“Public education is a cornerstone of our democracy, providing equitable opportunities and a unifying experience for all students, regardless of their background or ZIP code. ISTA is deeply concerned about the unchecked growth of Indiana's private school voucher program, which is now diverting $439 million in tax dollars away from community public schools for the 2023-24 school year. This expansion, extending vouchers to wealthier families, funnels public funds to those who can already afford private schools. This shift adds a financial burden on the state without reducing public school costs, undermining claims of state savings.

Instead of helping wealthy families attend private schools at the expense of public school kids, we should be investing these tax dollars in our public schools. By doing so, we can better support a diverse student population, including low-income families, students with disabilities and other children who face systemic barriers to education. Public schools, which serve 90% of Hoosiers' children, are open and nondiscriminatory, providing essential services and a common foundation for our diverse communities. Vouchers undermine this public good by siphoning limited funds to private schools that lack accountability and do not serve all students equitably.”