Skip to content
dealeducation

Defeating Gov. Deal’s school takeover plan

In a year of stunning buffoonery on the national level, it can be hard to remember the political wins Georgians have scored through hard work and dedication to important issues. But those wins have happened, thanks to the dedicated work of voters and advocates like you.

Last year, Gov. Nathan Deal’s signature school takeover measure Amendment 1 was defeated. It was a stunning for public school supporters, with 60 percent of Georgians voting against the terrible measure. That defeat sent shockwaves through Deal’s administration, reminding the governor that he can’t just bully this state into doing what he wants.

A coalition of parents, educators and advocacy groups, including Better Georgia, worked hard to make sure voters knew the real implications of the school takeover amendment.

Better Georgia served as the in-house communications team for the campaign that defeated Amendment 1 at the ballot box with “Stop the School Takeover.”

Our communications director, Brandon Hanick, led that effort, securing thousands of media placements across the state and training more than 55 parents to talk to the media about the school takeover. It was these parents — armed with effective messaging — in communities across the state who defeated the school takeover at the ballot box.

Our political director, Louis Elrod, served as the campaign manager for that statewide victory. Our role in progressive victories is essential — and so is your support.

 

Deal, with the help of shady donors and corporate interests, was pushing an amendment to the state constitution that would have stripped local control from schools and placed them under the control of Deal’s handpicked “education czar.” Deal’s administration was starving schools of resources, and then calling them “failing.” It was going to be a feast for Deal’s buddies in the for-profit education world.

But voters read the fine print and handily rejected the measure. Advocates like you helped spread the word and educate others about this atrocious ballot measure; your time and energy made the difference in defeating the amendment.

It was incredible to witness the power of voters in Georgia. Bullies can’t always get what they want, especially not when citizens work together to advocate for what our communities need (and fight what they don’t). Better Georgia was proud to be part of the coalition working to uplift parent’s voices and defeat Amendment 1.

During that campaign, Better Georgia highlighted the serious flaws in the ballot measure language, spoke up about Deal’s questionable history working on education reforms, and investigated the secret money pouring in to support the terrible measure.

But Better Georgia couldn’t have done it without you. So next time Donald Trump’s antics get you down, or you watch as more terrible news pours in, remember that it IS possible to change things when we work together. The defeat of the school takeover was an amazing win for progressives in Georgia, and, with your continued help, it won’t be the last.

Share this post