Commission Looks at Funding for Virtual Charter Schools ATLANTA, GA (WABE) - The Georgia Charter Schools Commission unanimously voted to form a three-person committee to study how much should be spent on students in virtual charter schools. The decision followed speeches from two online schools who decided against operating in Georgia because they don't believe spending 33-hundred dollars per student is adequate.

That's the per pupil cost authorized for virtual charter students which online school supporters say is a third of what is spent on students at regular schools.
David Lamitina spoke on behalf of Provost Academy.

"Our per pupil cost is highly competitive at just over $6000 per student. And over a 12-segment school year that equates to $500 per course, per segment, per student."
Commission executive director Mark Peevy was chosen to head the committee.

"We want to ensure that we have an equitable funding level for virtual schools in Georgia, and we also want to be able to have one that provides for a competitive environment."

Peevy says the committee will recommend how much should be spent on virtual charter school students by December.
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