Governor Perdue Signs Legislation Restoring Due Process Rights For Georgia's Teachers

Atlanta - Governor Sonny Perdue signed legislation today that restores due process rights for Georgia's teachers.

"As I said during the campaign, our teachers deserved an appeal outside their school district of decisions not to renew their contracts. Running off good teachers is bad for student achievement and I will not let that ever happen again," said Governor Sonny Perdue.

"After debating the merits of at least five different fair dismissal proposals, I commend Georgia's legislators on the final passage of Senate Bill 193. An open process yielded a bill that will reverse the frustrations many of Georgia's educators have experienced since 2000 based on a lack of due process rights," added Governor Perdue.

"I am proud to sign Senate Bill 193 today and return the respect to Georgia's teachers that was snatched away three years ago by House Bill 1187. I would like to thank Senator Joey Brush, Representative Brooks Coleman, Superintendent Kathy Cox, State Board of Education Chair Wanda Barrs and numerous other education advocates for their support of the education agenda we presented this year. I would also like to acknowledge the contributions made by Senators Chuck Clay, Dan Moody, Horacena Tate and Rene Unterman to get this important legislation passed. I ask all of these supporters of education excellence to join me next year as we work together to push for more reforms that will make an even greater difference for Georgia's children," concluded Governor Perdue.