ATLANTA- (Wednesday, January 25, 2012) Today Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R -Woodstock) addressed more than a thousand Georgia charter school students and supporters at the State Capitol during a rally to increase educational freedom throughout Georgia. Schools in attendance included Cherokee Charter Academy, Ivy Preparatory Academy, Pataula Charter Academy, Greater Atlanta Adventist Academy, Fulton Leadership Academy, Heritage Preparatory Academy, Center Academy, Fulton Science Academy and School for Children.
This week marks the 3rd annual School Choice Awareness Week at the State Capitol. Students, parents, and teachers lobbied legislators to reform Georgia’s antiquated education system to reflect the needs of a unique 21st century learning environment.
Following the rally, Sen. Rogers hosted more than 300 5th, 6th, and 7th grade students from Cherokee Charter Academy on a tour of the State Capitol. Rogers addressed the group in the Joint House and Senate Committee Chambers to discuss the need for legislative support of education reform. Rogers urged continued supported for the Charter School Constitutional Amendment filed in the House this week. If passed, the proposed constitutional amendment will give the state the authority to create charter schools and to shift funds from public schools to charter schools.
In addressing the students Rogers said: “”Georgia students deserve an opportunity at a world class education. Our children are worth it. More choices, more options, more opportunity – this is what we need to offer. Parents, not government, should be entrusted with determining what’s best for children. To those who stand in the way of educational freedom we must let them hear us, let them see, and help them understand, we are not going away.”
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
January 25, 2012
For Information Contact:
Natalie Dale, Director
natalie.dale@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028