FCSS Superintendent Henson “Totally Opposes” Amendment 1 on Nov. Ballot
News October 18, 2016
Amendment 1 asks voters to make a change in Georgia’s Constitution so the Executive Branch of Georgia’s government, at this time Gov. Deal, can take over school districts that the Governor defines as “chronically failing public schools.
In an interview with FetchYourNews on Oct. 13th, FCSS Superintendent Mark Henson said he “totally opposes” Amendment 1 on the Nov. ballot. School Board Chair Bobby Bearden also said he will vote no on Amendment 1 as well . Bearden spoke for himself not the Board. Both Henson and Bearden oppose the amendment because it takes away parents’, communities’ and School Boards’ control over their local district and place the control in the hands of an “Opportunity School District” . Georgia’s Governor will have the authority to determine which organization (s), for-profit or non-profit, manage an “Opportunity School District” school.
Henson gave further reasons for his opposition. The amendment also lets the Opportunity School District have authority over school money but is vague as to how. Also, there is no set threshold which determines when a district must become and Opportunity School District. The Governor’s Office said that it this time that schools scoring below 60 on the College and Career-Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) three years running will become an Opportunity School District. However, the Governor will be able to change the threshold without prior approval from anyone.
Both of these concerns are among reasons why north Georgia School Boards have passed resolutions of opposition against Amendment 1.
Funding concerns for Opportunity School Districts and their management is especially contentious in light of Georgia’s 10% drop in per-pupil spending since 2010. In 2014, Georgia averaged $9,202 spending per-pupil against a national average of $11,841. Opponents of Amendment 1 argue that bringing funding levels up to at least national averages would give failing districts money to hire more experienced teachers, counselors, social workers and technology, three spending areas which have shown great impact on student performance nationwide.
Opposition across north Georgia is bipartisan. Fannin County Democrats invited Dr. Bette Holland on the Committee to Keep Georgia Schools Local to speak about Amendment 1 back in August ( see “Keep Georgia Schools Local Hosts Forum about Proposed Georgia Constitutional Amendment”). School boards across north Georgia which have passed opposition resolutions consist mainly, if not entirely, of Republican members.
As of October 18th, North Georgia counties Pickens, Gilmer, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Rabun and Murray have joined 48 other Georgia school boards in voting resolutions of opposition against Amendment 1. Fannin County School Board has not.
Georgia school districts opposing Amendment 1 as of Oct. 18. Map provided by Public Education Matters and Keep Georgia Schools Local.
Below is how Amendment 1 appears on the state ballot:
Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow the state to intervene in chronically failing public schools in order to improve student performance?
( ) Yes
( ) No
1 Comment
I’ll be voting FOR it. If democrats don’t like it, that’s enough for me.