AFT’s Weingarten and GFT’s Turner on Georgia’s Opportunity School District Ballot Initiative

WASHINGTON—Following the defeat of Georgia’s Amendment 1, which would have authorized the state to form an Opportunity School District that governs certain elementary and secondary schools determined to be “chronically failing,” American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten and Georgia Federation of Teachers President Verdaillia Turner issued the following statements:

AFT President Randi Weingarten:

“This result is a true victory for children, parents and educators. Georgia voters today rejected the tired ideology of imposing so-called reforms on schools and communities from the top down—and called out a state leadership that has systematically disinvested in public education, cutting funding per student by nearly 20 percent since 2008.

“Every child should have the opportunity to get a high-quality public education. We hope Gov. Nathan Deal will work with parents, educators and community stakeholders to improve Georgia’s public schools by embracing proven, evidence-based solutions to the challenges that hold too many children back.”

Georgia Federation of Teachers President Verdaillia Turner:

“Today, parents, teachers and communities across the state resoundingly rejected the idea that policymakers alone should be the stewards of our children’s future and public education. The public wants to maintain its voice.

“Georgians sent a clear message to Gov. Nathan Deal and other stakeholders: We need to make changes to our public education system, but the current plan isn’t working. We need to develop a new road map through an inclusive process that focuses not on testing alone but on making the improvements essential to helping all students acquire the knowledge and skills they need for success in the 21st-century economy.

“I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Gov. Deal for raising awareness around this issue, and for giving us the opportunity to collaborate on evidence-based solutions for kids while ensuring educators have the tools, time and respect they deserve to deliver on the promise of public education. Georgians agree—we must push aside our politics, roll up our sleeves and get to work on behalf of our children.”