ATLANTA— State Representative Edward Lindsey (R-Atlanta) introduced today a bill which will engage students, inspire teachers, and allow parents to be actively involved in their children’s education. The bill will begin in the House Education Committee for the 2013 Legislative Session.
“As I have said in the past, charter schools are not the magic silver bullet to fix Georgia’s education problems—there is no silver bullet,” said Rep. Lindsey. “I do believe that options must exist so children across the state may live up to their full potential. This bill will further the viability of options for parents and teachers across the state. House Bill 123 reflects my approach to not only serve the constituents in State House District 54, but the state of Georgia as a whole. ”
House Bill 123, the Parent and Teacher Empowerment Act, allows parents of any traditional public school to petition their local school board to convert their school into a public charter school. The act also provides for several turnaround processes for a school’s administration if the school is a low-achieving school and the parents or teachers feel such steps are necessary.
If any petition, conversion or turnaround, is supported by more than 60 percent of parents or teachers, the board must have a 2/3 vote to reject the petition. The board must act within 60 days of receiving such a petition.
“This bill simply offers the opportunity to place the power of our children’s education in the hands of those closest to the children, their teachers and parents,” added Rep. Lindsey.
Representative Edward Lindsey was elected Majority Whip by the Republican Caucus, the fourth highest ranking position in House leadership, on December 17, 2009. He represents the citizens of House District 54, which includes portions of Atlanta. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2004, and currently serves on the Rules, Appropriations, Education, Ethics, Industrial Relations, and Judiciary committees.
# # #