Gov Kemp Proclaims January 21 – 27 School Choice Week in Georgia

Gov. Brian Kemp has officially declared Jan. 21-Jan. 27 to be School Choice Week in Georgia.

His proclamation follows a year of school choice expansions across the country and recognizes the role that quality education plays in the future of students in Georgia.

Kemp’s proclamation highlights the importance of effective education as a key component in preparing children for their future.

It also indicates that increasing access to multiple schooling options improves the academic performance of children regarding income level, geography, or academic ability.

“Georgia School Choice Week” is timed to coincide with National School Choice Week, a weeklong national celebration of K-12 education that takes place during the last week of January.

For the week, parents, schools, and other organizers have planned more than 1,000 events and activities across Georgia–– including a homeschool conference and a school fair –– all of which aim to spark conversations about the opportunities parents have or want to have, for their children’s education.

More than 26,000 events have been independently planned for the week nationwide, raising awareness about school choices of every type.

“Georgia is a great place for students to learn and grow, and we hope that every Georgia student can find a school or educational setting that suits their individual needs,” said Andrew Campanella, president of National School Choice Week. “We are excited that Gov. Kemp has chosen to proclaim Georgia School Choice Week and highlight the different educational options available to Georgia students.”

In Franklin County, a move is on to create an independent charter school at the current Royston Elementary School once the school moves over to the new South Franklin Elementary School building on Highway 145 later this year.

Coordinator of that effort, Wesley Fricks, said he had not heard about the Georgia School Choice Week but said there continues to be a lot of support from citizens for the idea.

“This is the first I’ve heard about it but I’m very interested in looking into it more so that I can learn how it does tie in and how what we’re trying to do in Royston can benefit from that,” he said.

In November, Fricks made a presentation to the Franklin County Board of Education regarding his charter school plan.

Fricks said his group is now working to get a non-profit status.

For more information on School Choice Week in Georgia, you can go online to schoolchoiceweek.com/guide-school-choice-georgia/.