The latest on school choice and funding sources
Georgia SB10 – one year later
As the second year of the Georgia Special Needs scholarships (SB10) begins, at least 125 private schools are expected to accept vouchers for the 2008-09 school year. According to the Georgia Department of Education, all schools who participated last year will be required to apply again this year, along with any new schools. Parents have until September 5, 2008 to enroll in a participating private school (for application & eligibility info, go to www.public.doe.k12.ga.us/sb10.aspx). State leaders say more families are expected to take part this year. “I think we’ll see a doubling, if not this year then very soon,” said state Senate President Pro-Tem Eric Johnson (R-Savannah). Johnson led the push for the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship program, which state lawmakers narrowly passed in 2007.
“Swift growth in vouchers predicted,” Laura Diamond, Atlanta Journal and Constitution, July 9, 2008, www.ajc.com
More school choice
Another school choice option for parents of children with special needs is on the horizon. A bill signed by Governor Sonny Perdue in May allows nonprofit foundations to establish student scholarship organizations. These organizations will be funded by businesses and individuals who will receive tax credit for their donations. “This is the next step in school choice,” said Rep. David Casas, R-Lilburn, the legislation’s chief sponsor. Under this law, individual contributors to the program will receive a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit of up to $1,000, while married couples filing jointly may claim up to $2,500. Corporate donors will get a dollar-for-dollar credit worth up to 75 percent of their total tax liability. With no income eligibility limit built into the law, it will be up to the scholarship organizations to decide whether they want to set an income cap. The foundations will also determine scholarship amounts.
“School choice turns corner with tax credits,” Dave Williams, Staff writer, Atlanta Business Chronicle, www.atlanta.bizjournals.com
Scholarships for therapy
Kiddos’ Clubhouse Foundation offers scholarships to help families pay for critical therapies. Through partnerships, generous support from corporate and private donors, grants and charitable events, the foundation strives to relieve financial burdens and help families regain hope for their children. To date they have raised over $35,000! Scholarships are offered quarterly and the money can be used for any type of therapy at a clinic of the recipient’s choice. Scholarships are not exclusive to those children attending the Kiddo’s Clubhouse Clinic. To apply or donate please visit www.kiddosclubhousefoundation.org
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