Bill may provide state funds for private school education

Indianapolis resident Austin Granger said he was sick of being bullied at his Indianapolis public high school. Both his self-confidence and grades were dropping.

When Granger asked his mother if he could transfer to a local private school, she said it was not an option. She said their family could never afford the tuition.

Granger said he could not handle another year in public school.

“I took up a second part-time job to help my mom pay my tuition,” he said. “I wanted other options for my education, and that was the only way to get it.”

But a bill currently in the Indiana legislature may soon allow Granger to quit his second job.

SB 1003 was referred to the first House before the Democrats left for Illinois. It would provide scholarships for low-income families to send their children to public or private schools that charge tuition.

Many Democrats regard the bill as an assault on the middle class.

“It would allow parents to use public money to send their kids to a religious academy,” said Bill Scheuerman, a father of two children in the Monroe County Community School Corporation. “The bill could completely violate the separation of church and state.”

More than 50 amendments have been filed for the voucher bill, many from Democrats.

But House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, said the bill will need some changes to gain support among Republicans.

The bill currently includes no caps on the number of students who can receive scholarships. It would also allow families of four making up to $80,000 a year to be eligible.

Bosma said he predicts the bill will pass only if amendments are made to cap the number of participants and restrict certain salaries.

Granger said he has always thought of himself as a Democrat, but he supports the Republican-supported bill after having trouble in the public school system.

“As I understand it, the bill would just allow me to take the money the state would spend on my public school education to a private school of my choice,” Granger said. “It might even make public schools more competitive if they see they are losing students to private schools.”

Bloomington High School South teacher Drew Frey said public schools should not have to worry about competition.

“Being a public school means we will take any kid that shows up on our doorstep and give them the best education we can,” Frey said.

But Granger said even though the public school system was obligated to take him in, he did not feel welcome on the inside.

“I just hope the Democrats come back soon so this bill will hopefully be passed,” Granger said. “I want the state to recognize my right to choose where I get my education.”