Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed announced Wednesday that he opposes an amendment on the November ballot that would allow the state to take over low-performing schools.
Amendment 1, which is backed by Gov. Nathan Deal and opposed by educators, asks voters to give the state authority to “intervene in chronically failing schools in order to improve student performance.
“I oppose this proposal because I believe it will inevitably result in the diversion of public funds for public schools to private entities, with inadequate oversight, and without accountability to parents,” Reed said in a release Wednesday.
“I believe such a change in our state, through the permanent measure of a constitutional amendment, will weaken our public schools and create conditions where they become the last resort for desperate families, rather than a symbol of excellence and source of community pride,” Reed continued.
Reed acknowledged challenges in state public schools — including Atlanta’s — and the frustration felt by parents and activists seeking improvements. But he thinks a takeover by the state would discourage parents from being engaged in their school systems.
“Ultimately, I cannot support any measure that weakens our public school system in this manner and threatens its future,” he said.
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