Jeff Bryant, Superintendent of Greenbrier County Schools, was the guest speaker at the No. 18 meeting of the Greenbrier County Democratic Women’s Club. Mr. Bryant was joined by Kasandra McClung, Chief School Business Official, and Christy Clemons-Rodgers, Communications Coordinator.
He discussed the status of our public school system and the challenges it faces, referencing a presentation given by State School Board President Paul Hardesty. The Superintendent stated the school system is doing well and that an excellent education is provided for the county’s children. Challenges include an enrollment decrease related to both a declining population and the impact of the Hope Voucher Program (also known as the Hope Scholarship).
Bryant emphasized that the Greenbrier County Schools supports school choice and that homeschooling and private programs can be very effective, but there is little accountability built into the Hope Scholarship program, whether the funds are supporting a homeschool or private school environment. He showed the audience a thick yellow book that holds the requirements and regulations the public school system is responsible for. In contrast, the requirements for the Charter/Private Schools fit on a single sheet of paper, and requirements for Home Schooling fit on a postcard.
Bryant also noted that the formula for school funding, which is tied to student enrollment, has not been updated since the 1990s. Clemons-Rodgers discussed the importance of the school levy, which, among other things, pays for art and music programs and school security. It also pays for school facility repairs. She requested support in getting information out to the community during the next levy campaign. The date for the next levy has yet to be determined.
The audience engaged in a question and answer session, and asked what could be done to address the challenges faced by the school system. Suggestions included electing more teachers for roles in government and promoting enrollment in public education. Attendees were asked to donate food or give monetary donations to the local food banks. Several boxes of food and funds were donated.
