In Kansas we’ve most recently had the ALEC corporate tax credit scholarship bill, in Georgia, it’s the Opportunity School District. While we wait to see which ALEC education bill will come next to Kansas, we’re watching what’s happening in other states with heavy ALEC influence. Here’s a report from a conservative legislator in Georgia.
“First, we have learned about ALEC, a hideous national legislative-steering organization where lobbyists, private interests, and legislators craft legislation behind closed doors. There is no sunlight on this entity. There is no accountability. Participants are back-room puppet masters controlling the local and national political agenda. Until recently, most of us had no idea it even existed.
“Regarding one important topic, ALEC is admittedly and proudly against public education. The for-profit education industry rules ALEC’s agenda here – including testing companies, consultants, for-profit schools…
“Second, we have learned that Gov. Deal has become enamored with state takeover of school districts…
“Third, we know the governor hired an inexperienced but eager-to-lead Erin Hames as his education expert…
“The aforementioned Hames tirelessly shepherded Georgia’s version of ALEC legislation through the legislative process. The ‘Opportunity School District’ will allow the state, if our voters so permit by vote in November 2016, to take power away from locally elected school boards and run schools from the hallowed halls of the Gold Dome…
“Fourth, we have recently learned Ms. Hames will depart the Governor’s Office on August 31. Ms. Hames has gotten a quick jump on her upcoming employment – she launched an education consulting company on Aug. 5.
“In a curious and somewhat alarming fact, we have also learned the Atlanta Public Schools Board of Education has already voted (on August 10) Dan DeLamaterto retain Ms. Hames’ services under a no-bid, single-source annual contract valued at $96,000…
“Put the pieces together, friends. For-profit education proponents have steered their agenda through back room conventions at ALEC. Our governor, along with friends in the Legislature, adopted this agenda to help large political donors. The governor hired Ms. Hames to create his signature OSD proposal, thereby allowing statewide takeover of schools.
“The APS Board has $96,000 available to hire Ms. Hames. I fear for those who are not as fortunate as the APS. Or Gov. Deal. Or Ms. Hames. Or their friends. I wonder where public school children in Georgia fall in this pecking order… you’ll be hard pressed to find their interests represented by anyone involved in this sordid tale.”
Read more here: http://getschooled.blog.ajc.com/2015/08/19/opinion-gov-deals-opportunity-school-district-offers-opportunity-but-not-for-students/