Indiana sees big spike in voucher students from wealthy families
Indiana spent roughly $439 million on its voucher program for the 2023-24 school year as enrollment in private schools hit a record high.
Indiana spent roughly $439 million on its voucher program for the 2023-24 school year as enrollment in private schools hit a record high.
The approval is another lifeline for the charter school, which was initially named Ignite Achievement Academy and tasked by Indianapolis Public Schools to improve an underperforming school near the city’s Riverside neighborhood.
An all-time high number of Indiana students are using Indiana’s near-universal voucher program to attend private schools this year.
The expansion backed by Indiana House Republicans could cost more than $500 million over the next two years—nearly one-third of the total proposed school funding increase—by raising the income limit to qualify for state money toward private school tuition.
Critics argued the original proposal opened up tuition payments to private schools for even the wealthiest families.
The 6-3 outcome could fuel a renewed push for school choice programs in some of the 18 states that have so far not directed taxpayer money to private, religious education.
Prather became acting president in January 2020, shortly after the board of trustees terminated the employment of the college’s previous president, Thomas Minar. In March, the board announced that Prather will continue to lead the institution until at least July 2024.
The Indianapolis Catholic high school scored a victory in its legal battle with Lynn Starkey, who served as Roncalli’s co-director of guidance until 2019, when the school did not renew her contract after learning that she was in a civil union with a woman.
The Indiana State Board of Education will consider Wednesday whether to accredit the schools, which would pave the way for them to participate in the state’s expanding voucher program.
A coalition of parents is pushing back on Marion County’s recent public health order that will close schools to in-person instruction for about eight weeks, especially when bars and restaurants are allowed to remain open.
The Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission had sought the suspension of the Ice Miller LLP attorney Michael Blickman in November 2018, alleging violations of the Indiana Rules of Professional Conduct.
Top Republicans touted “record investment” in school spending in defending themselves as thousands of teachers turned out for a Statehouse rally this past week calling for a bigger boost in education funding. But it’s not that simple.
The Bruce and Beth White Family Foundation’s gift is expected to bring operational and academic support directly to 10 elementary and high schools in the Diocese of Gary, benefiting about 3,300 students.
Josh Owens, one of three Democrats hoping to challenge Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb next year, said he would cap the state’s rainy day fund and put the excess funds into an endowment to support public education. He also wants to phase out school vouchers.
The decision means the school can resume holding mass and will be able to celebrate the Mass for the Feast Day of St. Jean de Brebeuf in October.
Roncalli High School said Shelly Fitzgerald has been placed on administrative leave after 15 years with the school.
Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Jennifer McCormick was joined Saturday by the last two women to hold her position in a public forum where they discussed charter schools and vouchers.
The researchers analyzed student records for public and private school students in grades 3-8 during the first four years of Indiana’s voucher program from 2011 to 2015.
ISTEP scores for thousands of students across the state are set to be thrown out this year, including at two Indianapolis private schools, according to state officials.
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos is among several well-known names slated to appear Monday in Indianapolis at the annual summit for the American Federation of Children.