Editorials
State charter school commission stirs up controversy
This past spring the state legislature passed a bill to establish a Georgia Charter School Commission that could approve charter school applications rejected by local school boards. That action is now causing a storm of controversy in legal circles and in districts such as Baldwin County.
The public school systems of Atlanta, DeKalb County, Gwinnett County, Bulloch County and Candler County have filed a joint lawsuit, claiming that the Charter School Commission is illegal. Plaintiffs argue that the commission constitutes a kind of “independent school system” and would thus be prohibited by the Georgia Constitution.
Bringing the contentious matter closer to home, the Baldwin County Board of Education (BOE) recently adopted a resolution in support of retaining local control when approving charter schools in the county.
School Superintendent Geneva Braziel recently noted that the burden to align with federal education laws still exists for charter schools and that the local school system, not the state Charter Schools Commission, is best suited to navigate those requirements. In brief, Braziel and the board contend that the local board is responsible for managing and controlling its district’s public schools. Furthermore, she questions the constitutionality of allocating and spending local school tax dollars for funding a state commission.
Several years ago, the Baldwin County BOE rejected a proposal for a charter school, largely on the grounds that the originators of the charter school idea lacked a solid financial plan for the proposed school. One of those who proposed the Baldwin charter school now sits on the state Charter School Commission.
Such circumstances lead to the next issue. All seven persons appointed to the Charter School Commission were selected by the most powerful state leaders from only one political party — the present majority party in Georgia state politics. That party is one of the leading proponents of the charter school movement. The governor, lieutenant governor, and state House speaker, made all of the commission’s appointments. One can make an educated guess as to the political and educational proclivities of most all the appointees.
It is indeed difficult to separate politics from education, but this web of connections should give us substantial pause. It should also prod us to question such linkages when we explore educational policies in the present and future. Until the legal wheels have run their course, it seems that Baldwin County is wise to follow the advice of its Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools. Only nine states have created charter school commissions. We should wait and see how legal they are before determining how they will impact local schools in Baldwin County.
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Take precautions in dealing with high temperatures
The heat wave made its yearly visit to Central Georgia last week with heat advisories and heat indexes topping 110 degrees.
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County must keep focus on blight issue
The Baldwin County Commission voted to table a proposal Tuesday evening that aims to combat the county’s issues with unkempt personal property and yard debris by issuing fines to violators.
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Library’s reading club promotes much-needed community literacy
The Twin Lakes Library System recently wrapped up another successful Summer Reading Club with strong participation at all program levels.
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Issues too large to stay at home Tuesday
Tuesday is decision day for local residents in the primary races.
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Local colleges continue to add to make impact on community
There’s a lot that can be said about the uniqueness of a community the size of Milledgeville with three local colleges.
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Work Ready certification is a top priority
More than 40 Georgia counties have already attained their Certified Work Ready Community status, and though Baldwin is not among them, several surrounding counties are.
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Debate will make us better voters
Local electors interested in the future of Milledgeville and Baldwin County will have an opportunity to hear first-hand tonight from the leaders vying for the chance to address the district’s issues and concerns.
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OneGeorgia grant will spur economic development
Baldwin County’s economic development efforts received a boost earlier this week in the form of a $200,000 grant awarded by the OneGeorgia Authority for infrastructure improvements along U.S. Highway 441 North near the site of the new Kroger facility.
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Shopping local must become a community mindset
Take a moment and think about the qualities that make Milledgeville and Baldwin County unique, and beyond the rich and storied history and its rich cultural attributes, your mind may turn toward the local shops and eateries that add to this community’s character.
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Junior Police Academy, deputy camp expose local youth to positives of law enforcement
For the past several years, summer in Baldwin County has brought about opportunities for area youth to get to know local law enforcement agencies and form what is hoped to be a lasting relationship with officials through two local programs.
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Take precautions in dealing with high temperatures
