Legislation & Advocacy

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MESSAGES FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Please take a moment to look at the recently released Proposed Splost IV Project Notebook. The notebook includes all Cobb County schools’ proposed projects; Dodgen’s specific page is page 43.

SPLOST FEEDBACK PAGE
As requested by Mr. Sweeney, the Communications Office has added a public input webpage where the community can provide feedback on the Ed-SPLOST 4 proposal in general, or in reference to proposed projects at specific schools. Board members, and anyone else, will be able to sort comments by school for easier viewing. The Communications Office is continuing to develop the Ed-SPLOST 4 web site and has drafted an informational communications plan that it will begin implementing pending Board approval of the SPLOST referendum. The public input page can be found at this link: http://www.cobbk12.org/SPLOST/

MAGNET SCHOOL INFORMATION
The Cobb County School District recognizes that students who demonstrate exceptional potential in a specific area may benefit from a specialized program. Cobb’s magnet programs allow students to pursue their interests, develop their talents, and extend their competencies beyond the usual scope of high school. During fall semester, eighth grade students at each district middle school are provided information about all magnet programs. Due to limited space at each program, students are selected through a highly-competitive, rigorous application process. Applications to academic magnets are due in early December. Performing arts candidates participate in an application/audition process during spring semester. The district provides arterial transportation for students attending magnet programs. Interested students and parents should go online or contact program coordinators for more information. Magnet school information and online application may be found on the CCSD website under schools. Magnet schools have their open houses in the Fall. Please check the website for specific dates. If you have questions…please contact Ms. Cathy Earl (7, 8 th grade counselor A-L) at: Catharine.Earl@cobbk12.org or Dr. Pamela DePetro ( 6th, 8th grade counselor M-Z) at: Pamela.Depetro@cobbk12.org

CHARTER SCHOOL AMENDMENT
VOTE NO on the Proposed Constitutional Amendment on Charter Schools on the November ballot. The Georgia PTA SUPPORTS public charter schools such as Walton and Sedalia Park. HOWEVER, the Georgia PTA has a Vote No position on the proposed Constitutional Amendment on Charter Schools which will be on the November ballot. Here's why:
- There is no need to create another state commission that will cost $1 million a year to operate. There is already a process to authorize public charter schools: first at the local school board level, then through an appeal to the State Department of Education. There are over 110 public charter schools in Georgia, with more in the pipeline for approval.
- According to the State School Superintendent, authorizing schools through this new commission would cost the state an additional $430 million over the next 5 years. The most likely source of the $430 million will be from the State's current education dollars, meaning traditional public and traditionally funded public charter schools will have resulting funding cuts.
- Public education has experienced $6 billion dollars in funding cuts since 2003. Consequently, Georgia public schools already experience significant financial strain without an additional $430 removed. This has resulted in teacher and staff reductions, furlough days, increased class sizes, shorter school years and program cuts.
- The charter schools authorized by this proposed commission do not guarantee that parents will be part of their governance -- in contrast to locally authorized schools. Nor would the governing boards of the commission charter schools be required to adhere to an ethics code or local board of education accreditation requirements.
- According to the GA Department of Education date, charter schools do no better then traditional public schools and sometimes perform worse. In 2010-2011, 73% of traditional public schools made AYP; 70% of charter schools made AYP. See Charter School Report at www.gadoe.org
- The passage of the proposed Constitutional Amendment will negatively impact the quality of education for 1.67 million public school students due to increased reductions in education funding. For more information, see: the ECCC PTA website at ECCC PTA website or the Georgia PTA Capital Watch, found on www.georgiapta.org

Legislation & Advocacy: www.georgiapta.org/leadership-legislation.html

Leadership Resources: georgiapta.org/leadership-resources.html

Capitol Watch Overview: ciclt.net/sn/new/n_main.aspx?ClientCode=gapta

News for Local Leaders: georgiapta.org/leadership-news.html