Groups form coalition to fight charter amendment

As of Tuesday, September 25, 2012
© Copyright 2013 Albany Herald

The Associated Press . In this June 23 photo, about 200 charter school supporters attend a rally on the Capitol steps in Atlanta.

ATLANTA — Black lawmakers, civil rights groups and several associations of educators have formed a coalition against a proposed constitutional amendment on charter schools.

The amendment would allow a new state body to select private operators to run taxpayer financed schools. Backed by Gov. Nathan Deal, the measure is on the Nov. 6 ballot.

The opposition coalition announced Tuesday includes associations of teachers, parents, superintendents and local school board members, along with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the NAACP and other civil rights organizations.

Opponents argue the amendment is unnecessary, saying local education boards and the state board of education can already issue charters. They say the plan would steer taxpayer money to corporations that run schools for profit.

Proponents say a new path for charter schools would give parents more choices.

Sign in to comment

Or login with:

OpenID

Albany Herald