"This program is about special needs kids, regardless of where they attend school," Newbold said in a prepared statement. "Children with special needs who now attend private schools are there because their needs are better met. . . . This program should include children with any disability in any part of the state."

State officials believe students already at the Pingree school in Salt Lake City, Success Point in Draper, Woodland Hills in Murray and the new Clear Horizons Academy in Provo — plus possibly four other private schools — could be eligible under the new rule.

Also, 10 schools total have been approved or conditionally approved to receive voucher students, including Blessed Sacrament in Sandy, J.E. Cosgriff Memorial Catholic School, Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Vincent de Paul and Kearns-St. Ann School in Salt Lake City, state associate superintendent Ray Timothy said.

So far, 125 students have applied, costing the state a potential $712,000 — a fraction of what's available, Timothy said. The state has estimated it could fund 460 students on scholarships.

Parents have one week, or until July 22, to apply for scholarships. Applications are available at www.schools.utah.gov, under the Special Education link.

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E-mail: jtcook@desnews.com