FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Date: September 2, 2016
From: Kate Saylor, Director of Marketing & Communications, Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program, Inc.
Subject: Georgia GOAL Hosts Sixth Annual Statewide Conference for Private School Leaders
Georgia GOAL Hosts Sixth Annual Statewide Conference for Private School Leaders
Participants Hear From Department of Revenue Commissioner and President Pro Tempore of the State Senate
Georgia’s Education Expense tax credit is thriving through the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program (GOAL), the state’s leading student scholarship organization. This year, GOAL received its highest number of contributions yet from taxpayers all across the state, and recently awarded a GOAL Scholarship to its 10,000th Georgia K-12 student.
On Thursday, September 1st, representatives from GOAL’s 131 participating private schools gathered at Wesleyan School in Peachtree Corners to celebrate the achievements and impact of this program. After a welcome from the host school’s Headmaster, Chris Cleveland, GOAL President Lisa Kelly reviewed the program results from 2016, and discussed expectations for 2017. The theme of Kelly’s presentation was gratitude. “We are grateful for the tremendous impact of this program in Georgia, for all GOAL contributors whose loyal participation means everything, and for the improvements in the lives of deserving Georgia students able to aim higher through excellent K-12 educational opportunities,” said Kelly.
Attendees then heard from the first keynote speaker, Georgia Department of Revenue Commissioner Lynne Riley. Appointed by Governor Nathan Deal as State Revenue Commissioner in January, 2015, Riley previously served four years as the House District 50 (Johns Creek) Representative. Commissioner Riley spoke about recent Department of Revenue software enhancements and process improvements, part of the Department’s continuing emphasis on administering this important tax credit with excellence and precision.
The conference’s next esteemed speaker was Senator David Shafer, President Pro Tempore of the Georgia Senate. Senator Shafer, a Republican, was first elected to the Georgia State Senate in 2002. He represents Senate District 48, which includes portions of Fulton and Gwinnett counties. Senator Shafer affirmed his belief in the purpose and mission of this program. Shafer’s remarks emphasized his consistent support for Georgia’s Education Expense Tax program, which he views as a component of the legislature’s responsibility to provide an education that meets the needs and desires of Georgia families.
Guests attended two breakout sessions during the conference during which they heard from panelists and were encouraged to share their own experiences. One session focused on legislative efforts, challenges, and lessons; the other session focused on effective GOAL fundraising strategies.
Finally, GOAL Achievement Awards for 2015 and 2016 were presented to various private schools and private school administrators for their outstanding efforts on this program.
“We were so thrilled to be able to host this event at Wesleyan School,” said Kate Saylor, Director of Marketing & Communications for GOAL. “Wesleyan’s administration, student body, and campus are top notch, and I believe this year’s conference was our best yet.”
According to Lisa Kelly, “In 2008, Georgia’s elected officials enacted what may be the best Education Tax Credit law in the nation, and, almost a decade later, Georgia citizens remain enthusiastically engaged in supporting this opportunity for the benefit of others in their communities. Each year, we are immensely grateful for $58 million in 100% tax credits which continues to allow Georgia parents to choose the best K-12 schools they can find for their children. Our communities, towns and cities, and the entire State of Georgia are the better for this opportunity.”
To learn more about the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program, please visit www.goalscholarship.org.
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Media Contact: Kate Saylor at ksaylor@goalscholarship.org or 770-828-4032
Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program, Inc. | 3740 Davinci Court, Suite 375 | Peachtree Corners, GA 30092