How We Began — Arizona School Choice Trust
In 1991, the Wall Street Journal profiled Pat Rooney, then, chairman of the board of Golden Rule Insurance Co. This Indianapolis, Indiana billionaire tried to get the Indiana state legislature to fund private schools with state resources. When that did not succeed, Rooney created a privately funded school choice scholarship program for students from low-income families.
Jack and Isabelle McVaugh, recent Arizona retirees, were impressed with what they read about Pat Rooney’s initiative. They could afford to send their children to the best schools possible, but knew that some families, especially with lower incomes, did not have that opportunity. Their vision was to enhance K-12 education for all Arizona school children by giving parents freedom to choose the school that best met their children's needs.
On May 11, 1993, with the help of friends and associates, ASCT was established. The initial program served Maricopa County residents who qualified for the federal free and reduced-price school lunch program. Within 10 days of publishing a request for applications for the ASCT program in the Arizona Republic newspaper, 500 students applied and were on the waiting list for scholarships. What started in 1993 with 54 privately-funded scholarships has grown to over 1200 annual scholarships to children from low income families in Arizona.
Arizona School Choice Lost its Pioneer in January 2009
It was with great sadness that we announced the passing of John “Jack” McVaugh, founder of Arizona School Choice Trust, on January 29, 2009.
Jack will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by a broad base of families, friends, political leaders, and professional associates throughout the country. The McVaugh family along with Arizona School Choice Trust has established the Jack McVaugh Scholarship Fund to assist our SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN. We are asking for all donations to this scholarship fund be sent to Arizona School Choice Trust, P. O. Box 1616, Glendale, AZ 85311. For additional information, please call our office: (623) 414-3429.