It's a tricky situation.
Muscogee County school board members have made no secret of their opposition to the Georgia charter schools amendment that's on the November ballot. The amendment would authorize state leaders to appoint a commission that can bypass local school boards to establish charter schools receiving state tax dollars.
Opponents say it removes local control of education and diverts already limited state resources to what essentially are elite private schools.
Public education leaders and associations have come out in force against the proposal, including local school board members.
But the local school board isn't all that popular right now, after controversies earlier this year over former Superintendent Susan Andrews and her personnel moves and interim Superintendent John Phillips and his pay. Two incumbent board representatives lost their re-election efforts.
So, if an unpopular school board tells unhappy constituents to vote against a ballot measure because if passed it will allow unhappy constituents to bypass the school board and start their own schools, does that help or hurt its chance of passage?
You decide -- on Nov. 6.
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Speaking of charter school legislation, the author of the first bill passed in the country came to Columbus last week to visit old friends as she toured the state supporting the amendment.
Ember Reichgott Junge was only 29 when she joined the Minnesota state senate in 1983. Her legislation establishing the first charter schools passed in 1991.
What's her connection to Columbus?
Years before she became a state leader, she was involved in another effort: the perky clean-cut singing group "Up With People," which traveled about singing songs of hope and fellowship.
That brought her to Columbus decades ago. Back then "Up With People" singers didn't stay in hotels. They stayed with host families.
Ember Reichgott stayed with Sam and Dusty Wellborn in Columbus, and they've remained in touch. So while touring the state, she stopped in to see them.
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From charter schools to jobs.
Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. announced Wednesday the re-opening of its online application process for individuals skilled in operating and maintaining automated manufacturing equipment, according to a news release.
These positions perform routine and preventative maintenance and repair procedures on mechanical, electrical and different types of machinery and equipment.
People wishing to apply to Kia for maintenance and die maintenance positions must visit www.kiajobsingeorgia.com to complete an application. Kia's application process is online-only. Selected candidates will then be invited for additional pre-employment assessment at the Kia Georgia Training Center.
