Newsletter For September 2024: Are more scholarship funds on the way?

The Path Towards Fully Funding the Opportunity Scholarship and ESA+ Programs

A few weeks ago, the North Carolina General Assembly passed a conference report, also known as House Bill 10 (HB10), that would clear the OSP and ESA+ waitlists. This was a major step forward for expanded school choice in North Carolina and a massive relief for families who are on the waitlist. We are thankful to each of you who advocated for advancing this legislation. Your hard work paid off in getting it through its first hurdle!

See the legislators who voted for HB10.

Unfortunately, we are disappointed that HB10 was vetoed by Governor Cooper. The Governor continues to oppose the Opportunity Scholarship Program, and his veto impacts special needs students by saying “no” to ESA+ funding, too.

 

While this news is disappointing, don't be discouraged! The legislature will be in Raleigh working in October and November. We are hopeful that they will vote to override the Governor's veto this fall.

We encourage you to urge your legislator to vote to override the Governor's veto of HB10 and fully fund the OSP and ESA+ waitlists.

FIND YOUR REPRESENTATIVE
FIND YOUR SENATOR

Shortly after the Governor’s veto, PEFNC’s President, Mike Long, spoke to ABC11 about the situation and championed our state’s school choice programs. 

"I feel that state funds, when it comes to education, should follow the child. That's why I applaud this legislature’s leadership who believes the same thing. Instead of investing in systems, we're investing in children, and we're allowing parents the economic freedom to make decisions as to what works best for them," said Long.

Watch and Read the Article Here

We will keep you updated on any developments, as well as point you to the SEAA announcements page where they are housing important program announcements as it relates to HB10.



The PEFNC Team In the Media

Our team has been busy with the media, sharing about the importance of the state’s school choice programs for North Carolina students and families.

PEFNC’s Executive Vice President, Brian Jodice, sat down with Spectrum News about the Opportunity Scholarship shortly before the General Assembly voted on HB10 and why they should clear the waitlist. 

“School choice programs like this are investing in students,” said Jodice.

Watch and Read the Article Here

A few days later, PEFNC’s Director of Community Engagement, Kwan Graham, went on the airwaves with Good Morning Fayetteville on News Talk 640 WFNC to refocus the conversation on how the Opportunity Scholarship Program is all about parents and students. 

“...because we have options here in North Carolina, which we are so grateful to have… [parents] can choose what best fits their child.”

Listen to the Full Conversation

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Church and State: Reimagining Faith Communities’ Role in K–12 Education

When: Thursday, October 10, 2024 | 11:15 AM to 4:00 PM ET

Where: AEI, Auditorium - 1789 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

You can attend the event in-person or virtually.

The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) will be hosting an event on October 10th about faith communities and K-12 education. Beginning with a keynote address clarifying the relationship between church and state, and followed by two panel discussions, AEI’s Ian Rowe will explore faith communities’ role in K–12 education, uniting practitioners and experts to further understand and advocate for the role of religious educational institutions in fostering students’ sense of agency.

The event will include discussions on advocating for and managing institutions that bridge the gap between faith and education. It will also give participants an opportunity to build community around these issues, sharing ideas and potentially carrying out solutions as opportunities arise.

Learn More and RSVP Here

Become a Voice For Choice!

If you have a school choice success story that you would like to share, our friends at the American Federation for Children (AFC) would like to hear about your experience!

Whether you’re a parent, student, educator, or advocate for school choice, consider becoming a Voice for Choice!

Share today and earn $50 for every story published.

Share Your School Choice Story

 
 
 

 

 

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