State Ethics Commission Approves Settlement With Former State Superintendent Tony Bennett

The State Ethics Commission today approved a settlement regarding former state superintendent Tony Bennett’s unethical practice of using state resources during his 2012 re-election campaign. Another other accusation against Bennett was dropped.

When Bennett adjusted the A-F grading formula for 2012 grades, more than 160 schools received higher grades, including Christel House Academy, which is run by a Republican donor.

But Inspector General David Thomas wrote in a report that the evidence did not point to an ethical violation where Bennett gave special treatment to Christel House Academy. Thomas writes the changes made to the grading system applied to many other schools across the state.

Bennett was not present at the hearing but his attorney Larry Mackey said Bennett takes full responsibility of his other violation regarding state resources.

“So at the end of the day he is glad this is over, he’s glad that the IG report has made clear there is no fraud, no misdoing in regard to A-F, and he’s all about the business of serving students and teachers," Mackey said.

Bennett will pay a $5,000 fine for the violation.

PHOTO: MAY 5, 2011 FILE PHOTO, INDIANA SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION TONY BENNETT SPEAKS AT THE STATEHOUSE IN INDIANAPOLIS. (AP PHOTO/MICHAEL CONROY, FILE)