The North Carolina General Assembly plans to pull state funding from driver education classes at public schools.
At high schools in Eastern North Carolina, driver's ed is a rite of passage - it's one step closer to getting behind the wheel. A general assembly decision might make it more expensive though. Starting next school year, the state is pulling funding from the program.
Right now, there's a $55 cap on what schools can charge students to participate, but the cost of driver's ed can range from $275 to $400. Without state dollars, parents and students would have to shoulder the full cost.
Mark Smith at NC Driving School, the only driving school in Pitt County, worries some won't be able to afford it.
"We're not sure what impacts it's going to have on our business, but we know what impact it's going to have on our students and parents," explained Smith.
In a vote, the Pitt County Board of Education decided to draft a resolution asking the assembly for continued state support.
Board chair Worth Forbes is optimistic. "At this point they're not listening and hopefully they'll have a change of heart," said Forbes.
Both Forbes and Smith said if the state pulls funding, it could mean an increase in car insurance rates for all drivers.
Forbes said it's a safety issue for not only students, but for all drivers who share the roadways with them.
"It is not worth one child losing their life over saving money," said Forbes.
We reached out to N.C. Representative Brian Brown's office, but have not received a response.
At high schools in Eastern North Carolina, driver's ed is a rite of passage - it's one step closer to getting behind the wheel. A general assembly decision might make it more expensive though. Starting next school year, the state is pulling funding from the program.
Right now, there's a $55 cap on what schools can charge students to participate, but the cost of driver's ed can range from $275 to $400. Without state dollars, parents and students would have to shoulder the full cost.
Mark Smith at NC Driving School, the only driving school in Pitt County, worries some won't be able to afford it.
"We're not sure what impacts it's going to have on our business, but we know what impact it's going to have on our students and parents," explained Smith.
In a vote, the Pitt County Board of Education decided to draft a resolution asking the assembly for continued state support.
Board chair Worth Forbes is optimistic. "At this point they're not listening and hopefully they'll have a change of heart," said Forbes.
Both Forbes and Smith said if the state pulls funding, it could mean an increase in car insurance rates for all drivers.
Forbes said it's a safety issue for not only students, but for all drivers who share the roadways with them.
"It is not worth one child losing their life over saving money," said Forbes.
We reached out to N.C. Representative Brian Brown's office, but have not received a response.
No comments:
Post a Comment