CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – Just days before the election, the issue of school closures is becoming a political issue.
Even though the state Supreme Court has upheld the Hope Scholarships, it is still a very controversial issue.
Last year, six schools in Kanawha County were forced to close and consolidate, and this happened in other counties as well.
Critics say the scholarships drain public education dollars. While most Republicans support school choice, the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy says the program cost the state $21 million in education funding this year.
In West Virginia, per-pupil spending is now $1,300 below the national average and more than 300 teaching positions have been eliminated.
“Companies come to the region and want to know. ‘Tell us about your education system.’ And then we say, ‘Well, a significant portion of our money is used to fund private institutions,'” said Mayor Steve Williams, (D) candidate for governor of WV.
“I have no regrets at all about supporting Choice and Hope scholarships and so on and so forth. I have no regrets whatsoever about supporting Choice,” said Gov. Jim Justice, (R) U.S. Senate candidate from WV.
Republican candidate for governor Patrick Morrisey is also a mighty supporter of Hope Scholarships. As attorney general, his office successfully defended the law’s constitutionality before the state Supreme Court.
Anyone who would like to apply for a Hope scholarship can still receive 50% funding this school year. You can find details by clicking on it Here.
