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Gov. Deal intensifies campaign for Opportunity School District

Gov. Nathan Deal, shown here with his wife, Sandra reading at a metro school, is increasing efforts to win public support of his Opportunity School District, which is on the ballot in November.
Gov. Nathan Deal, shown here with his wife, Sandra reading at a metro school, is increasing efforts to win public support of his Opportunity School District, which is on the ballot in November.
By Maureen Downey
Oct 12, 2016

Gov. Nathan Deal has intensified efforts to convince voters to approve his Opportunity School District, signaling he may be concerned about the growing opposition, which includes some conservatives.

On Monday, Deal released a long video where he justifies his plan to take over failing schools based on the economic impact of students not finishing school. Earlier, he met with 29 African-American ministers to persuade them to back his plan.

Then, a new TV spot rolled out Tuesday featuring Deal talking about why state takeover is necessary. And proponents are now holding a conference call Thursday with leaders of similar takeover efforts in New Orleans and Tennessee to win over skeptics.

At the same time, opponents are gaining steam, as some conservatives cast the OSD as an attack on local control.

To read more, go to the AJC Get Schooled blog.

About the Author

Maureen Downey has written editorials and opinion pieces about local, state and federal education policy since the 1990s.

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