Education Matters With MySchoolOptions

• Episode 35 - A Legislative Recap with Betsy Wiley

  In this episode of Education Matters, hosts Cesar Roman and Sarah Milligan sit down with Betsy Wiley, President & CEO of the Institute for Quality Education, to unpack one of the most consequential legislative sessions for school choice in Indiana history. Despite facing a surprise $2 billion budget shortfall, Indiana prevailed—delivering major wins for Hoosier families and students. From the miraculous passage of universal Choice Scholarships to critical funding protections for ESAs, CSAs, and charter schools, this session proved that smart policy and powerful advocacy can overcome even the toughest fiscal environments. Betsy walks us through how it happened, what it means, and what’s next in the ongoing fight to defend and expand educational opportunity across the state. Key Takeaways: Universal School Choice is Coming: Vouchers will be available to all Indiana students by 2026–27. Advocacy Was Essential: Parent and school voices played a critical role in advancing choice. Core Programs Protected: ESAs, CSAs, and charter schools avoided cuts despite the shortfall. Academic Quality Advancing: New math screeners and accountability measures are on the way. 🎧 Don’t miss this inside look at how Indiana became a national leader in education freedom—again. 🔗 Learn more about school choice options in Indiana at myschooloptions.org Did you find this episode informative? Help us out! Leave a review Share it with your friends Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcatcher of choice For more information about school choice and the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

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• Episode 34 - Ely Page: Fighting for Every Child’s Future

  In this episode of Education Matters, host Cesar Roman sits down with Ely Page, Regional Organizing Director at My School Options, to uncover how school choice is transforming communities across Indiana. From his deeply personal homeschooling background to his policy work during Indiana’s historic school choice expansion, Ely brings a unique lens to the evolving education landscape. His mission? Ensuring every family has the knowledge and access to choose the best education path for their child. Tune in for a powerful conversation about how educational freedom is reshaping regions like Fort Wayne, South Bend, and Hamilton County—and what that means for parents, students, and the future of Indiana. Key Takeaways: Breaking Down Barriers to Access: Discover why awareness—not availability—is the biggest hurdle for families, and how My School Options is working face-to-face in communities to spread the word about school vouchers, ESAs, and micro-schooling. Inside Indiana’s Diverse Education Ecosystem: Explore how Fort Wayne’s established institutions, Michiana’s innovative spirit, and Hamilton County’s abundance of choices offer unique approaches to learning. Empowering Parents with Real Options: Hear how school choice helped a student with muscular dystrophy gain two reading levels thanks to Indiana’s ESA program—and how flexible options like this are changing lives. A Message to Families: Whether you’re seeking the perfect school now or preparing to pivot later, Ely reminds families: “You have options. You deserve it.” 🎧 Whether you're a parent exploring school alternatives, an advocate for education equity, or just curious about what’s possible in Indiana, this episode will leave you informed and inspired. 🔗 Learn more about school choice options in Indiana at myschooloptions.org Did you find this episode informative? Help us out! Leave a review Share it with your friends Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcatcher of choice For more information about school choice and the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

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• Episode 33 - Inside Indiana’s School Choice Movement with Taki Floutsis

  On this episode of Education Matters, host Sarah Milligan sits down with Taki Floutsis, Regional Organizing Director for MySchoolOptions, to explore the evolving landscape of school choice in Indiana. For Taki, education advocacy is more than a job—it’s personal. His own school choice journey fuels his passion for helping Indiana families navigate their options and find the best fit for their children. Tune in as they discuss the real impact of school choice policies, the growing role of Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), vouchers, charter schools, and micro-schooling, and how communities across Indiana are coming together to expand opportunities for students. Key Takeaways: Indiana’s Expanding School Choice Landscape: Learn about the latest school choice programs, including how ESAs are empowering homeschooling families and the growth of charter and faith-based schools in the Northwest Indiana, Lafayette, and Evansville regions. Building Stronger Communities Through Education: Discover how regional advocates and community organizations are transforming local education through partnerships with Catholic schools, micro-schooling initiatives, and groups like the Big Shoulders Fund and HOLA Evansville. Parental Advocacy Matters: Hear how families who struggled to access the right educational opportunities have directly influenced legislation in Indiana. Finding the Right Fit for Every Child: Whether it’s public, private, charter, or homeschooling, Taki reminds families that there is a place for every child—and resources to help them get there. 🎧 Don't miss this insightful episode! Whether you're a parent, educator, or advocate, this conversation will leave you inspired about the future of education in Indiana. 🔗 Learn more about school choice options in Indiana at myschooloptions.org Did you find this episode informative? Help us out! Leave a review Share it with your friends Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcatcher of choice For more information about school choice and the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

