State Board of Education Supports Fixing Failing Schools

To the question “Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow the state to intervene in chronically failing public schools in order to improve student performance?” Georgia’s State Board of Education unanimously says “yes.” Apparently they understand that if it’s broke, you’re supposed to fix it. From the release: 

“The State Board of Education is focused on one thing, and that’s the education of Georgia’s children,” said SBOE Chairman Mike Royal. “The creation of the Opportunity School District will allow the state to rescue children from these chronically failing schools. The status quo clearly isn’t working. It’s time for a change in our education system.”

Keep in mind that there are about 68,000 Georgia students that are trapped in schools that have failed to meet Georgia standards for at least three years. We’ve heard much from local school boards and teacher organizations who think their brand of control is more important than providing those children a quality education. This question will probably be the most debated topic on the ballot this year, unless those opposing the OSD refuse to offer any alternatives to it, and merely continue to whine about local control.

Find out more about the Opportunity School District here. Email any questions you have to [email protected], or put your suggestions in the comments if you prefer. The complete announcement is below the fold. 

State Board of Education backs constitutional amendment

State Board of Education (SBOE) today during a board meeting unanimously passed a formal resolution in support of the Opportunity School District constitutional amendment. 

On the Nov. 8 General Election ballot, Question 1 will read, “Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow the state to intervene in chronically failing public schools in order to improve student performance?”

“I commend the members of the State Board of Education for their formal resolution in support of the Opportunity School District,” said Deal. “There is a shared mission between the proposed Opportunity School District and the state school board, which is to establish an environment where every public school in Georgia is successful and every child can thrive. Students across our state have been left behind to languish in failing schools for far too long, and I believe Georgia can and must do better. By supporting the Opportunity School District, the State Board of Education is taking a stand against the failing status quo. They are seizing the chance to improve our schools and make our children’s future brighter. By voting “yes” on Question 1 this November, Georgians from every corner of this great state have a chance to do the same.”

The creation of the Opportunity School District would authorize the state to temporarily step in to assist chronically failing public schools and the 68,000 children required by law to attend them. These are schools that have scored an “F” on standardized tests for three or more consecutive years.

“The State Board of Education is focused on one thing, and that’s the education of Georgia’s children,” said SBOE Chairman Mike Royal. “The creation of the Opportunity School District will allow the state to rescue children from these chronically failing schools. The status quo clearly isn’t working. It’s time for a change in our education system.”

The mission of the SBOE, along with the State School Superintendent, is to provide the statewide leadership necessary to ensure opportunities for each public school student be successful.

Gov. Deal sees the Opportunity School District as a strategy to fulfill the goal of the state to provide hope for the families, students, and communities where schools have historically struggled. The Opportunity School District will provide the authority for the state to more effectively provide support and remove barriers to the students’ success.