ATLANTA— State Representative Edward Lindsey (R-Atlanta) today released the following statement regarding the Georgia Supreme Court’s recent decision concerning the Charter Schools Commission:
“As the Chair of the Education Sub Committee on Charter Schools in 2007 that worked for many months on developing HB 881, I am disappointed in the decision of the Georgia Supreme Court. We believed that we had developed a constitutional method of expanding the use of charter schools in Georgia and I am gratified by Justice Nahmias’ detailed defense of our work in his spirited dissent. Nevertheless, with this 4-3 decision of the Georgia Supreme Court, this issue returns to the Georgia General Assembly.
“Charter Schools should not be considered a silver bullet in the fight for education reform but must remain an important component used to transform public education into the learning force our children deserve as they face the challenges of the 21st century.
“Today, the forces that believe in the educational system as it is currently constructed are celebrating. We are familiar with these forces; they are the same that have battled against every progressive step we in the General Assembly have taken in recent years toward higher flexibility and greater accountability. Tomorrow, however, those of us that believe that the children of Georgia deserve better must redouble our efforts regarding Charter Schools, as well as all other fronts involving educational reform.”
Representative Edward Lindsey was elected by the Republican Caucus as their Majority Whip, the fourth highest ranking position in House leadership, on December 17, 2009. He represents the citizens of House District 54, which includes portions of Atlanta and Sandy Springs. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2004, and currently serves on the Rules, Appropriations, Education, Ethics, Industrial Relations, and Judiciary committees.
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