable.

ISTA is working to untangle its insurance trust from millions of dollars in liabilities while the state and the FBI investigate whether fund managers did something more than make risky investments.

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on May 20, 2009 (boomark / email).