Statement by Verdaillia Turner, President of the Georgia Federation of Teachers on the defeat of Governor Nathan Deal's Opportunity School District/Amendment 1

Statement by Verdaillia Turner, President of the Georgia Federation of Teachers

on the defeat of Governor Nathan Deal's Opportunity School District/Amendment 1

"Today, parents, teachers and the communities across the state resoundingly rejected the idea that policymakers alone should be the stewards of our children's future and public education-the public wants to maintain its voice.

"Instead, Georgians sent a clear message to Governor Deal and other stakeholders-we need to make changes to our public education system, but the current plan isn't working. We need to develop a new roadmap through an inclusive process where the focus is not on testing alone but on making the improvements essential to helping all students acquire the knowledge and skills they need for success in the 21st century economy.

"I would be remiss if I didn't thank Governor Deal for raising awareness around this issue and giving us the opportunity to collaborate on evidence based solutions for kids while ensuring educators have the tools, time and respect they deserve to deliver on the promise of public education. Georgians agree-we must push aside our politics, roll up our sleeves and get to work on behalf of our children."