Clayton Schools: Loss of jet-fuel tax would hinder education

Clayton County Schools Superintendent Morcease Beasley said a move by state legislators giving a jet-fuel tax to the world's busiest airport would greatly affect the district's efforts to educate its children.

House Bill 821, which passed from the Ways and Means committee Thursday, would discontinue the current practice where Clayton County collects about $20 million on jet fuel sold at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport.

“Listen to the voices of politicians, who are not accountable to you of your families, who basically told Clayton County Schools and, in turn, the people of Clayton County to enjoy the money while it lasts, cause it’s going to end,” Beasley said in a statement.

A federal rule allowing the airport to recoup the taxes began Dec. 8. The Federal Aviation Administration has granted extensions in some cases. Clayton is awaiting movement on its appeal with the 11th circuit court, tentatively scheduled for March 2018. School district officials have planned a community meeting Saturday at Charles Drew High School, 6237 Garden Walk Boulevard in Riverdale.

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