Promoting options

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In return for providing scholarships, the SGOs — which can established by individuals or businesses — will receive a tax break under the Put Parents in Charge legislation. The creators of the exploratory team, Clergy for Educational Options, have assembled a group of prominent participants for the effort, including former state Superintendent Barbara Nielsen, Charleston developer and former Republican Senate candidate Thomas Ravenel, Morgan Stanley Vice President Ben Rast, Dispoz-O Products Director Karen Iacovelli, Columbia Metropolitan magazine Publisher Henry Clay, Southern Association of Black Independent Schools Director Rich Thompson, Center for Grassroots and Community Alternatives President Stephen Gilchrist and Executive Minister of Clergy for Educational Options Rev. Richard Davis.

The participation of this prominent group of state leaders is welcome because critics of Put Parents in Charge have concerns that the governor's school choice initiative will not reach young people from low-income families, those who most need the option of private school.

Right now, it's uncertain whether Put Parents in Charge will be approved by the Legislature. If the measure fails, a hope is the group put together by Clergy for Educational Options will continue nevertheless to explore scholarships for students who might find greater opportunities in private schools.