Jeff Walton, Mike Phillips, & Andrew Fry | Ep. 136

School Choice: Perspectives from a National, State, and School Level Part 1

Show Notes:

School choice is transforming Christian education across America, but is it a blessing or a burden?

This episode of the Teacher Edition podcast brings together three seasoned educators to discuss the real impact of school choice programs from national, state, and local perspectives.

Jenny sits down with Dr. Jeff Walton (Executive Director of American Association of Christian Schools) who provides national insights, Dr. Michael Phillips (Executive Director of Wisconsin Association of Christian Schools) who shares state-level experiences, and Andrew Fry (Principal of Colonial Christian School in Indianapolis) who offers ground-level perspective from a school that has experienced significant growth through school choice.

From increased enrollments to budget transformations, these educators reveal both the remarkable opportunities and genuine concerns that come with public funding following students to private Christian schools. You'll hear about schools growing from 70 to 290 students, budgets increasing from $340,000 to $3.2 million, and families finally able to afford the Christian education they'd only dreamed of.

These experienced educators also address the real challenges: potential government overreach, mission drift temptations, accreditation requirements, and the risk of becoming too dependent on public funding. They explore the balance between accepting government funds and maintaining Christian autonomy.

Whether your state already has school choice, is considering it, or you're wondering what it means for Christian education's future, this conversation provides essential insights from leaders who've navigated these waters successfully.

Part One covers the fundamentals: what school choice looks like in different states, its effects on enrollment and budgets, and the accountability measures that come with public funding.

Part Two will dive deeper into practical adjustments schools must make and what the future holds.

Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire through God's power and grace working in you.

Go do what God has called you to do!

About Our Guests:

Jeff Walton, Mike Phillips, & Andrew Fry

Andrew Fry is the principal of Colonial Christian School in Indianapolis, Indiana. He earned a bachelor of science in electrical engineering and a master of arts in teaching in mathematics. With 12 years of experience in teaching and school leadership, Andrew is passionate about fostering academic excellence and spiritual growth in Christian education. He and his wife, Janna, have three children.

Dr. Michael Phillips holds undergraduate degrees in Bible and mathematics education. He also holds a master’s degree and a doctorate degree in educational leadership. He served in Christian schools in Virginia and North Carolina as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and administrator for 25years before the Lord called him to Bay City Christian School in Green Bay, Wisconsin. In addition to his school responsibilities, Dr. Phillips is the executive director and accreditation chair for the Wisconsin Association of Christian Schools. He and his wife, Shellee, have four children.

Dr. Jeff Walton, executive director of AACS, holds a bachelor of science degree in education, a master of education degree, and a doctor of divinity degree. He has served in Christian education as a teacher, school administrator, state association director, and Bible college administrator. Through his work with AACS and other organizations, he has been influential in securing policies and legislation to protect the ministries of Christian schools. He has presented professional development workshops for Christian school teachers at many state and national conferences in the U.S. and at conferences in Romania and South Korea. His wife, Judylynn, also serves with him at AACS, and together they are very involved in local church ministry as well.

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