The state’s top education official wants to give parents a financial break.
Indiana is one of eight states that charges families a fee for textbooks.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz has requested the state pick up the cost.
She has included the request in her proposed budget for the Indiana Department of Education.
Ritz said it is a way to make sure all school districts have the same resources for textbooks.
"It continues to be an issue when it comes to equity with our students statewide," says Ritz. "And I'm all about making sure no matter where students go to school they have the same resources available to them."
The Department of Education expects it would cost $109 million to cover the cost of textbooks.
That’s $70 million more than what’s allocated this year.
The idea is expected to be a tough sell to lawmakers.
