A bill allowing certain disabled students in public schools to apply for private-school scholarships cleared an Arkansas House panel Tuesday.
House Bill 1552, sponsored by Rep. Douglas House, R-North Little Rock, would create the Succeed Scholarship Program for disabled students starting in the 2016-17 school year.
The program would let disabled students who have attended public school for at least one year with an individualized education program apply.
Once accepted into a private school, the student would have to notify the public school district at least 60 days before he could enroll in the new school and receive the first scholarship payment.
Several representatives voiced concern that parents would choose to switch students to private schools even though they receive services a private school may not provide.
"Sometimes grown people make decisions that negatively affect their children," Rep. Reginald Murdock, D-Marianna, said. "When we say now the only trigger is the parent making a choice ... that concerns me. When you look at the public school situation, there is inclusion from professionals, the principal, sometimes outside associations."
The bill details several requirements for private schools, including accreditation and fiscal soundness.
Under the bill, the scholarship would be funded "separately from the Public School Fund and other funds or appropriations designated for public schools." The program would not be funded with county, city or school district tax revenue.
The bill was passed on a voice vote and now heads to the House floor for approval.
See Wednesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full coverage.
