About Barrow journal. (Winder, Ga.) 2008-2016 | View Entire Issue (July 13, 2016)
PAGE 2A BARROW JOURNAL WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 2016 SPEAKING TO BARROW DEMOCRATS Bette Holland recently spoke to the Barrow County Democratic Party con cerning the Opportunity School Districts resolution. Photos by Dwight Acey Holland speaks on concerns of school takeover during Barrow County visit Special to the Barrow Journal Bette Holland, executive secretary of the Georgia Federation of Democratic Women (GFDW). recently spoke to the Barrow County Democratic Party on the pitfalls of the Opportunity School Districts reso lution (OSD). It goes to the voters in November. The GFDW is opposed to the bill which would amend the Constitution of Georgia to allow the Governor to intervene in chron ically failing public schools. Holland said the resolution’s name, “Opportunity School Districts” is mis leading. She is in favor of improving these schools, but not through OSD. Under the amendment the state will con trol poorly performing school districts by way of a special Superintendent appointed by the Governor. The resolution would allow the Governor to determine which schools are “failing.” His appointee would take control of buildings, and all of the federal, state, and local funding for those schools. One major contention is the Governor would define what “failing” means — as would future governors. She said this would take away control from local communities and turn it over to the Governor. She said the appointment of a Super intendent would have nothing to do with the state Department of Education or our elected School Superintendent of Geor gia — hence the need for a constitutional amendment. If passed the Governor would then be empowered to close schools, take them over and to turn them into State Charter Schools. He could then hire a for profit management company to run them. Such companies could be headquartered as far away as California or New York or else where. Even worse she said, “The local board would have to pay for it but would have no role in running them. Local teachers and staff could be fired from a local school without reason or recourse.” “[This] process is all about saving the state money rather than saving our schools.”, said political activist and Wind er resident Lois Blair. Holland, a retired school teacher, said charter schools “can deny admission based on disabilities, race, religion, or sexual orientation. They could hire non-certified teachers and the pay would be much less.” Holland argued that there is nothing in the legislation that addresses the social causes of failing schools. Major failures in public schools are caused by the issues that are brought to the classroom by social BETTE HOLLAND problems outside of the schools not by a gross failure of teachers, administra tors. and Boards. She cited examples of the lack of success of the “Opportunity School Districts” model. She pointed to Tennessee. Michigan and New Orleans where state takeover of local schools were colossal failures. She pointed out that schools need aggressive intervention not a change in control. Schools need adequate funding and programs that help solve underlying community issues and concerns. “Would a private management company be hiring certified teachers for all teaching positions? If they are not, what does that action say ?... Education is not a product, it is a service for all citizens.” said Janet Mooney, a retired Barrow County School teacher. The list of “failing” schools tend to be in predominately minority and low-income neighborhoods. Johnnie Ellington, President of the Bar- row County NAACP said, she was con cerned that “it takes control away from the parents and community leaders. All decisions will be made privately and with out any opportunity for the community to have input.” The GFDW advocates a new model to fix ailing schools, called the Commu nity Schools Model. It would provide adequate funding for failing schools and emphasize a greater voice for teachers, more parent involvement, and a curricu lum that is more rigorous and culturally relevant to communities. One of the school districts she cited that did well by implementing this approach was Kentucky's statewide school system. She also said the Cincinnati Learning Cen ter was another example of what could be done to help failing schools without taking away local control. They both experienced remarkable turn around after implement ing the Community Schools Model. Winder Classes of 1948, 1949 to meet The Winder High School graduating classes of 1948 and 1949 will hold a co-class reunion on Oct. 1 at noon at the Golden Corral in Winder. All class members and a guest are invited to attend. For more information, contact Enoch Smith at 770-867-2061 or Martha Jean Barnette at 770-867-6786, Auburn continued from 1A A public hearing on the request was held prior to the council meeting. No one spoke in favor or against the rezoning. OTHER BUSINESS In other business at the meeting: •the council approved the proposed ordinance revisions for swimming pools. The proposed ordinance deals with the care and maintenance for pools. •the council unanimously approved the contract with Phillips State Prison, Buford, for the prison work detail for the term beginning July 1. 