Berger Pushes Scholarships For At-Risk Students

Raleigh, N.C. – Last night during floor debate, Senate Republican Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) offered an amendment to S1248 that would provide students who are certified as academically at-risk the opportunity to receive $2,500 annual scholarship to be used to pay tuition at a non-public school if the child’s parent decides that is the best choice for the child’s educational future.  The child would eligible to continue receiving the scholarship as long as he or she is eligible to attend a public school or until graduation.  Because the state currently funds public education at approximately $5,000 per student, the state’s education budget would realize $2,500 for every student taking advantage of the scholarship.  In addition, local districts would save on average $1,900 per student.

The bill with Senator Berger’s amendment was referred back to the Committee on Appropriations/Base Budget upon the motion of Senator A.B. Swindell (D-Nash), a co-chairman of that committee.  Senator Berger wrote a letter to Senator Swindell asking that the bill along with his amendment receive prompt committee consideration.

Senator Berger said, “This modest proposal could make a big difference for at-risk students.  These students need additional options to maximize their chances for educational success.  Parents should have the freedom to make choices that they determine are best for the educational future of their children.  I hope this bill and the policy it reflects will receive consideration.”

Read Senator Berger’s letter to Senator Swindell here.

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