Gov. Barnes, for the past two legislative sessions I have been given the honor and privilege to serve as a senator's aide. Since I was 13, I have been fascinated and inspired by our government, for it is truly what shapes and defines a nation and state. I am now 16 years old and hope to graduate this fall, two years early. One thing that I have learned is the value of an education, for with an education one can do anything.

As I eagerly watched and followed the beginning of the first legislative session of a new century and new millennium, I learned of your A Plus Education Reform package which would eliminate the people's vote in education. It would instead appoint an Office of Education Accountability. This merely takes away the people's vote as well as their voice in local education, and places all power and authority within the appointed local school councils.

The purpose of the appointed local school councils, which would be established and given all authority, is said to encourage the parents' participation, input, and bring them into the school-based decision—making process. Yet how can the establishment of an appointed local school council, which is not accountable to the voters and parents in a public election, be accountable to the people of Georgia?

In George Washington's Farewell Address, he stated, “The independence and liberty you (the common people) possess are the work of joint councils and joint efforts, of common dangers, sufferings and successes.” This part of the Education Reform Package simply takes away the independence and liberty of the people to have a voice and input into the joint efforts of education.

I have often looked forward to holding the privilege to vote, especially on issues such as education that may change the course of history. I beg you, sir, to reconsider this aspect of your A Plus Education Reform package and how it may affect my generation, and those to come, as you strive to improve Georgia's education.

Hannah Peavy
Fayetteville

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