2016, and ending June 30, 2017, at the rate of $39,500. This is the same amount as the previous year. •the council unanimously approved changing the speed limit on Carter Road to 25 MPH for the entire road. In May speed tables were installed on the road to help with the speeders. Police chief Carl Moulder advised reducing the 35 MPH speed limit on part of the road down to 25 MPH would make the speed limit consis tent and be an additional speed calming measure to complement the speed tables. Moulder said the Georgia Department of Transportation would be notified of the proposed change in the speed limit. •the council approved the sale of two former police vehicles, both 2008 Chev rolet Impalas, as surplus. Moulder said he would list the vehicles on the “E gov” website. •the council unanimously approved the resolution for the 2017 Gwinnett County Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) projects/categories with a six- year revenue projection of $210,707. The projects to be funded include 60 percent for roads, streets and sidewalks and 40 percent for storm water. RUNWAY OPEN AGAIN The Barrow County Airport runway was originally scheduled to re-open on Friday, July 1. However with the work of contractors, CW Matthews and engineers, Lead Edge Design Group, the airport was able to re-open runway 13-31 ahead of schedule. The runway was opened at 3 p.m. on June 28. The first person to try out the newly resurfaced runway was Airport Authority member, Johnie Wendel, who was originally based here at the National Guard in the early 80s. The Airport Authority thanked Drew Mancini with Romanair for taking Wendel around the pattern and trying out the runway. Mancini stated that it was a smooth takeoff and landing. Braselton sets line-up for centennial event Braselton turns 100 this year and the town is celebrating with an event set Saturday, Aug. 20. from 2-10 p.m. The event will take place on the new Town Green, next to the historic Braselton Brother’s Department Store building in downtown Braselton. The dress is casual (shorts, T-shirts and flip-flops). Sunglasses and sunscreen are recom mended. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. The line-up for the day includes: •2 p.m. - Event begins. There will be a variety of food trucks, live music and other activities. There will be children’s activities, corn holes and games, con tests, a birthday “cake,” photo opportu nities and more. •2-4 p.m. - Creston Maxey performs. •4-5 p.m. - Celebrate the new “Green” ceremony. There will also be birthday treats, a group picture and a toast for the Town of Braselton. •5-9 p.m. - The Fly Betty Band per forms. •9 p.m. - fireworks display begins. OTHER FEATURES There will also be giveaways. Pets are welcome. A pet area with water pools, shade and waste stations will be set up next to Braselton Gallery on Frances Street. Downtown businesses will be open. Many are pet friendly. Parking is available on Frances and Harrison streets, at Town Hall and at the Braselton Library. For more information and updates, see the “Braselton 100th Birthday Blast!” Facebook page. CASA seeks area volunteers Court Appointed Special Advocates is looking for volunteers for children in foster care. CASA volunteers advocate for foster children and help them reach a permanent, safe solution faster. They also make sure their assigned child receives tutoring when they are struggling in school. When a child is uprooted from their school and activities, a CASA volunteer makes sure they get plugged into activities they enjoy- maybe it’s joining the local soccer team or signing up to participate in the school play. Most foster children spend at least one birthday in foster care and a CASA volunteer makes sure that day is still special, offering a personalized birthday greeting card or maybe a small gift to celebrate and reminding the child that they are important and they are worth celebrating. Piedmont CASA has new volunteer training classes starting on Aug. 25. Visit www.piedmontcasa.org for more information and to download an application. Rotary collects care boxes for soldiers through July 25 The Rotary Club of Bra selton is participating in supporting the 2-87 Bat talion in Afghanistan by putting together a care box to go to 45 soldiers of the United States Army. These soldiers are in one of the most challenging areas and are located in a much smaller base with very few conveniences, according to Braselton Rotary Club organizers. They are in need of tow els, air fresheners, small personal fans, batteries, candy, hand held mirrors and more items. Those interested can contact Leigh Carroll at 770-778-9788 or email lcarroll@jacksoncounty- ga.com. Those that don’t have time to shop for the items can also make a cash donation. The deadline is Monday July 25. Those wanting to par ticipate can also submit cards, letters and artwork, organizers said. PUBLIC NOTICE The Town of Carl regular town meeting, July 21, 2016 @ 7:00pm.
