Indiana lands $59 million for charter school expansion

Federal Education Secretary Betsy DeVos is awarding $59 million to the state of Indiana to help it expand charter schools.

Indiana was one of nine states to be awarded millions of dollars for charter schools, though individual charter networks in other states will also get money.

Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Jennifer McCormick said the $59 million will be spread out over five years. The first $24 million installment is slated to come this year.

The U.S. Department of Education is awarding a total of $253 million for charter schools across the nation.

McCormick said Indiana's money will go to a minimum of 50 schools.

The money is intended to pay for students to attend charter schools and for planning and program design.