Wednesday, September 12, 2001

For those who have read my letters in the past, you will recall that I had introduced a proposal called Education First in Fayette. The proposal called for local governments (county and municipal) to assume accountability for annexations and rezonings that negatively affect the school system. Obviously, if governmental entities change large sections of land to a higher density than what the current land use plan states, the school system is forced into a reactive position and problems abound.

I briefly addressed the Fayette County Commission on this topic and proposed that we have more cooperation between the local governments and the Board of Education. Unfortunately, the commissioners never continued the discussion. I personally thought that the concept was a no-brainer.

As time passed, the DeKalb County Commission began examining how their land use decisions affect their school system. Cherokee County School Superintendent Frank Petruzielo, whom I have mentioned before, has been a bold leader on the subject of growth impacting the school system. It was Superintendent Petruzielo's efforts that inspired me to take up the cause of maintaining the quality of the schools here in Fayette County.

The good news: with great excitement I am starting to see my vision come true. The bad news: it is coming true in Cherokee County and not here in Fayette County. However, it is great to read that it is actually in practice and to hear how it is working (AJC, Sept. 8). In fact, the article stated, "city [officials] and county school officials wonder why such common sense cooperation wasn't tried before."

The Cherokee County Board of Education has signed school-government partnership agreements with the cities of Canton, Woodstock, Ball Ground, Holly Springs and Cherokee County. The agreements state, "Together, they'll plan where new schools will be built and pressure developers of large subdivisions to mitigate the impact of bringing in an anticipated 18,000 new students in the next five to seven years. They will also have joint planing for land use, rent-free facilities use, mutual easements and reciprocal staff recognition."

Macintosh High parents and others wanting their schools to have added amenities that were not included in the recent school bond should definitely research what Cherokee County is doing. The best part is that the partnerships are a winner for everyone, especially the taxpayers. Superintendent Petruzielo said, "We've maximized resources without having to raise taxes."

Planners from both the Atlanta Regional Commission and the State Department of Community Affairs give the agreements good reviews.

I have already introduced this topic to Fayette County. Once elected, I will proceed with the following: (1) Change the Planning Commission and City Council protocol so that we evaluate the impact upon the school system of all rezoning and annexation requests. (2) Try to establish joint planning with the school system for land use and explore the use of shared facility arrangements (example, help fund better computer labs for the high schools and the city/county would be allowed to teach continuing education classes in the labs in the evening). And (3) work on gathering support from other jurisdictions in metro Atlanta, the Georgia Municipal Association and the education establishment to create impact fees for schools (several states already have this) to lessen the impact of new home construction on the school system.

Fellow citizens, this is so elementary. Quality schools attract quality families which, in turn, encourages civic-mindedness and reduces crime. This is good, solid planning. Let's stop talking in generalities and start taking positive steps towards specifically protecting our quality of life.

I am excited to know that the concept works and I am eager to pursue it again with a new City Council in 2002. The preamble for the Education First in Fayette proposal is on my campaign website at SteveBrownPTC.com.

See if you agree with my thoughts.

Steve Brown

Peachtree City

steve_ptc@juno.com

[Brown is an announced candidate for mayor of Peachtree City. The Citizen welcomes letters from candidates for all local offices and from citizens commenting on the candidates and issues raised. We will print the letters from candidates and a representative sampling of others subject to standard editing practices for length and conformity to libel laws, until the week before the election.]

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