Local News

Space crunch raises questions about voucher funds

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) — Private schools that have seen enrollments boom under Indiana's school voucher program say they're running out of room.

A survey showed about 22,000 open seats in private schools when the voucher program launched in 2011. But nearly 20,000 students are receiving vouchers this year, and the number is expected to grow

The Journal Gazette reports (http://bit.ly/1iyvhj9) lawmakers may have to rethink how voucher money is allocated as they head into 2015.

Vouchers currently cover the costs of salaries and operating expenses but don't help pay for renovations or construction. Public schools also get operating money from the state, but they rely on property taxes for capital needs.

Robert Enlow of the Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice says lawmakers will have to have conversations about capital projects and voucher amounts.

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