For a decade, the state’s education headlines have offered bad news. Budget cuts. Turf battles. Poor test scores.
Yet, in many communities, parents, students and educators have come together to improve schools. Despite terrible obstacles often put in their path by Georgia legislators, they have fought for children.
I have helped lead one of our state’s most notable education success stories in Decatur. I served for 12 years on the board of City Schools of Decatur and was board chair for seven of those years.
When I joined the board in 2002, our student population had shrunk substantially. Maintaining schools stretched funds to a dangerous level. Morale was low.
But we owed the children of Decatur more than defeat. Reform was painful and difficult, but did not require a magic formula. We concentrated on the basics and a fundamental principle: Regardless of the politics, economic status or ethnic backgrounds, every child deserved a first-class education.
We made tough choices and strategic investments. We brought teachers and parents and neighbors together. In partnership, we built a new school system that served every student. No excuses. No winners and losers.
While Decatur schools enjoyed a remarkable turnaround, that’s not where we began. Georgia’s children should have the same commitment and leadership. Funding cuts have crippled schools, increased class sizes and lowered education outcomes. Because of decisions beneath the Gold Dome, school systems across Georgia were forced to furlough educators and shorten school years. This is unacceptable.
Georgia is a complicated state with an incredible array of students and education reform must reflect this diversity. What works for a large suburban system like Gwinnett might not work in poor rural systems, like the one I attended as a child in southeast Georgia.
Decatur’s experience can be modeled across the state. Turning things around requires a team effort, and Georgia must have a strong state school superintendent to lead the way.
My plan calls for:
—A modern school funding formula. I will work with students, parents and teachers to develop one.
—Clear, consistent guidelines for what every student should know: Georgia must continue its commitment to the Common Core, and we must equip our teachers and our students to meet these rigorous standards. I will work with partners to develop curricula that ensure our children can compete in a global economy.
—I will work with Georgia’s lawmakers and school boards to better manage district funding so leaders can reduce class sizes, improve teaching outcomes and raise student achievement.
—Georgia must have a teacher evaluation system that not only helps teachers, but reaches children where they are. I will work with our colleges and universities, and the business community, to improve teacher performance and incentivize the best our educators have to offer.
—We must be open to new ideas, but stick to the core principle that children come first. Effective change requires that we treat students, parents, and teachers with respect. Leading this change demands thoughtful, steady, independent-minded leadership — with a deep commitment to education.
