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KENNESAW, Ga. | Mar 2, 2023

Kennesaw State University economics professor Ben Scafidi, executive director of the University's Education Economics Center, has been appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp to serve on the Georgia Charter School Commission, where he will play a direct role in setting policies affecting the 50,000 K-12 students in Georgia's charter school system.

The Georgia Charter School Commission approves and supports Georgia鈥檚 49 charter schools. It focuses on establishing and developing high-quality charter schools by reviewing their performance and promoting immersive educational models.

Scafidi will serve on the commission for two years setting policies and reviewing petitions and renewals for existing and upcoming charter schools. With more than 30 years of experience studying the economics of education, Scafidi has produced 20+ publications and presentations on the subject. His research interests range from economic inequality in education and housing to analyses of teaching and public school education.

In addition, Scafidi oversees the Education Economics Center, a non-partisan center housed within the Michael J. Coles College of Business that encourages research and data-based decisions about educational policy and evaluation on a state and national level. His ongoing research and growing knowledgebase around K-12 education have equipped him with the tools to succeed in his role with the GSCS.

鈥淚 have studied student outcomes and school funding and staffing issues,鈥� Scafidi said. 鈥淚 hope that experience is valuable when reviewing charter petitions and when considering changes to charter school policy.鈥�

Robin Cheramie, Dean of the Coles College of Business, is confident that Scafidi鈥檚 expertise will lead to improved outcomes for the students in Georgia鈥檚 charter school system.

"Through his research and scholarship, Ben has been making significant contributions for years to our understanding of the complex factors that affect how students receive a successful K-12 education,鈥� said Cheramie. 鈥淎s a member of the GCSC, he will now have a direct role in creating new opportunities for Georgia's students."