Category Archives: public schools

APN Q&A: Brian Westlake, challenging Rep. Oliver, HD 82

westlake and mmo

(APN) ATLANTA — Brian Westlake, a high school teacher who ran in 2010 for the Democratic nomination for Georgia School Superintendent, is challenging State Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver (D-Decatur) for the House District 82 seat.   Westlake, who is an advocate for public education, takes issue with State Rep. Oliver’s support of Gov. Nathan Deal’s proposed Opportunity School District (OSD), […]

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Georgia School Takeover Plan Passes despite Protests

osd rally

With additional reporting Allie McCullen, Special to Atlanta Progressive News   (APN) ATLANTA — In 2016, Georgia voters will be asked whether to amend the state constitution “to allow the state to intervene in chronically failing public schools in order to improve student performance.”   That’s the ballot language codified by SR 287, one of two pieces of legislation that […]

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Parent Trigger Act Another Threat to Public Education in Georgia (UPDATE 1)

(APN) ATLANTA — HB 123, the Parent and Teacher Empowerment Act, also known as the Parent Trigger Act, is the latest effort by some, mostly Republican, legislators, to promote charter schools in Georgia and continue to undermine the public education system and public schools. The Act was introduced on January 28, 2013 by State Reps. Edward Lindsey (R-Atlanta), Brooks Coleman […]

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Atlanta Council Opposes APS Board Replacement Law

(APN) ATLANTA — The City Council of Atlanta voted Monday, May 02, 2011, to express their opposition to SB 79, which Republican Governor Nathan Deal has signed, and which gives Deal the power to recommend removal of the Atlanta Public Schools Board of Education members. The resolution states that the Council is not supportive of the law and asks the […]

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