INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WOWO): Governor Mike Pence released the following statement Thursday afternoon, regarding the renewal of Indiana’s waiver under No Child Left Behind, which preserves the flexibility school districts need as they decide how to invest millions of dollars in federal education funds.

“I am pleased that the U.S. Department of Education and Secretary Arne Duncan have approved Indiana’s No Child Left Behind waiver request. 

“The approval of Indiana’s waiver request is great news for Indiana students and schools. It gives us the ability to maintain local control of how federal education dollars are invested and to maintain the use of Indiana’s A-F school accountability system. The waiver also allows school districts and teachers to educate students in a manner determined by Hoosier educators and families in their local communities.

“Since being elected Governor, I have consistently said that the Hoosier state needs to vigorously protect our commitment to high standards and to an accountability system that upholds those standards. I have also been clear that we need maximum flexibility under the law to develop our academic standards and accountability measures. 

“I would like to congratulate Superintendent Ritz and the Indiana Department of Education, members of the State Board of Education and the Education Roundtable, and the many Indiana educators and subject matter experts who contributed to a successful outcome. The collaborative work of all stakeholders involved was instrumental in successfully retaining our waiver.

“Indiana will continue to work with the U.S. Department of Education to address any remaining implementation challenges with respect to school and educator accountability requirements, which were established under state law.

“With this renewed flexibility, our state will work every day to ensure that all Hoosier children have access to a quality school, that good teachers are rewarded, and that struggling schools get the help they need to improve.”