This letter is about the charter school amendment to the Georgia Constitution, which will be on the general election ballot on Nov. 6, 2012, for consideration by our voting public.
My purpose in writing today is to ensure that the public has proper guidance before voting. Specifically Superintendent Curtis Jones in his letter to the editor in The Griffin Daily News printed on Sept. 16, 2012, omitted some important facts.
This is understandable since he is paid by the school system, and he would be expected to defend public schools.
My take will be different. I am speaking up for the students and parents of public schools, private schools, charter schools and any other school for education.
Some try to say this is against public schools. If that were true, I would be against the amendment as I am a product of Spalding County Schools and Georgia State University. I owe my success in life to the many fine, dedicated teachers that I have had.
The reason for the amendment is very simple. After the state established charter schools, charter schools were approved by many local school systems, but many were turned down for no valid reason. When this happened the state approved some in worthy cases. This seemed very appropriate since the state Constitution states that the state is obligated to offer a high school education to all Georgia children and the state appropriates major funds for that purpose. It appears evident to the Legislature that most Georgians believe that students and parents believe that choice is very important. Charter schools offer a choice with little adverse effects on public schools.
On Sept. 17 at the request of Mr. Michael Kendall, I was on his WKEU radio show for an hour in an effort to inform the people about charter schools. Since I furnished him several documents, I knew that one hour would not be sufficient. So I left him a copy of my file, asked him to study them and invite me back for another discussion. He stated that he would.
REP. JOHN YATES
Griffin resident
Thank you!!! I have nothing personal against Supt. Jones and also understand why he, and probably the superintendents of all Georgia schools, do not want state funds going to charter schools, but the fact is that we have not seen significant improvement in our public school system for years. We read of improved test scores and meaningless awards for this and that, but the true proof of a successful school is the graduation rate, and it shows that we are failing miserably. Parents find it frustrating when their children's needs are not being met, and they either give up when their child turns 16, or they adjust an already tight budget to fork out additional funds for private school enrollment. Most of these parents are taxpayers who must continue to contribute thousands of dollars to a system that has failed them. At the very least these dollars should offer a choice for education. The need for charter schools is long past due, and I hope the citizens of Spalding County vote yes on this amendment.
Many citizens of Griffin oppose this amendment. Many parents find it frustrating to have to continue to point out to the "government" how important it is to have a positive outlook for our public school system; especially when that government official is from their city! Of course, a smaller private or smaller charter school would be better-that doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out. Involved parents with caring students usually are the ones who attend those schools. As a public school, the doors are open to everyone and unfortunately , open to those students who are disruptive and who are not there to learn. The teachers and administrators are doing good work. By your laws, Mr. Yates, we can't excuse these kids and send them elsewhere to a vocational school, technical school or even offer these kids a separate vocational program because YOU have helped decide on cutting funds that were needed for these programs. I highly doubt that you have been in the high schools and experienced what the administrators and teachers actually do all day long. They would HAVE to love their jobs to contend with the issues they contend with. If you know of parents who are frustrated because their child's needs aren't being met, how about referring them to the school counselor , teacher or principal. YOU are not the one that can help that parent! You should be researching charter schools and the different types that some "citizens" may choose to be a part of. You have the responsibility to VOTE and represent the people in YOUR area- Your opinion is NOT the end-all. RESEARCH, READ, NOT REGURGITATE information. Mr. Yates, you stated in your letter that these awards won by the PUBLIC schools are meaningless. They are not meaningless to the children, parents, and staff members who worked toward that goal! Like your air medals and battle stars, they are awards which are respected (by others than you) and sought for. I would never tell you that those were meaningless- that would be quite disrespectful and foolish.
I will continue to encourage others to vote against this amendment. By the way, I am not a high school teacher. I am proud that I am someone who will actually READ what is out there and if I have a question, I DO THE RESEARCH ! Hmmm.....I don't think I am too old to run for your seat!
Mr. Yates, many times I have agreed with you. This is NOT personal, but it is VERY important. Please get out there and talk to people OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE! Schools always need improvement. No one will argue that. I do believe there would be argument that the schools are not changing and working on improvement. Please use your office to do what is best for all kids. TALK to educators. They are helping prepare children for the future.