A legislative audit released Friday says the program, which gives money to special needs students to apply toward private schools, is growing more slowly than in years past, but will still likely grow by about 49 percent this year. The audit recommends legislators decide whether they want to maintain, expand or decrease the program's size.

Maintaining the program at its current level would require annual funding of at least $2.5 million, according to the audit. Last year, the Utah Office of Education had $2.8 million for the program, including $2.4 million from the Legislature and $419,000 carried over from previous years. Only $322,000 will be left after this school year, however, not nearly enough to maintain the program for next school year.

"As it's going, we're running out of money," Associate State Schools Superintendent Brenda Hales said. "There's obviously a need."

The Utah State Board of Education is asking for $3.5 million in ongoing funding.

The program, which now serves 482 students, could eventually grow to as many as 3,000 students if Utah's program grows as Florida's did, according to the audit.

The audit also found scholarship recipients are largely happy with the program. Most of 43 parents surveyed said they were dissatisfied with their children's public schools before applying for the scholarships and switching to private schools.

Not everyone thinks the program deserves expansion. Jan Ferre, with the Legislative Coalition for People with Disabilities, said the program still has a lot of kinks. It does not cover all tuition for some students and only 39 schools are eligible to participate.

lschencker@sltrib.com

More about the Carson Smith Scholarships for Students with Special Needs program:

* 482 students participate in the program, which provides money toward private school tuition.

* 39 private schools are eligible to participate.