School Choice Week Recognized By Youngkin Proclamation

Vienna VA

26 January, 2022

5:09 PM

Description

VIRGINIA — Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued a proclamation to recognize Virginia School Choice Week and reiterated a campaign promise to open more charter schools. The proclamation sets Virginia School Choice Week from Jan. 23 to 29. The dates align with National School Choice Week, celebrated by advocates of providing choice in K-12 education for families. School choice advocates support options like charter schools as alternatives to neighborhood public schools or vouchers to attend private schools. Opponents of school choice raise concerns about diverting school district funds to charter schools and private school vouchers. Youngkin's proclamation mentions a campaign promise to initially open 20 charter schools in Virginia. The governor said he will seek $150 million in funding to start at least 20 charter schools. There are currently seven public charter schools in Virginia, including two in Loudoun County. Neighboring Maryland has over 50 charter schools, the District of Columbia has over 100 charter schools, and North Carolina has approximately 200. Youngkin promised the "largest education budget in Virginia's history," including an investment in new charter schools. "Our goal is that every student will graduate high school ready to go to college or start a great career," stated Youngkin. "Choice and innovation within public education is vital to achieving that goal. That's why together we will not only raise standards and raise teacher pay, but we will invest $150 million to kick start 20 new charter schools in the Commonwealth." A bill filed in the Virginia General Assembly calls for the state Board of Education to create regional charter school divisions made up of two to three local school divisions. The divisions each would be overseen by eight state board-appointed school board members and a member appointed by the localities. That school board would review and decide on public charter school applications. The legislation would require Standards of Quality per pupil funding from the student's home district be transferred to the school. As reported by the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the bill would need support in the Democratic-controlled Virginia Senate.