ATLANTA, GA – Last Thursday, in a gathering that celebrated a 15-year legacy, the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program’s “GOALTenders Conference” hosted over 230 school officials from across the state to commemorate its storied past and to chart the course for the ongoing impact of the Georgia Education Tax Credit program. The annual conference, held on August 31, 2023, has become a cornerstone event on the educational calendar, allowing stakeholders to come together and discuss the critical role of tax credit scholarships in shaping the academic future of the state’s students.
The conference agenda was a blend of reflection, celebration, and forward-thinking strategy. The day began with a welcome from Dr. Stuart Gulley, President of Woodward Academy, who hosted the statewide event. GOAL President Lisa Kelly followed with a review of the previous year’s achievements and challenges. “For more than 15 years, we at GOAL have believed in school choice for Georgia families. And for 15 years, that’s what we have all been doing together through the GOAL Program,” said Kelly. “We are inspired by you and your work to fulfill the varied educational needs of families as they navigate today’s complex society and seek to best educate and prepare their children for adulthood.”
Attendees then deep-dived into discussions about the current legislative landscape surrounding school choice in Georgia, the popularity of the program among Georgia taxpayers, and the recent state audit results from the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts (DOAA). Dr. Ben Scafidi, professor of economics and director of the Education Economics Center at Kennesaw State University, discussed the DOAA report’s key findings. The audit concludes that the Georgia Education Tax Credit program likely leads to an annual net cost savings for Georgia taxpayers of $61.4 million per year and acknowledges that numerous empirical studies have found correlated positive impacts on student test scores and college attainment.
One of the day’s most anticipated segments was hearing from Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, who took the stage to share his expertise and experiences with the audience. Lt. Gov. Jones emphasized the essential need for school choice in Georgia and shared his understanding of the positive impact of private school communities on our state. After his remarks, Kelly commented, “We are grateful for your support for this program – and although you are a believer in lower state income taxes, that you understand the incredible value provided by this tax credit – both for the lives of students and their families and its positive economic impact on Georgia.”
Next, four Heads of private schools convened for a panel discussion during which they shared their insights into successful implementation of the GOAL program at their various school communities. The leaders on the panel included Chris Cleveland, Head of Wesleyan School, Todd Clingman, Head of North Cobb Christian School, Kent Harrison, Head of Christian Heritage School, and Camille Naughton, Head of Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit School. Each of these leaders distinguish themselves and their schools by embracing the potential and the value of this program and are leading their communities accordingly.
The conference provided a platform for networking, sharing best practices, and hearing from esteemed leaders. As the event drew to a close, the message was clear: The journey of advocating for school choice is ongoing, and while much has been achieved, there is more work ahead. The Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program and its participating private schools, through events like the GOALTenders Conference, will continue to tackle this important issue head on, ensuring that all parents can obtain the education they are seeking for their children.
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