ATLANTA – State Representative Valencia Stovall (D-Forest Park) today announced her support of charter schools by participating in the Freedom for Charter Schools rally, which will take place today, November 20, 2019, ahead of the Democratic Presidential Debate in Atlanta. Rep. Stovall will participate in the peaceful rally to support charter schools in Georgia and across the U.S.
“Quality free education should be provided to every child regardless of race, zip code, gender or financial status,” said Rep. Stovall. “Parents, who are the first teachers, should have the right to choose the best schools for their children, and charter schools are one of many options. Charter schools are not in competition with traditional schools because they offer curriculums that may not be available to parents who choose a traditional educational route. Charter schools are located in areas where they are needed the most and offer an alternative public education opportunity for parents who want a different educational setting for their children, which traditional schools may not be providing. It is a double standard in the U.S. that high school graduates and their parents can choose public or private colleges funded by tax payers, but parents do not have these same choices in kindergarten through 12th grade.”
According to the Georgia Charter Schools Association, there are 110 charters serving 86,549 students with more than 15,000 students on waiting lists.
“Georgia and the entire country must do a better job with providing equitable funding and access to resources for charter schools,” continued Rep. Stovall. “This is one of many options that will move the needle of poverty due to lack of education.”
Representative Valencia Stovall represents the citizens of District 74, which includes portions of Clayton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2012 and currently serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education and the Economic Development & Tourism, Education, Interstate Cooperation and Small Business committees.
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