In this episode of Education Matters, hosts Cesar Roman and Sarah Milligan are joined by Indiana State Representative Julie McGuire—a lawmaker, mother of four, and passionate school choice advocate—to explore how Indiana is setting the national standard for educational freedom.

From explaining how Indiana’s $9 billion K-12 budget funds students (not systems), to sharing her family’s personal journey through private, public, and charter schools, Rep. McGuire offers both a policymaker’s insight and a parent’s heart. Her experience—adopting two children, one from Ukraine who arrived with no English—highlights just how critical it is for families to have flexible, personalized school options.

Gain a firsthand look at how Indiana’s funding formula works, why the state is removing income caps on Choice Scholarships, and what universal school choice will mean for Hoosier families starting in the 2026–27 school year.

Key Takeaways:

Indiana Prioritizes Families: Nearly 50% of the state budget goes to K–12 education—and funding follows the student, not the system.

Universal Choice Is Here: Beginning in 2026–27, all Hoosier students will be eligible for Choice Scholarships with no income cap or enrollment limit.

School Choice in Action: McGuire’s children have attended public, private, and charter schools—each chosen to match their unique needs.

The Power of Research: Tools like Indiana GPS and school visits help parents find the right educational fit for their child.

Parental Engagement Matters: Success comes when parents and educators work as a team—and McGuire urges all families to stay involved.

🎧 This episode shows how education transforms when policy puts families first and students at the center.

🔗 Learn more about school choice options in Indiana at myschooloptions.org

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For more information about school choice and the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org