GEORGIA (WTXL) - In Georgia, voters will decide on an amendment that would allow the state to assume control of schools considered to be "chronically failing."
If it passes, amendment 1 would give state-appointed leaders the power to change and restructure those schools.
The Decatur County Superintendent believes that amendment 1 is not in the best interest of students, parents and communities.
Tim Cochran said that if these groups have problems with the state-controlled schools, there will be no local board or superintendent they can contact.
He also said schools are a reflection of the communities they're in and those communities need to help build those schools, regardless of whether or not they're failing.
Cochran said the state can help make that happen but it shouldn't take over.
"Granted, we know there's issues across the state. We know there are districts that have severe need, but we feel like it's a local decision. There's mechanisms in place for the Department of Education to come in and facilitate growth, facilitate issues to help those districts in need. I think that there's some issues on the legislation that probably would be best if it was not passed," said Cochran.
He continued to say that each of Georgia's 180 districts is different with specific issues that can't be overlooked by a state-run authority.
The superintendent said the county board of education is not expected to pass a resolution regarding the amendment.
