The West Virginia Education Scholarship Program, which provides thousands of dollars to parents who have kicked their children out of public schools, must be fair and fully funded after months of legal battles. Hmm.
The state’s Supreme Court of Appeals ruled on October 6, 3 to 2, that the program was constitutional.
West Virginia Treasurer Riley Moore applauded the court’s decision, saying:Empowering West Virginia families to choose the educational opportunities that are best for their children. Moore promised that the Hope Scholarship Committee, of which he is a member, will meet “as soon as possible” to consider the immediate resumption of the program.
“This is a victory for West Virginia families over out-of-state lawyers and liberal activists who are trying to block educational freedom and school choice for our children,” Moore said. statement“This program, effective immediately, is operational to serve the people of this state and provide them with the educational choices they need.”
his office It warned that the scholarship account would likely not be available until the spring semester because a July injunction blocked the transfer of funds to the program.
More than 3,000 students have been awarded Hope Scholarships, with approximately $4,300 per student going to families. This program provides state-funded scholarships to families who want their child to drop out of her public K-12 school. To be eligible for the scholarship, the student must have attended a state public school or been in kindergarten in the previous school year. Previously homeschooled children or private school students are not eligible.
that money isprivate school tuition, tutoring, credentialing, treatment, transportation” and other educational expenses, Ed Choice. The $14 million program passed the state legislature and was originally scheduled to begin in the 2022-2023 school year.
The West Virginia Board of Education upheld a lawsuit filed by three families in January, alleging that scholarships were taking money away from public schools.
in July, Kanawha County Circuit Court Judge Joanna Tavitt It ruled that the Hope Scholarship violated the state constitution and prevented the program from sending money to scholarship recipients.
“The Hope Scholarship Act will open more doors for West Virginia students, leave funds and other resources for public schools, and give them the money they need to stay strong,” said West Virginia. State Attorney General Patrick Morrissey said: WTRF Wheeling.
Morrissey asked the state Supreme Court intervene Authorize the reopening of the HOPE Scholarship Program. He argued that states could continue to fund public schools while also enacting programs that gave parents more options for their children’s education.
“There is absolutely no evidence in this case that the legislature has failed to provide a complete and efficient system of free schools. Only,” Moore said. metro news August 3.
The attorney general expressed his gratitude to the state Supreme Court. twitter abide by their rulings.
““Children in West Virginia deserve the best public schools and as many private sector options as possible,” Morrissey wrote. “This is a big win for educational freedom.”
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