Barge Backs Down on Charter School Amendment
CER Press Release
Washington, D.C.
August 15, 2012
“Were you lying then or are you lying now?” That’s the question Georgia House Majority Whip Edward Lindsey (R-Atlanta) posed in a letter to State Superintendent John Barge after Barge suddenly revoked his support for the pending Charter School Amendment in Georgia. It’s a fair question. Barge ran for office strongly supporting the amendment in a state where charter schools are popular. But once in office and really put to the test, he caved to those representing the failed status quo.
The Charter School Amendment will allow the creation of an independent state commission to approve and monitor charter schools. This is important because when authorizing power is left solely in the hands of state and local boards, it results in less quantity and quality of charter schools. Data shows that states with multiple chartering authorities have almost three and a half times more charter schools than states that only allow local school board approval. And state test scores, credible research, and experience show that those states with multiple authorizers are home to the highest quality charter schools.
Georgia is a prime example of a state with a single authorizer creating a hostile environment for charters because school boards often view charter schools as competition and reject applications not based on merit, but on politics. That means less choices and opportunities for Georgia parents and students.
CER President Jeanne Allen made the following statement:
I’m extremely disappointed that John Barge would back down on such an important issue just because he faced some pressure from those looking to protect their turf. He’s shown himself to be more interested in protecting the interests of adults rather than that of students.
When people in position of leadership back down on important issues, it’s the kids that get hurt. It is my sincere hope that the charter amendment passes and that the students and parents of Georgia don’t have to suffer the consequences.
Barge needs to get an early copy of the movie Won’t Back Down to see what happens when good people stand firm on their principles and let the pressure strengthen their resolve, not destroy it.”
