Clayton.Talk

By Moving out

February 18, 2008 7:44 AM | Link to this

What does everyone want Sonny and the rest of Georgia’s government to do. The state governmetn and Department of Education are not involved with SACS reviews of school districts. There is nothing the state can do except lend some fighting words. Even though the state’s hands are tied I am sure it will get the blame and some how race will get some of the blame.

By Concerned Parent

February 18, 2008 7:45 AM | Link to this

Kimberly, take a look at Senate Bill 458 introduced by state Senator Eric Johnson. This bill, among other things, calls for vouchers (for private schools) for students attending schools in a district that loses its accreditation. Clayton County residents need to review this legislation and get on board. Don’t listen to the people who are only interested in retaining Clayton County schools “large employer” status. Let’s support vouchers now. Why should taxpayers continue to support a low performing school district that will NEVER meet AYP. Email and call your state senators and representatives and tell them you support the Senate Bill and you expect them to support it also. Vouchers would keep good people in the county and possibly attract new good families. Let’s not wait on September 1 — act NOW!!

By Civic Champion

February 18, 2008 7:54 AM | Link to this

I’m sure somewhere somebody has filed a class-action lawsuit against a school district that consistently fails taxpayers. Nothing in this country corrects systemic ineptitude like the courts. Didn’t we learn that a few generations ago?

By Concerned oldtimer

February 18, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this

Parent has the right idea. Also lead a movement to lower taxes and use them to pay for a private education. I want to encourage our board to do the right thing…RESIGN. If they do not, a mass recall is in order. This is not the state of Georgia’s responsibility. They have little authority over the schools. The schools have been failing the better students for years. Academic standards, except for the very top classes have been a lie to keep the HOPE alive for the kids. Shame teachers unions interferring in schools and board member who never step into schools have been issues for 25 years. I also think charter schools can be an idea whose time is come.

By Kimberly Allen

February 18, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

Moving Out & Concerned Oldtimer - if it were not for the fact that there are thousands of innocent children caught up in adult nonsense, I wouldn’t want the state to get involved at all. I know some H.S. Juniors who are worrying about this situation & I’m looking for the fastest way to fix this for the kids. Being worried about this can’t be conducive to learning for those kids who are there to actually learn. They’ve got enough obstacles already.

My understanding is that the Gov. is the only one who can remove school board members quickly. If I am wrong on that, then I concur with you both that he does not need to get involved.

Concerned Parent - thank you. I have read up on that bill and had planned to address that in a future article, but it is another viable solution to possibly fix this mess.

By Clayton Resident

February 18, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this

Kimberly, that was my understanding as well (that Perdue could assist in removing school board members faster, recalls will take forever and these people are too arrogant and stupid to resign).

Is it true that the governor can not help get these faux school board out of there faster? If not, then we have got an even longer and harder fight ahead of us because this group will not go without a fight.

If the state and governor can’t do anything, why did his people say he “had not fully researched the issue” or somthing like that? Why not say straight out the state and governor have no power to help you?

Normally I detest government intrusion any more than necessary, but it is not about us adults it is about the children of Clayton who are getting the shaft.

Kimberly, I look forward to your future article on this senate bill.

By They Gotta Go TODAY

February 18, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

Please take a moment to call each member of the Board TODAY demanding their resignation by Close of Business, Monday, 18 Feb. 2008.

Please be polite yet forceful. Let us no longer accept Apathy as the rule of the day. No longer will we accept malfeasance in government.

Recalls take months, resignations take minutes. Call each regardless of your particular District! Send a forceful demand!

A. Michelle Strong - District 1 Phone: 770-570-7951
Lois Baines-Hunter - District 2 Phone: 678-758-9780
Yolanda Everett - District 3 Phone: 770-375-5880 Ericka Davis - District 4 Phone: 770-846-8392
Rod Johnson - District 5 Phone 678-758-9770 Eddie White - District 6 Phone: 678-758-9958
David Ashe - District 7 Phone: 678-758-9498 Norreese Haynes - District 8 Phone: 770-362-8581 Sandra Scott - District 9 Phone: 770-362-9211

By Concerned Parent II

February 18, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

Don’t give up on the recall option. Yes, recalls do take months, but we all know that it is an uphill battle for board members to resign.

By Concerned Parent II

February 18, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

Don’t give up on the recall option. Yes, recalls do take months, but we all know that it is an uphill battle to convince board members to resign.

