Redstate

By Erick Posted in Charter Schools | Georgia | School Choice | Sonny Perdue | State Politics — Comments (0) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »

Georgia House Bill 881 is legislation in Georgia to help improve the conditions in which charter schools grow. Given the mess in Clayton County, Georgia, the first school district in the nation to lose its accreditation in over a decade, and the kids who are stuck down there, I am really surprised Governor Sonny Perdue hasn't signed this legislation -- it's just common sense reform to prevent local school boards like Clayton County from shutting down charter schools without cause and the legislation provides adequate funding and freedom for charter schools.

Right now Georgia has 71 charter schools with about 30,000 students across the socio-economic spectrum. These schools are currently out performing state averages on standardized tests despite receiving about 30% less than typical public schools. And charter schools don't even get facilities funding.

Under H.B. 881, funding will following children. If a child goes to charter school, the money goes with the child there. If the child goes back to public school, the money goes with the child back. It forces public and charter schools to compete, and competition improves schooling.

Twenty-six Georgia school systems have failed to meet federal and state standards. Clayton County is losing its accreditation. Charter schools are a great alternative.

H.B. 881 is a common sense reform to help foster charter schools. Too often local school districts try to make things extreme difficult for charter schools, while ignoring the need to actually improve local public schools.

It's time for the Governor to sign off on H.B. 881.

Please join me in calling Governor Perdue at (404) 656-1776. Ask him to sign H.B. 881. If you don't want to call, you can contact him via the web by going here.