The Georgia legislature has passed a bill that could ultimately close the doors at Mountain Education Charter High School (MECHS)at the end of the fiscal year June 30, 2023. Senate Bill (SB) 153 would strip the school of state funding and remove its charter status. MECHS has 18 campuses across North Georgia, including one here in Chattooga County.

Paula Buice, Student Services & Graduation Coach with MECHS in Chattooga County, told WZQZ News, “To hopefully continue serving our students for many years to come, and avoid shutting the doors in June 2023, we are advocating for an amendment to SB 153 to oppose the closure.  We are asking to remain a Georgia state chartered special school with a regional attendance zone and suitable funding.”

Buice says that MECHS is encouraging Chattooga County residents to reach out to State Representative Eddie Lumsden and State Senator-Elect Colton Moore to work for an amendment that is needed to give many students in Chattooga County a second chance at a high school diploma.

5,227 MECHS students have graduated with diplomas including 479 last year. Across its campuses, MECHS boasts an 80 percent graduation rate.