Legislators to Hold Education Forum

The Brighter Georgia Education Coalition and Smyrna Councilwoman Melleny Pritchett have partnered with a group of concerned citizens to answer questions about HR 1162, the constitutional amendment for authorizing public charter schools, at a public forum Thursday evening.

“Quality schools are critical for stable municipalities and informed citizens,” said Melleny Pritchett, the city’s Mayor Pro Tem and Chair of the Vision & Education Committees for the council.

Leo Smith, of Vining’s Pointe Home Owners Association and Smyrna Education Foundation’s Board of Directors added, “When someone buys a home, ideally the schools in that zone help stabilize value and keeps taxpayers from moving to places like Milton or East Cobb for what some consider better options.”

Smyrna schools have mixed reception by those who live in the city. “Ideally, we’d like folks to agree that our schools make Smyrna a desirable place to live. Unlike the City of Marietta, Smyrna schools are under the direction of the Cobb County School Board,” said Pritchett. “We are a long way from that I think, but it is important to openly get ideas and input from the citizens, who knows where they’ll take you.”

Smyrna’s Education Roundtable event starts at 6 p.m. this Thursday with refreshments and a free movie. A presentation, Facts about Charter Schools begins at 7 p.m. followed by a Legislative Panel Discussion.