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Enacted as Pilot Program in 1999, Expanded Statewide 2000-01
| FAST FACTS |
- 18,919 students received vouchers in 2006-07
- Average voucher worth $7,206 in 2006-07
- 824 private schools participate
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Any disabled student whose parents are unhappy with their assigned public school are eligible to receive a McKay voucher to send their child
to a private school or another public school. Started in 1999 as a pilot in Sarasota County, the program originally was capped at 5 percent of
eligible enrollment. It was expanded statewide in 2000 and the cap was removed
For further information go to the McKay Scholarship Program website:
http://www.floridaschoolchoice.org/Information/McKay/
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| Scholarship or Voucher Value: |
The voucher is worth the same amount public schools would have spent on each participating child, though it may not exceed the cost of the private school’s tuition and fees. Thus, the value of the voucher varies widely depending on the severity of the child’s disability; in 2006-07, McKay vouchers ranged from $5,039 to $21,907, and the average voucher was worth $7,206. In addition, parents may supplement the voucher with their own money. |
| Student or School Participation: |
In 2007-08, 18,919 students used McKay vouchers; 824 private schools participated in the program. |
| Student Eligibility: |
All students with disabilities—those who have Individualized Education Plans covered under the federal disability-rights law—and who have been enrolled in a public school for at least a year are eligible to receive the voucher. About 370,000 children statewide are eligible. Schools are not required to accept participating students, a particularly important factor for this program considering that not all schools are equipped to handle all types of disability. |
| Legal Status of Program: |
No legal challenges have been filed against the program. |
| Regulations on the Program: |
Participating schools must hire teachers who have a bachelor’s degree, three years of experience or special qualifications. They must demonstrate fiscal soundness, comply with antidiscrimination laws, meet health and safety codes and complete a five-page notarized
questionnaire covering issues such as the number of teachers and food safety inspections. |
| Research on Program: |
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| News on Program: |
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| Governing Statutes: |
2001 Florida Statutes, Title XVI, Chapter 229.05371 |
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