Education Funding Proposal Could Help Parents Afford Private Schools

An education proposal could help parents on a tighter budget be able to send their children to private schools.

When state lawmakers agreed to an education funding plan this week, they included a separate measure that would allow tax credits for parents of kids in private schools.

Beacon Academy hopes to be accredited by the beginning of this next school year. That means if the Governor signs the bill, the tax credits could cover the full cost of tuition.

Many parents feel it's important they have a choice about where to send their child to school.

"I didn't feel that my tax dollars should go to a school that either my child didn't attend, or I didn't think that the school was a good choice for my children," said Melissa Hallacy, mom.

Melissa Hallacy is a mom first. She's also a first grade teacher at Beacon Academy, which is kindergarten through eighth grade.

Her son is a fourth grader and one of 27 students at the school.

"We've had to make sacrifices cause it's not cheap," said Melissa.

It was important to Melissa that her son be in a smaller classroom setting with more tailored instruction.

The proposed law would offer tax credits up to $7,500 for families with children in accredited private schools. And $1,000 for students in schools that aren't accredited.

The amount of money reimbursed would depend on income level and the schools' tuition and fees.

"Our children are ours. God gave them to us to raise and this gives us the freedom to put our children where they need to be and where we want them to be. And to have a school and teachers and a school community that is in line with our beliefs," said Melissa.

School Administrator Gina Wren said tuition at this school is $3,700 and understands not everyone can afford that.

"We would love our school to grow. We would love to be able to serve the Bartlesville community more," said Gina.

Wren said if more students attend, then the school can offer more events, a better building, and better educational materials.