Dear editor:

Regarding the Charter School Amendment which will appear number one on the November ballot, please be advised of the following.

 First and foremost, I trust that you have at least heard about this important issue by now.  It is truly unfortunate that this has become a hot and sensitive topic.

As superintendent of schools, it is my expectation and hope that you have studied this issue, and I trust the following information will be a resource for those uncertain about this matter.

There are two Georgia websites that should provide you with what you need to know.  While charter schools are national, this charter school amendment is Georgia specific.

 The first website is:    http://www.votesmartgeorgia.com  and the second website is:   http://www.gsba.com

The primary issue at stake with the amendment is taking decisions of charter schools out of the hands of locally elected boards of education, and placing the decisions in the hands of unelected political appointees.  This creates another, tax-payer funded, bureaucracy.  A commission would be established that would be the clearing house for granting charter schools in our state.

 In other words, a commission in Atlanta would be making charter school decisions here in Colquitt County and/or in any other public school systems in our state; thus taking the decision out of locally elected board of education members’ control.  

These governing bodies already have the authority to make decisions regarding charter schools, and if denied at the local level, there is already an appeal process in place to the Department of Education. Its passing would also present the opportunity for out-of-state educational corporations to siphon taxpayer funds out of Georgia.  

My comments are not intended to sway your thinking one way or another, but it is my job to provide the public with pertinent information on this topic so that all of us when exercising our right to vote, vote intelligently.

  If we do vote intelligently (knowledgeable about the issue), then regardless of the way we vote, we voted correctly.

 I hope the above information and websites help you in understanding this issue.  

Samuel DePaul, Ph.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Colquitt County