Committee Looks at Virtual Charter School Funding

By Michelle Wirth

Atlanta, GA – A state committee is continuing to look at whether Georgia should increase the amount it spends on virtual charter school students.

A Georgia Charter Schools Commission committee was told by The International Association for K through 12 online learning that the national average spent per virtual student is $6500 a year. That's almost twice what the state currently spends on online students. Allison Powell with the association also told the commission it should look at states like Ohio, Wisconsin and Colorado as it decides on a funding model.

"They have different policies in place to ensure the quality. They're not just saying here's the funding, but they're also saying you have to report back to the state every year and show us your achievement gains, and show us you are using teachers that are highly qualified."

The executive director of the commission says it's reviewing several states' funding policies to determine the best direction for Georgia. Currently, there are close to 6000 virtual charter school students in the state. The committee plans to make a recommendation on funding levels to the full commission by the middle of next month.