John Elcesser, the executive director of Indiana Non-Public Education Association (INPEA), discusses his background in non-public education and the importance of school choice advocacy. He highlights the impact of non-public schools in Indiana and the need for diverse educational options. Elcesser emphasizes the role of advocacy in protecting and expanding school choice programs, and the importance of grassroots support. He shares his favorite moments of successful advocacy efforts and the growth of enrollment in non-public schools. Elcesser also looks ahead to the goal of universal school choice in Indiana by 2025. The future of school choice is moving towards universal access, with the goal of providing choice to all families. However, there is a concern about regulatory creep, where more regulations are being imposed on non-public and choice schools, dampening their excitement. Advocacy is crucial to ensure the expansion of school choice and address barriers such as transportation and athletic eligibility. Capital-related issues, like limited access to outside funding, also pose challenges for non-public schools. The SGO program has been instrumental in making high school education affordable, and there is a need to keep it viable and explore ways to enhance it. It is essential for individuals to be involved, engaged, and informed in the political process to support school choice initiatives.

Takeaways

• Non-public schools in Indiana have made significant contributions to the educational landscape and have produced many leaders in the state.


• Advocacy is crucial for protecting and expanding school choice programs, and grassroots support plays a vital role in influencing legislators.


• The impact of school choice legislation can be seen in increased enrollment and growth of non-public schools.


• The goal of universal school choice in Indiana by 2025 is achievable with continued advocacy and engagement. The future of school choice is focused on achieving universal access for all families.


• Regulatory creep, with increasing regulations on non-public and choice schools, is a concern that dampens schools' excitement.


• The current system creates an awkward environment in schools where only a small percentage of families are eligible for choice programs.


• Advocacy is crucial to expand school choice and address barriers such as transportation and athletic eligibility.


• Capital-related issues, like limited access to outside funding, pose challenges for non-public schools.


• The SGO program has been instrumental in making high school education affordable and needs to be kept viable and enhanced.


• Individuals need to be involved, engaged, and informed in the political process to support school choice initiatives.

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