The Georgia Attorney General's Office has agreed to review the legality of a financial arrangement between the Gwinnett school system and a Gwinnett Chamber business unit, according to a media report.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has reported that Lauren Kane, a spokesperson for Attorney General Sam Olens, said that the office is reviewing the issue. It is acting on a request by state schools Superintendent John Barge.
Since 2007, the Gwinnett system, which is headquartered in Suwanee, has given Partnership Gwinnett $150,000 a year. That money helps to fund the salaries of two employees who work to recruit new business to the county.
School system officials say that the new businesses bring in a return in property taxes that more than pays for the investment.
Sabrina Smith, head of a citizen watchdog group and Dacula Patch blogger, has questioned whether that’s a legal use of tax money that has been collected for education.
The GCPS board never has voted on the expenditure. Superintendent Alvin Wilbanks has said he has the authority to approve the funds and that the board has been supportive.
What do you think? Do you agree with this use of Gwinnett Schools' taxpayer funds? Tell us in the comments below.
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