As of Tuesday, August 14, 2012
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Albany Herald
Georgia State School Superintendent John Barge
ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia schools Superintendent John Barge has come out against a constitutional amendment to guarantee the state's authority to charter independent public schools.
The Republican superintendent, in a written statement Tuesday, said he believes the proposal threatens local control and state financial support for traditional public schools.
Spokeswoman Dorie Nolt says Barge has informed Republican Gov. Nathan Deal of his position. Deal personally lobbied lawmakers on the amendment and has urged Georgia voters to support it in November.
The superintendent's opposition puts him in an unusual alliance with many public school teachers and the Georgia Democratic Party.
The amendment would override a state Supreme Court ruling outlawing state chartered independent schools.
More like this story
- State Dept. of Education announces it's neutral on charter amendment ( October 2, 2012 )
- State education agency neutral on charter vote ( October 2, 2012 )
- Attention shifts to charter school board ( November 11, 2012 )
- Charter school debate heats up ( September 29, 2012 )
- Political links get attention ( September 28, 2012 )
