SCDE halts payments for tuition and fees for nonpublic schools and courses as required by S.C. Supreme Court’s order
COLUMBIA — The South Carolina Department of Education released a statement Wednesday, Sept. 11, in response to the South Carolina Supreme Court's ruling in the Eidson v. S.C. Department of Education case. The following statement is attributable to the agency, or an agency spokesperson.
“The South Carolina Department of Education has halted payments for tuition and fees for nonpublic schools and courses as required by the South Carolina Supreme Court’s order.
The Department will do everything in its power to work with the Governor, General Assembly, and impacted schools to support the low-income families who are the victims of this ruling and will communicate with them regarding options that remain within the Education Scholarship Trust Fund program.
Of note, the Court did not change student eligibility requirements. Also, any allowable expenses — other than tuition and fees to a non-public education service provider — remain eligible for families to purchase. Additionally, the order clearly enjoins only future payments of tuition and fees and does not require the Department to recoup payments made prior to Sept. 11, 2024.
The Department will work closely with parents to assess viable alternatives for their children if continued attendance at their current school is no longer an option, thanks to this lawsuit and subsequent ruling.”
For additional information on the ruling, read: