GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) - Governor Scott Walker made his case for expanding the school voucher program during his budget address.

The proposed guidelines would impact nine communities statewide including Sheboygan, Fond du Lac, and Green Bay.

Vouchers give parents thousands of taxpayer dollars to send their kids to private school.

The program is already used in Milwaukee county and Racine.

However, not everyone is convinced it's been a success.

"While we work to improve underperforming schools, out children cannot afford to wait" says Governor Walker listing reasons why he wants to expand the voucher program.

To be included, districts must have at least two buildings with grades of "D" or "F" on the state report cards that just started last year.

"There is more to a person then how they score on a pencil and paper test" says Heidi Fagre, who has a kindergartener in the Green Bay District.

"I think it is difficult to make high stakes decision around a system that is just being piloted" says Tony Evers, Wisconsin's State Superintendent.

He is also bothered that an entire district can qualify for vouchers with just a few troubled schools.

"Some communities have both high performing schools and some that fail to meet expectations. Green Bay is a good example" says Governor Walker.

Being included in the Governor's address was not an honor for the Green Bay district.

"To be singled out like that is significant, not only what is does to our community, but also how it plays out with economic growth and development" says Green Bay Superintendent of Schools, Michelle Langenfeld.

"As a parent it breaks my heart because I see great things going on in the district" says Fagre who was among a group of parents asking questions about vouchers at a listening session with Green Bay district leaders.

[Vouchers]"definitely would scare me because with Green Bay being a large district money is already spread thin" says Melissa Pytleski who has three kids in the district.

However, the governor says even in voucher districts, high performing schools will be rewarded in his budget.

The green bay school district will be holding several special question and answer sessions geared at school vouchers.

The dates have not been decided yet. Count on Local 5 for the update.