Letters from Our Readers

It is time to quote the Georgia Constitution to Mr. Bill Webster. Article VIII, section 1 says:

"The provision of an adequate public education for the citizens shall be a primary obligation of the State of Georgia. Public education for the citizens prior to the college or post secondary level shall be free and shall be provided for by taxation. The expense of other public education shall be provided for in such manner and in such amount as may be provided by law."

The obligation of the state and a local board of education is to provide a public not private, parochial or home school education to all school-age children. It is regrettable that the gentleman does not grasp this reality.

He chooses to ignore the impact that his demand could have on students enrolled in the public schools who may be displaced to make way for his home-schooled children. A local board would be unable to defend an event of that nature. A local board of education is obligated to provide educational opportunities to children enrolled in the public schools period.

I am an advocate for and supporter of public schools, and I know what they have contributed to making this nation great. That advocacy and support will not waver.

I also believe in private and parochial schools and know they serve a unique role in American education.

Parents have a right to choose the type school their children will attend. The state is obligated only to provide a public school system for children. I will work to see that the obligation continues to be met.

Bob Todd
member, Fayette County Board of Education