Douglas County, Geogia BOE's charter school stance draws complaint

Haisten Willis:

"Local school boards do not have the legal authority to expend funds or other resources to advocate or oppose the ratification of a constitutional amendment by the voters," the letter reads. "They may not do this directly or indirectly through associations to which they may belong."

Olens cites Georgia law in his letter, holding that elected officials have no right to free speech at taxpayer expense. The letter does say elected officials have the right to support or oppose the amendment in their individual capacities.

Douglas County School System Superintendent Dr. Gordon Pritz responded that the resolution doesn't attempt to influence voters. Also of note, school board funds were not used in the passage of its resolution.

"The resolution our board passed 4-1 expresses the board's view, but did not urge voters to take an action on the amendment at all," Pritz said. "The board has a right to express itself on educational matters of public concern. In fact I think they have a moral and ethical obligation to do so, as do I. This is also a normal part of board and superintendent duties and practices as evidenced by the three other resolutions the board passed that same night."

Read more: Douglas County Sentinel - BOE's charter school stance draws complaint

Posted by Jim Zellmer at October 8, 2012 2:22 AM
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