Amendment 1, also known as the charter school amendment, would have “a serious impact” on students at traditional public schools according to State School Superintendent John Barge.
Click to watch Barge explain Amendment 1.
Barge answered questions about Amendment 1 at a public forum in Macon on Oct. 11, 2012. Barge supports charter schools but opposes Amendment 1 because, if passed, it will increase the state’s education expenses by $450 million over five years even though 72 public schools are currently operating at a deficit.
Currently, 121 of Georgia’s 180 school districts are working on a shortened calendar and have lowered the pay for teachers through furloughs.
Charter schools approved through a politically appointed state commission would receive double the money per student as locally approved schools.