CBS Atlanta 46Should state regain power to open and run charter schools?

Adrionna Washington, an eighth grader at Ivy Prep Academy in Norcross, loves her school. But right now, her school is in a fight for its very existence.

Last year, the Georgia Supreme Court ruled that the state's Charter School Commission was unconstitutional, stripping the state of the power to open and run charter schools. The court said only local boards of education have that authority. That left 16 charter schools in limbo.

The Gwinnett County Board of Education recently rejected Ivy Prep's charter.

Nina Gilbert, executive director of Ivy Prep, said she wants the state to hold local school boards accountable on their decisions regarding charter schools.

"We believe local funding has been abused because our students' funds are less than other public school students in the same district," Gilbert said.

State representatives from both sides of the aisle have introduced resolutions that would override the high court's decision. The House Education Committee last week passed House Resolution 1162, backed largely by Republicans.

The House Democratic Caucus is working on its own resolution, 1335. Both resolutions would amend the state constitution and give the authority to create charter schools back to the state. 

Washington said she does not care which measure gets passed. She wants know if her school will be funded.

"That's the most important thing, that we are funded and we stay open," Washington said. "It's about us at the end of the day, the kids, because we are the future generation."

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