Timeline for applications to newly approved voucher program set

The Louisiana Department of Education has announced application timelines for the statewide school voucher program created when Gov. Bobby Jindal signed an education reform bill last week, The Times-Picayune reports. The statewide program expands upon an option that had been available only in Orleans Parish, allowing students from low-income families who attend low-rated schools to leave for private schools or higher performing public schools. About 950 out of 1,300 Louisiana public schools enrolling a total of 450,000 students have overall grades of “C,” “D” or “F,” meaning their students can seek one of the scholarships to other schools, says a statement by the department. The application period will open May 22 and close June 29; applications will be available on the state’s Internet site or at participating schools. The Education Department will use a lottery system to identify the scholarship winners in July and notify recipients by July 31. Meanwhile, state officials are sending registration packets to schools that qualify as receiving sites; schools will be notified about their eligibility within a week after they submit an application. The department will provide a continually updated list of eligible schools on its website.