On election day residents of Georgia will be going to the polls, not just to elect the next President of the United States, but also to decide on a constitutional amendment. The amendment if passed would give the state extensive power to take over and fix failing school districts. Let’s examine this amendment and the effects it will have on Georgia schools if passed.

If the voters of Georgia pass Amendment One, it will allow the state to take over schools that are considered failing in the eyes of the state. The state would have the power to create a statewide school district called “Opportunity School District” which would place failing schools within that group for up to ten years. In extreme cases .the state would close the school and disperse the current students to other schools in the area.

“I just think it’s bad law,” he said. “It’s big government. It would create bureaucracy and a statewide school district. There’s zero planning for this. If you ask the governor what the plan is, he’s got no plan.” says John Knox who represents the 8th district on the Clarke County Board of Education.

Failing schools would be judged based on the state assessment passing rate of 60 from 2013-2015. According to Georgia Leads on Education, about 127 schools would fall under this failing designation given the proposed amendment. Most of these school would be in the Atlanta area.

The voters of Georgia have a tough decision to make. Do they pass this amendment and allow the state to try to “fix” the failing schools in Georgia, or do they keep the status quo that would see everything stay the same?

Regardless of the outcome of the vote on Election Day, some schools need some help to bring up student achievement and ensure that they are ready for college and the workforce. At Lumos Learning we offer a number of print and online resources to prepare students for state assessments. Contact Georgia’s Rep. Bonnie McRae today! She will assess your school’s needs and find the best products to fit your school’s unique situation. You can reach her at 1-888-309-8227 ext: 103 or at bonnie.mcrae@lumoslearning.com .

Site referenced: http://www.redandblack.com/athensnews/breaking-down-amendment-one-on-the-georgia-ballot/article_a7dad144-95d0-11e6-8b4a-c35b63d8e29f.html