Education
Education

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.

Follow Maureen Downey on facebookFollow Maureen Downey on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Sheree Smith (left) casts her ballot at Wolf Creek Library in Atlanta on Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. In addition to municipal races for mayors, city councils and school board members, this year’s election also will decide the members of the Georgia Public Service Commission. (Miguel Martinez / AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez/AJC

Three Atlanta school board races appear headed to runoffs

Judge overturns expulsion of Cobb student who warned friends of school threat

A Cobb County judge said the school system did not prove that a student who warned friends about a perceived threat intentionally disrupted the school day.

Spelman College launches search for new president

As Spelman begins its search for a new president, students and alumni call for a leader who will uphold the Atlanta HBCU's legacy and meet students' evolving needs.

The Latest

Sheree Smith (left) casts her ballot at Wolf Creek Library in Atlanta on Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. In addition to municipal races for mayors, city councils and school board members, this year’s election also will decide the members of the Georgia Public Service Commission. (Miguel Martinez / AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez/AJC

Three Atlanta school board races appear headed to runoffs

Judge overturns expulsion of Cobb student who warned friends of school threat

Spelman College, CAU get $38 million donations from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott

Featured

A person exits the Wolf Creek Library in Atlanta after casting his ballot during election day on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez/AJC

900,000 turn out on Election Day across Georgia

Georgia Public Service Commission seats are on the on the ballot for first time since 2020. Atlanta mayor, local government and school board seats are also up for grabs.

Porsche, trips and more: Feds say former Hawks finance exec embezzled nearly $4M

The Hawks’ former senior vice president of financial planning and analysis allegedly spent years stealing money from the organization.

Marjorie Taylor Greene’s populist rise continues with debut on ‘The View’

U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene appeared on ABC's “The View” to share her criticisms for Republican Party leaders and answer a range of political questions.