Democratic Women of Ashe County meet to learn about school vouchers

WEST JEFFERSON — The Democratic Women of Ashe gathered at the Ashe County Democratic Headquarters from 6-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 20, for an evening of creative rock painting and an update on state legislative actions related to public schools, opportunity scholarships, and the Leandro Law suit.

Julia Buckner, past president of the Democratic Women of North Carolina and past public school teacher, divinity scholar, and advocate for public schools, explained the impact of the opportunity scholarship program on local Ashe County Schools. If the current budget proposal for these scholarships, better known as “school vouchers”, is approved, Ashe County Schools stands to lose $128,000 dollars. If public schools were fully funded, as mandated by the Leandro Case, Ashe County Schools would receive an additional $2,174 per student each year that could provide for 18 teachers, four nurses, eight counselors, and one bus driver.

Opportunity scholarships are used by students toward tuition at private, often religion-based schools. Private schools receiving these tax dollars currently have no requirements for accreditation, employment of certified teachers, curriculum standards, or accountability for student learning. Information was provided about how to contact legislators to encourage them to fully fund public schools and return tax dollars spent on school vouchers to the public school system.

During this educational program, the Democratic Women designed and painted colorful rocks with positive messages focused on issues of local importance to the women of Ashe County and to getting out the vote for the November elections.

A number of events are planned for the summer including a shared booth with the Ashe County Democratic Party at Christmas in July on Saturday, July 6 in downtown West Jefferson.

Tickets are now available for a Gala recognizing Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Aug. 24 at the Ashe County Arts Center from 6-9 p.m., featuring guest speaker, Suzanne Reynolds, a faculty member at the Wake Forest Law School and personal friend of the late Justice Ginsburg.

All members are encouraged to volunteer to support the candidates of their choice and to help get out the vote this November. More information at www.democraticwomenofashe.com.