NC Family Staff | July 22, 2024 | SHARE: 
School choice families—students, parents, and supporters—we invite you to join us for a press conference/rally at Halifax Mall on July 31 at 10 am to urge your state legislators to approve additional funding for Opportunity Scholarships and clear the waiting list. Schools start soon, and families need to make their final decisions about their children’s school placement this fall knowing their financial options, but nearly 55,000 families are still on the waiting list anticipating action by the General Assembly.
When: Wednesday, July 31st at 10am
Where: Halifax Mall, 300 N. Salisbury St, Raleigh
HB 823—Eliminate School Choice Program Waitlists passed in the Senate on May 2nd. If also passed by the House, this bill would appropriate an additional $248 million for the Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP) in the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. These funds would help clear the waiting list of nearly 55,000 students and their families who applied for scholarships back in February but weren’t awarded scholarships in the initial lottery.
As parents know, many year-round schools began last week, and most schools on a traditional calendar will start sometime in August. Given the imminent start to school, the last opportunity to make a school placement choice with an Opportunity Scholarship factored into that decision is quickly approaching.
Our legislators have been strong advocates of school choice and educational freedom. That is why they passed universal eligibility last year. That is also why the Senate passed HB 823 in May, and why the House included funding for the OSP in their recent overall state budget proposal, HB 263—2024 Appropriations Act.
However, for parents to have these funds in time for even a last-minute decision, legislators must act now. The fastest way for these funds to pass is for the House to pass HB 823. If the General Assembly waits to agree upon a final budget, all students will have started school and most of their education opportunities for this year will have come and gone. This is why we encourage you to make your voices heard by your representatives.
We invite supportive parents and students to attend a press conference/rally urging your state legislators to pass HB 823, fully fund the Opportunity Scholarship Program, and clear the list of families waiting for their opportunities to choose. Join us and other school choice advocates and organizations at Halifax Mall (300 N. Salisbury St.) on July 31 at 10 am. Students, parents, and supporters are all encouraged to attend to show their support for educational freedom. With most students on summer break, we hope to see many students and/or parents there.
For those who cannot attend the event on July 31, and even those who do, we also encourage you to reach out to your representative directly.
