Episode #66
Episode 66 - Inside Indiana School Choice: Chris Brunson on Advocacy, Opportunity, and Nonpublic School Success
In this episode of Education Matters, Chris Brunson, Associate Executive Director of the Indiana Non- Public Education Association (INPEA), joins us to dig into the behind-the-scenes work supporting Indiana’s private schools—from advocacy and compliance to school choice expansion. With a wealth of experience in both school operations and policy, Chris Brunson shares insights on navigating challenges, building successful schools, and ensuring families have access to educational opportunities that fit their needs. Highlights Career & Mission: Chris Brunson describes his path from commercial property consulting and international school work to a pivotal leadership role at INPEA, uniting passion and experience to serve Indiana schools and families. School Operations: Drawing on years of hands-on experience, Chris Brunson explains the unique pressures and rewards of leading smaller non-public schools, noting the crucial role of local support, parent engagement, and investment (“skin in the game” from families and communities). Challenges School Leaders Face: Key obstacles include aging facilities, evolving community demographics, severe teacher shortages, and regulatory burdens that impact school autonomy. INPEA’s Role & Advocacy: The organization champions private schools by listening to school leaders’ needs, supporting advocacy at the Statehouse, offering professional development, and facilitating connections between schools and legislators. School Choice Impact: The Indiana Choice Scholarship Program has enabled greater diversity and access, letting more families—regardless of income—find educational environments that fit their children’s needs and values. Empowering Families: Chris Brunson stresses the importance of parents understanding that school choice is available to all Indiana families, often with substantial financial support. Key Takeway Indiana’s school choice landscape offers families meaningful options—but the most successful outcomes come when parents, schools, and communities are invested and informed. Whether in public or non-public schools, every family should feel empowered to choose the best environment for their child, with robust advocacy, support, and engagement paving the way for quality education across the state. 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 your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org
