Georgia school district to become charter system
Marietta City Schools has become the second Atlanta metro area school system to step into uncharted waters, agreeing to petition the state to become one of Georgia's first charter school systems. Board members voted overwhelmingly (6-0-1) at a special called meeting to submit its petition to the Georgia Department of Education (GDE) by the Jan. 15 deadline. Decatur City schools has already done so. If approved by the state Department of Education board, flexibility from some traditional rules and regulations such as state-required seat time for students and class size will begin when Marietta schools open in August. Students who need more help would be taught in smaller classes without being penalized by the state in funding. The petition also gives the system flexibility to hire uncertified instructors to teach class segments in hard-to-fill subjects such as physics, Superintendent Emily Lembeck said. Marietta is also offering elementary parents their choice of schools with themed curriculum focuses, no matter which school zone they live in. Lembeck told board members she expects a decision from GDE by March. The petition calls for middle and high school student input on local school governing councils that will include parents, principals and community members. Board member Jill Mutimer also saw parent involvement as a big plus. “This brings decision making to the lowest level, involving teachers and parents,” she said.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 1/8/08, By Diane R. Stepp
[Editor’s Note: Information on the Georgia charter system programs and Marietta’s application is on the district’s website at the links below.]
Marietta City Schools charter system information page
Marietta City Schools charter system FAQ