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• Episode 32 - Senator Raatz Talks School Choice & Career Pathways

  On this episode, host Sarah Milligan sits down with Indiana State Senator Jeff Raatz, Chair of the Senate Education and Career Development Committee. As a key legislator shaping the state’s education policies, Senator Raatz has been at the forefront of expanding school choice and strengthening career pathways for Indiana students. Tune in as they discuss Indiana’s latest legislative advancements in education, including removing income caps for school vouchers, allocating property tax dollars to charter schools, and the growing role of career coaching in preparing students for the workforce. Highlights from the episode: Universal School Choice: Senator Raatz breaks down Indiana’s latest milestone—eliminating income caps for school vouchers. With this move, all Hoosier families, regardless of income, will have access to school choice programs, ensuring students can attend the school that best fits their needs. Funding for Charter Schools: A major legislative push is underway to allow property tax dollars to support charter schools, a significant step in achieving funding equity across Indiana’s diverse educational landscape. The Power of Parental Advocacy: Learn why direct engagement from parents is crucial in shaping education policy and how personal stories can make a difference in legislative decisions. Career Coaching and Workforce Readiness: Senator Raatz shares Indiana’s innovative approach to career coaching, aiming to guide students toward fulfilling career paths through hands-on learning experiences and industry partnerships. The Future of Education in Indiana: What’s next for school choice and workforce development? Senator Raatz offers his vision for continued improvements in Indiana’s education system. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that highlights why education truly matters. 🔗 Did you find this episode informative? Help us out! Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode to help spread the word about educational freedom and career opportunities for Indiana students. For more information about school choice and the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

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• Episode 31 - Speaker of the House Todd Huston’s Perspective on the Future of School Choice

  Join our guest host, Betsy Wiley, as she is joined by Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston. Together they discuss Speaker Huston’s involvement in championing educational freedom and expanding school choice options for families across the state. From overcoming initial challenges to garnering public support for voucher programs, Speaker Huston shares his insights and experiences that have contributed to significant victories in the realm of school choice. Listen in as they reveal the intricacies and triumphs of advocating for an education system where every child has the chance to thrive. Highlights from the episode: A Personal Journey to Advocacy: Speaker Huston delves into his personal connection to school choice, tracing his passion back to a formative experience with educational change and a pivotal read on Milwaukee's school voucher program. His personal story underscores the importance of tailored educational paths for every child. Victories and Challenges: As a legislator deeply involved in expanding school choice, Huston reflects on the gradual yet rewarding journey of policy advancements in Indiana. He talks about key victories and the evolving public support for the voucher program, emphasizing how incremental progress has fortified educational freedom in the state. The Current Landscape and Future Steps: With universal school choice on the horizon, Speaker Huston remains optimistic yet realistic about the legislative process. He discusses potential challenges and the unwavering commitment to advocate for educational options until they become a reality for all families in Indiana. The Role of Advocacy: Huston emphasizes the critical role that parents, students, and grassroots advocates play in shaping education policy. He encourages continued engagement and storytelling to keep the momentum strong and ensure that educational policies resonate with the needs of students. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that highlights why education truly matters. Did you find this episode informative? Help us out! Leave a review Share it with your friends Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcatcher of choice For more information about school choice and the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

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