As we go to the ballot box to elect our federal, state and local leaders, let us not be caught off guard by ballot questions asking us to amend our state constitution. As amendment question No. 1, also referred to as the Charter amendment, relates to public education and funding, I feel it is most important that we understand the question: “Provides for improving student achievement and parental involvement through more charter school options ... Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow state or local approval of public charter schools upon the request of local communities?”