OT...
Being a born and bred Georgian, I have some knowledge on the educational system in the south ... my experience with the school system growing up was good mostly because my Grandparent's worked hard to send me to private school. The public school system in Chatham County, Ga. (Savannah) was very low on the list back then, not sure where they are today as I don't live there anymore. I agree that there are many factors that play into the equation, pay of teachers, family responsibility and interest in their child's education, poverty level, etc...I feel today that one of the most important factors in a child's educational success is the attitude and involvement of the parent's, they can make or break a child's interest and motivation to learn.