Should Georgia allow new school districts?

Today’s moderator: Maureen Downey

Maureen Downey has written about local, state and federal education policy at the AJC for 12 years. She’s also taught college classes in mass communications and journalism. However, she’s learned more about schools from having four children in them.

One of the most debated issues in the General Assembly this session will be whether Georgia ought to allow recently formed cities to form their own independent public school systems, which would require a change to the state constitution. Today, we present both sides of the argument. The issue is being watched in DeKalb, Gwinnett and Fulton counties where there have been a spate of new municipalities, including Dunwoody, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Milton and Peachtree Corners. Dunwoody has already done a feasibility study that found the city could financially create and support its own school system.