Augusta school official reacts to new school vouchers law
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Richmond County Board of Education members say they will take a “wait and see” approach to the news this week that Gov. Brian Kemp signed a bill allowing school vouchers.
“This is so new we don’t know how this will be used,” said Board President Charlie Walker. “Time will tell.”
On Tuesday, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, signed into law the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act which allows families to apply for up to $6,500 per child in public funds towards private school tuition and other educational expenses.
More: Charter schools, vouchers and bus stops: Kemp signs seven education bills into law
Students attending public schools ranked in the bottom 25% statewide for academic achievement will be prioritized for the vouchers.
The money could be spent on private school tuition, homeschooling supplies, therapy, tutoring or even early college courses for high school students.
“We don’t know how to estimate the impact financially or to enrollment. Anytime you have money involved it’s going to impact,” Walker said. “My personal opinion is I don’t know if it’s going to have an impact.”
The $6,500 would not cover the cost of most private schools, he said.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Augusta school official reacts to new school vouchers law
