He's becoming a rising star in the Republican Party in Indiana but he says his sights are firmly set on his current job as Indiana’s School Superintendent.
Tony Bennett talked to WHAS11’s Renee Murphy about what’s ahead for students in Indiana including potential budget cuts, a controversial teacher licensing plan and his political career.
In a few years, his career has skyrocketed and that's helping to fuel speculation that Tony Bennett could be setting his sights on the governor’s mansion in Indianapolis.
“I get up every morning thinking about this job,” Bennett said.
He is Indiana’s School Superintendent and has three years left on his term.
But after speaking at Sarah Palin’s campaign stop in Noblesville last year and getting support from Governor Mitch Daniels, some are wondering about his political future but Bennett says he's not.
“I only have one shot at making Indiana education better so if I start clouding my day with what I’m gonna do next I’m not taking advantage of my one opportunity to make Indiana change for the better.”
And to better educate, he is looking at taking a bold measure that critics have been quick to pounce on.
Bennett is talking about getting rid of some requirements for teacher licensing and having teachers major in a certain subject and minor in Education.
But the state budget could put a wrinkle in his plans to do change anything drastically.
It appeared that schools were going to get more funding in the budget but now revenues aren't matching lawmakers projections.
“I think it’s going to be an across the board cut and again we haven’t determined a number we haven't determined when.”
From New Albany schools to state superintendent, Bennett says so far he has no real regrets about his performance.
Bennett says he plans to narrowly focus his attention on reading and math to help boost state test scores.
And he says that Kentucky lawmakers should take a page out of their book when it comes to charter schools.
Indiana has them and one group is pushing for Kentucky to start charter schools.
Bennett says some charter schools are more successful than others but it gives kids options.
