Poll: Charter School Resolution Passes

In its second go-around this month, charter school legislation passed in the state House of Representatives today by a vote of 123-48.

If the measure also passes in the Senate, it will allow Georgians to vote on a proposed constitutional amendment to restore the state's power to approve charter schools.

In May, a Supreme Court of Georgia ruling essentially dissolved the Georgia Charter School Commission, placing sole authority of the creation of charter schools in the hands of local school boards.

Rep. Ed Setzler, who represents portions of Kennesaw and Acworth, said he supported House Resolution 1162 during a town-hall meeting Tuesday night.

"What we're working on is creating a structure where the funding follows the children, not the school, in order to create a healthier competition among public schools and charter schools," Setzler told constituents.

"I personally think it's important for parents to have the option if they want to send their children to charter school instead. Some of the best schools we have are charter schools," he said.

Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers said the resolution will be sent to the Senate Education Committee first. He was asked if he thought the resolution had the necessary support in the Senate.

"We certainly hope so," he told Alpharetta-Milton Patch. "This is a referendum and the voters should have the opportunity to voice their opinion on this very important matter."

Do you think the state should have the power to approve charter schools? Participate in our poll, and tell us in the comments.