Georgia’s Voters Will Decide on Future of Charter Schools
ATLANTA — Staff members in the charter school division of the Georgia Department of Education keep notepads in their offices inscribed with a mantra: “Is it best for students? Then do it.”
Rich Addicks for The New York Times
Students at Pataula Charter Academy in Edison, Ga., showed their support for the ballot initiative.
But when it comes to charter schools, parents, teachers, education officials and legislators are deeply divided over what exactly would be best for students.
Here in Georgia, the future of charters, which are publicly financed but privately operated, could be determined Tuesday by a ballot measure that asks voters to amend the State Constitution so that an appointed statewide commission could authorize new schools.
Along with high-stakes testing and tenure changes, legislative efforts to expand charter schools are among the most contentious issues in education circles. Proponents say
