New York financier Ted Forstmann of Forstmann-Little, Inc., and John Walton, founder of Wal-Mart, started the Children’s Scholarship Fund in 1998. These businessmen contributed $100 million to start a scholarship fund for children whose families wanted them to attend tuition-based schools they could not afford. In 1999, Salisbury native Julian Robertson, Founder of Tiger Management, contributed $1.5 million to start Children’s Scholarship Fund–Charlotte. The New York Scholarship Fund matched Robertson’s funds, and a total of $3 million was made available for children in the Charlotte area. Although money existed for scholarships, a nonprofit organization that was willing to administer the funds was needed. The John Locke Foundation saw the potential, answered the call, and provided operational support for four years.
In July, Children’s Scholarship Fund–Charlotte will become its own nonprofit. Under a vibrant board of directors, scholarships will be administered through a community foundation, the Foundation for the Carolinas. Robertson gave an additional $2.5 million in 2002, and the Walton Foundation continues to match contributions for extending and awarding new scholarships. The charity has a bright future and will continue to help low-income families provide educational options for their children.
While more than 400 students receive support for a four-year scholarship term, there is a problem. Not enough money is available to assist the 1,900 families that have requested support. The organization limits names collected, and turns away families calling from other counties pleading for help. Carolina Journal has published stories about families, obstacles faced by students, and success stories coming from scholarships. If you missed these highlights, go to www.csfcharlotte.org.
Private-sector support for K-12 education is a win-win for everyone. One size does not fit all — and one type of schooling does not fit the needs of all children. Competition improves education for all, and when schools compete, students win. If you desire something for your child other than government-funded schools, you must pay twice. Once through your taxes, and then again to pay tuition. Even to simply cross a county line, the family must pay the county supplement.
The education establishment has done a remarkable job of miseducating the public and making elected officials indebted to campaign contributions. Considering that we already have vouchers for low-income families using preschools, and tax-funded assistance for higher education, only K-12 grades are held in a sacred monopoly. Florida, Arizona, and Pennsylvania allow specific tax credits for donations to aid low-income families with tuition. Other states offer vouchers. North Carolina offers NOTHING to support these families.
In August 2000, after only one year of the program, research on the achievement of scholarship students was conducted. The findings demonstrated large and immediate gains in reading and math, similar to those found in other choice programs.
The N.C. Education Alliance will continue to inform North Carolina citizens that school choice is happening around our country. I bring a big thank you to the John Locke Foundation and their supporters from hundreds of families that were given opportunities to choose schools. Children’s Scholarship Fund–Charlotte is launching! While I will miss working with the families and students, I am delighted to continue directing the North Carolina Education Alliance and promoting education choice.