PEFNC Newsletter - What's Next For OSP Funding?
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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. Shortly after the Governor’s veto, PEFNC 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. Although a veto is discouraging, the bill can still become law with an override by both chambers of the General Assembly. We anticipated an override vote in October, but then the terrible tragedy of Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina. Justifiably so, the General Assembly gathered to instead vote for relief to those who were impacted across Western North Carolina. PEFNC sends our thoughts and prayers to our friends and families in WNC who are impacted. We hope that these people and communities will recover quickly. Should PEFNC be able to help you, or your school community, please let us know. The General Assembly will be back to work in late October and again in November. We believe that a vote for the veto override will likely take place mid-to-late November. |
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PEFNC Wins The Impact Award! |
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We are thrilled to announce that Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina has been selected for National School Choice Awareness Foundation’s first-ever Impact Award! PEFNC is honored with this award and, more importantly, thankful to our parents and schools for making a difference in the school choice movement in North Carolina! |
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PEFNC’s Vice President of External Affairs, Allison Guenther, accepted the award on behalf of PEFNC. “We are very proud and grateful for receiving the National School Choice Awareness Foundation’s first Impact Award,” said Allison. “We’ve collaborated with the National School Choice Awareness Foundation for several years to bring awareness to the benefits of school choice. North Carolina has come a long way over the last decade so that our students can access the best possible education for their needs. I would like to thank all of our parents, schools, and supporters, who are the real MVPs, in making such an impact for school choice in our wonderful state of North Carolina.” Again, this would not have been possible without the passion and support of everyone who helped North Carolina get this far in the school choice movement over the last several years. All of us at PEFNC would like to say “THANK YOU!” to you directly! |
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While we continue to pray for our friends in Western North Carolina, members of our team have seen first-hand organizations doing incredible relief and recovery efforts. Please consider supporting these worthy causes. |
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NC’s Renee Griffith Chosen for School Leader Fellowship |
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The School Leadership Fellowship is a project of the American Federation for Children that partners with school leaders and provides a pathway to advocate for the establishment, expansion, and defense of school choice scholarships. |
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This highly-selective fellowship for school leaders provides participants access to recognized experts in the field and an opportunity to network with their peers from around the country. The eight-month long, all-expenses-paid fellowship uses a mix of in-person and virtual training sessions to dispel the fear of the unknown regarding the formation, expansion, and defense of school choice nationally and in their home states. Renee Griffith, Executive Director of Cornerstone Christian Academy (and a friend of PEFNC), is a proud member of this fellowship! |
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Share Your School Choice Story! |
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Every family has a story to tell... and it has power! North Carolina has come so far in expanding school choice options for families because parents - like you - have shared how important it is to you and your child. |
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It's not too late to join the movement and share the impact school choice has made in your child's life. The American Federation for Children is looking for North Carolina families who want to be a Voice for Choice. Tell your story and earn $50. When you've submitted your story, reply to this email and let us know! |
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