Suwanee Mayor Pens Op Ed, 'Say Yes To Schools Nov. 6'

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA — Suwanee Mayor Jimmy Burnette sent an op ed to Patch, encouraging Gwinnet to vote yes for Gwinnett schools on Nov. 6.

Here is the op ed:

There are few things more important to any community than the quality of its public schools. Parents want to know that their children are safe and receiving an education that will prepare them for the future. And employers want to know that they will have easy access to qualified employees.

We are fortunate to live in a county that has long been able to take pride in its public school system. Gwinnett County Public Schools has been recognized twice as one of the leading urban school districts in the nation, and our high schools, including North Gwinnett High School in Suwanee which just celebrated its 60th anniversary, have been ranked among the best in our state.

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While we are blessed with great schools, we cannot take that for granted. Our superintendent, school board and school leaders do yeoman’s work year in and year out to recruit and retain talent, ensure a quality curriculum, and maintain a safe environment that facilitates quality learning. It requires strategic planning, sound management and, of course, adequate funding to deliver the educational experience our county expects and our children deserve. This is why I will be voting yes for the General Obligation bond referendum that will be on the ballot this November and I encourage all voters in Gwinnett County to do the same.

If the referendum is approved, the Gwinnett County Board of Education will be able to sell up to $350 million in General Obligation bonds without raising taxes. At no additional cost to Gwinnett citizens, these bonds would support improvements throughout the district including new classrooms, upgraded labs and athletic facilities, security enhancements and extensive technology upgrades. They would also help pay for new school busses and other transportation needs.

As our county, and as a result the number of students in our classrooms, continues to grow, it is critical that we provide the school system with the resources it needs to maintain a quality learning environment that supports success for students and teachers alike. The investments we make today will without question pay off in the future.

Please join me in voting yes on November 6th.

Mayor Jimmy Burnette

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