Subscribe
NewsOne Featured Video
CLOSE

Schools in Georgia will remain under local control.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that about 60 percent of Georgians voted “no” to a referendum question that would have authorized a constitutional amendment to allow the state to take over failing schools.

Georgia Republican Gov. Nathan Deal faced headwinds, even within his own party, when he promoted the establishment of an Opportunity School District.

It was no surprise that the amendment failed, as AJC polling showed strong opposition before Election Day.

Under Deal’s plan, governors would appoint a superintendent to oversee the statewide school district. The superintendent would have been accountable only to the governor and have the authority to requisition local taxes.

Deal said the statewide school district was needed because disadvantaged students have been neglected for too long.

His opponents argued that the proposed amendment would financially hurt school districts and eliminate local input to education.

Several Georgia counties passed symbolic resolutions against the amendment, even though some of them do not have failing schools that the government would take over.

SOURCE: Atlanta Journal-Constitution 

SEE ALSO:

Study: School Closures Disproportionately Harm Black, Poor Students

Black Men In Connecticut Welcome Elementary Students Back To School