Statement of Governor Sonny Perdue Regarding House Passage of Flexibility and Accountability in Education Bill

Atlanta - Governor Sonny Perdue issued the following statement today regarding his Flexibility and Accountability in Education bill (HB 1190) that passed the House by a vote of 175-2:

"The bipartisan vote today in the House approving my flexibility and accountability in education bill is a victory for Georgia's students, parents, and educators. It empowers local school systems to use their resources in the ways that best serve their unique student populations. I thank Representative Brooks Coleman and my Floor Leaders for their diligent work on this very important issue.

"I will work through my Senate Floor Leaders to address certain provisions which were added to the House version of the bill, particularly the provision to allow third grade promotion for students who have yet to meet required reading standards. I am confident that the conference committee will then come to a quick and acceptable resolution on the differences in the legislation."