School voucher program expected to grow this fall

The state of Indiana just wrapped up the first year of school vouchers in the Hoosier State.

Parent Shay Mays said charter schools have made a huge difference in her daughter's life.

"My daughter failed the I-STEP," said Mays. "At that point, I knew I had to move her. "

Mays said after just one year in charter school, her daughter had an A in math and a B in reading.

"She is moving along, at her speed, she is caught up, I could not be happier," said Mays.

The voucher system was implemented just 6 weeks after legislation was passed. Still, it was the largest first year voucher program in the country.

"I think that families came out and said, 'Hey, I want a choice of where I am sending my child to school,'" said Lindsey Brown, Executive Director of School Choice Indiana.

Nearly 4,000 students signed up during year one of the program. In year two, there is a limit of 15,000 students eligible to take part. School Choice Indiana officials said they want to get as close to that number as possible.

"I would not be surprised if we were close to 10,000 kids for year two," said Brown.

Not everyone has been on board with this approach to education, though. Parents, teachers and administrators sued over the voucher law last year. The suit argued charters take money away from public schools, while aiding Catholic and Christian Schools.

State Representative Bob Behning, the author of the voucher bill, said the legislation was put in place to make both public and private schools better.

"The truth is, as Americans, we want options," said Behning.

Despite paying more in tuition, Mays said choosing a private school was the right choice for her daughter.

"I am willing to make that financial sacrifice if it means she will be one or two more steps prepared in the future, to be able to stand on her own two feet," said Mays.

More information about School Choice Indiana is available online.