Charter Schools and City of DeKalb are moving forward in the State Legislature

Charter Schools - Legislation

The state could create charter schools rejected by local school boards under a constitutional amendment approved by the Georgia House of Representatives Wednesday.

The legislation, which passed 123-48 and now goes to the Senate, essentially would ask Georgia voters to reverse a state Supreme Court decision. In a 4-3 ruling last year, the justices overturned a 2008 law that formed a state commission with the power to create charter schools as an unconstitutional intrusion into local control over public education.

During Wednesday’s debate on the House floor, the amendment’s supporters argued that letting the court decision stand would abandon what historically has been a responsibility for public schools shared by the state and local school systems.

The state spends $7 billion a year on K-12 public education, said House Majority Leader Larry O’Neal, R-Bonaire.  “Should we send $7 billion a year in taxpayer money to local school districts and hope they do well?” he asked his legislative colleagues. “The people of Georgia expect responsible stewardship of their money.”

Maureen Downey
Savannah
AJC
Atlanta Business Chronicle
North Fulton

City of DeKalb - Legislation

CrossRoads News - Pro
Peach Pundit - Con

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