Teachers Union Hoping New Superintendent Will Help Recovery Process
By: Michael C. Fehn
Updated: February 4, 2013
Indiana's largest teachers union is hoping the election of Glenda Ritz as state superintendent will aid their rebuilding efforts.
The Indiana Teacher's Association's Insurance Trust collapsed in 2009. Since then, the organization has been saddled by millions in debt, seen its membership drop, battled lawsuits and been forced to give up its independence to the National Education Association.
Its staff is a third the size it once was, and the union had to win contract concessions from its own unionized workers to cut costs.
Leaders acknowledge the group faces challenges but say they are working to deal with its financial issues.
The Indiana Teacher's Association's Insurance Trust collapsed in 2009. Since then, the organization has been saddled by millions in debt, seen its membership drop, battled lawsuits and been forced to give up its independence to the National Education Association.
Its staff is a third the size it once was, and the union had to win contract concessions from its own unionized workers to cut costs.
Leaders acknowledge the group faces challenges but say they are working to deal with its financial issues.
