As Tuesday night’s general election fades further into the rearview, local educators remain unhappy with the approval of constitutional Amendment 1.

The controversial amendment, which was approved statewide 58 percent to 42 percent, allows the state to use tax dollars to create charter schools in any district, despite local board opposition.

The amendment was thoroughly defeated in Gordon County, 65.23 to 34.77, the largest margin in the state.

Both Calhoun City Schools Superintendent Michele Taylor and Gordon County Schools Superintendent Bill McCown were quite vocal in their opposition to the measure from the outset.

They stuck to their guns this week, as well.

“I fear that the loss of local board control and state funding will adversely effect our school system,” Taylor said. “We have struggled to get through the austerity cuts over the past five years, cutting programs and personnel. The misleading language of Amendment 1 causes me to mistrust the very people who will be making decisions about the education of our children. It is disheartening.”

McCown, who partnered with Taylor in leading the fight against the amendment locally, was equally as disappointed.

“You will find that our population was willing to listen to the facts and that they voted no,” McCown said. “It’s attributable to the educational community that was willing to step up and give the facts, both city and county. We worked hard to get the information out on our own time with our own resources and the public listened.”

Both leaders praised the people of Calhoun and Gordon County for voting against the amendment.

“I am so proud of the Calhoun, Gordon County community for supporting the no vote on amendment one but with the state’s passing of the amendment,” Taylor said. “Sixty five percent of our voters recognized that the no vote was needed. The Calhoun, Gordon County community always rises to the challenge to support our children and we are very appreciative.”