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Gov. Deal Sued Over Charter School Amendment

243 views · Published 2 November 2012 · 1:44 · Indexed 10 November 2026

Channel: WTVC NewsChannel 9 · 2012 · News & Politics

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A controversial amendment is on the ballots in Georgia. The Georgia Charter Schools Amendment will give state legislators, instead of local lawmakers, the right to create charter schools. Among other things, opponents aren't in favor of the new commission the amendment would create, and they also think the wording on the ballot is misleading to voters."Amendment 1 is of course, a great idea for the students in the Whitfield County and Dalton area," said Keith Edward McDermott, who already voted in favor of Amendment 1. He says more charter schools mean better opportunities for students. "It would benefit the kids a lot better in the community and around. They would have a chance to receive a better education," said McDermott.Fred Gould says he's also in favor of charter schools in Georgia, but he's adamantly against Amendment 1. Gould represents the Georgia Association of Educators, or GAE."What we're not for is for a commission of 7 individuals appointed by a political individual to make those decisions for us, to determine where for-profit companies might be able to set up their shop and make money on our children," said Gould.Meanwhile, other opponents have gone as far as suing Georgia Governor Nathan Deal.Beverly Hedges is not only against the amendment, but she also says the ballot language is fatally flawed. It simply states "provides for improving students achievement and parental involvement through more public charter school options."It's something that Gould agrees with. "We think that the language itself is deceptive. We do believe that it does not speak to what the actual amendment will do, should it pass and change our constitution."To see the complete lawsuit filed by Beverly Hedges, click here.By Natalie Jenereski

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