Recently on "Wake Up With Dee," host Dr. Dee Dawkins-Haigler spoke with a panel of education experts focused on the pressing issues surrounding school choice and equitable education in Georgia. The discussion featured Past National President and former Georgia Democratic Nominee for State Superintendent Otha Thornton, former Georgia State Representative and Director of Policy and Advocacy for the Georgia Charter Schools Association Rahn Mayo, Georgia PTA Legislative Chair Heather Scalzitti, and Democratic Caucus Chair and Past President of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) Billy Mitchell. Together, they addressed the urgent need for systemic improvements to ensure that all children, particularly those from marginalized communities, receive a high-quality education.
TO LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW, CLICK HERE.
Mr. Mayo discussed the role of charter schools in the education landscape and highlighted that a significant number of students in Georgia are either enrolled in or waiting for access to these institutions. As of now, there are 96 charter schools in Georgia, with over 64,000 students currently enrolled and an additional 14,000 on waiting lists. This reflects the growing demand for educational options beyond traditional public schools.
Throughout the discussion, the participants examined differing viewpoints on various educational approaches. While some advocate for increased funding to public schools, others support the expansion of school choice options, including vouchers and private schooling. The conversation also touched on the complexities of how these options impact public education funding, particularly in historically underserved communities.
Representative Billy Mitchell contributed to the dialogue by sharing insights from his experiences in DeKalb County, illustrating the disparities in educational access. He expressed concerns that voucher programs, which facilitate funding following students rather than remaining within public schools, could divert essential resources and hinder the overall health of the public education system.
Panelists, including Otha Thornton, emphasized the historical context of education in Georgia, noting that issues of race and equity have long shaped educational policies. They reiterated the importance of public education as a public good, serving the vast majority of children in the state.
Mr. Thornton discussed how, despite progress, the state has failed to adequately support public education for decades. He emphasized that the ongoing reliance on a dated funding formula has left schools and their students underserved, particularly affecting resources like mental health services and technological support.
Ms. Scalzitti, Legislative Chair for the Georgia PTA, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the urgent need to revise the Quality Basic Education (QBE) funding formula. She called attention to the critical issues of poverty and food insecurity affecting families in Georgia, asserting that investment in education should be prioritized over expanding the prison system.
To listen to the full interview, click the link above.
