http://onlineathens.com/local-news/2012-08-14/georgia-schools-chief-oppose-charter-amendment

The amendment eases restrictions for out of state charter schools (many operated by for profit companies) to set up shop in Georgia, diverting public funds to their schools. While the wording does not easily point this out, it IS one of the main goals of the amendment. Barge feels as though public funds should be invested in public schools and until the state is able to run a surplus of funds and schools are back to operating with enough cash (well, at least more cash than before the recession) we should not divert funds. Keep in mind Decatur, by most comparisons is flush with cash – there are more than a few counties in south Georgia with 2-3 computers for the entire student body, others with extremely limited or no textbooks and still more with increasingly cut staffs and school years. While the amendment may not have a massive effect on metro counties, the loss of funds could be devastating to many.

Local charter schools, like the international school and other smaller ones are certainly NOT the problem. This is very much being driven by lobbying from for profits. I am all for local schools and systems making the decision to try new approaches and would gladly support it if that were the case. Instead this is moving control to others and overruling local decisions, despite the fact that schools are primarily funded through local taxes.