Atlanta, Ga. – February 7, 2012 – Metro Atlanta clergy plan to gather on Tuesday to join with legislators, Representatives Alisha T. Morgan (D-Cobb) and Rahn Mayo (D-Dekalb) and the Brighter Georgia Education Coalition in supporting HR 1162, a constitutional amendment to help charter schools in Georgia.
The group of clergy hope to bring political parties together on the issue of education at a time when political differences threaten to dominate the discussion.
“When it comes to educating our kids, one size does not fit all. That’s why we need as many high-quality educational options as possible for our children,” said Bishop Brian Hodges from Gathering of Champions church. “We say we want parental involvement so we must put politics aside and give parents options in the public school system.”
“And yet, if local boards had exclusive control, as the Supreme Court has ruled, we’d be without such high quality options as Ivy Preparatory Academy and Fulton Science Academy,” said Tony Roberts, president of the Georgia Charter Schools Association, which is a member of the Brighter Georgia Education Coalition. “Which is why we need an appeals process for these schools that are too often wrongly, denied at the local level. And why we need this amendment.
“This is not a Republican issue or a Democrat issue. It’s not about black or white. It’s about coming together to close the achievement gap and give every child in Georgia an opportunity to learn. Until every child has a chance, every option is on the table,” said Pastor Wilbur Purvis of Destiny World Church.
The group of clergy will address members of the media at 10:30 a.m. in the Senate Press Room 203 in the Coverdell Legislative Office Building.
For more information, visit brightergeorgia.org.
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