By Recall

February 18, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

If anyone has started a recall effort in Michelle Strong’s District #1, please email me at dizzi_114@yahoo.com & I will sign it.

By beaz

February 18, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

Concerned Parent: please list the private schools in the area that have the capacity for 50,000 students with vouchers.

By Concerned oldtimer

February 18, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

It has been a while since I studied the laws of GA..but I don’t think unless someone has done something illegal (thought some of this stuff should be) the governor can get involved. And yes, as a 30 year vetern teacher of CC school system, I did think of the children first. maybe the cheapest, quickest thing might be to rent appartments in Fayetter or Henry and send HS studnets there, though that is not fun for them. And no agian, there are no private schools that could house 50,000 students. Recalls do take time. This situation took 10 years to get this way and will not resolve itself much more quickly. The alterrnative accredation associations are SUBSTANDARD and not at all acceptable. Any reputable organization will not accept what SACS does not. Kim I do agree with you that all of these people are too arrogant to resign. If they wanted to do the right thing they would not have done what they did over the last two or three years.

By Concerned Parent

February 18, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

Beaz-

My children have attended private schools most of their lives. And when looking for a school, I didn’t simply look for one around the corner. Maybe, just maybe, getting your child to a “quality” school will require that you get up earlier than you would like or perhaps you may have to drive further. Imagine that — YOU may have to do some work for YOUR child. There are literally hundreds of private schools in our area (maybe not around the corner from your house) who could take a significant number of students. There may even be some parents who would want to send their children to public schools (using the voucher). And this may not be the answer for 50,000 students. It’s an answer for those of us who are sick of failing schools and want to use OUR tax dollars to educate OUR children.

By TA

February 18, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

I agree resignations are the best way to go with the support of Sonny Purdue and other influential groups speaking as one (where’s the NAACP?). Being the first School System in Georgia and one under Purdue’s watch, I cannot believe that he will sit on the sidelines for this - especially if he has aspirations of higher political positions. This would be a big win for him in terms of perception if he steps in to remove these cancers.

I would also like for this County to take a systematic approach in assessment/improvement with emphasis on communicating with the community, teachers, and staff first. Let us know what has been done, what still needs to be completed, and overall status with probability estimates of maintaining accrediation. I don’t want to continue hearing “we take this seriously and will work hard to not lose accrediation”. That’s a slap in the face. I ask that they give us (parents and taxpayers) the respect of being honest far in advance of the September 1 deadline. It is not fair to teachers, administrators, and parents who need to wait until AFTER the school year has started for a decision and then be put into a difficult position. Preparations should be allowed for all far in advance and I believe if they are taking this seriously, we should have a good indication regarding the outcome a few months before as well.

By WTF?

February 18, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Sonny doesn’t give a damn about Clayton. We are democratic, he is republican and he is probably laughing at us right now along with the rest of the state.

The only thing that will work is either a mass recall or resignations.

But hell no we can’t wait for them to finish their terms in office! That would mean that we think they are doing their job and deserve that much respect.

Clayton residents (those who stay anyway, many are going to get out), we can not get apathetic like we usually do, get mad for a few minutes and forget about this. We have to stay on this case until it’s solved.

By Ready to fight

February 18, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

Unfortunately, not everyone who is fed up can move. There are many who are already struggling to make and this just adds to their stress. Whether we leave or not we MUST fight for those who are staying. Reading the report, “the Board” is mentioned many times. Let’s ALL come together as a county and send the board PACKING!!! We have many great children, parents teachers and school staff that don’t deserve this!!!

By beaz

February 18, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

Concerned Parent: I didn’t ask for a private school around the corner, but anywhere in the area, or even the region. Woodward Academy, one of the largest (if not the largest) private schools in the region, has around 2500 students TOTAL. That is the total for grades K-12. Plus, like many private schools, they are quite selective and probably don’t even want anymore enrolled students.

Again, where are these private schools that can suddenly accommodate 50,000 new students from Clayton County. The correct answer is that they simply don’t exist.

By Attn: Clayton Parents

February 18, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

Before you trust anything in this report ask yourself these questions:

Why, in a twenty seven page report is there not a single mention of GAE member Rod Johnson KNOWINGLY hiring an accused child molester?

Why, in a twenty seven page report is there not a single mention of Rod’s wife and fellow GAE member Celeste Johnson illegally double dipping (drawing a full paycheck from Clayton schools while serving in the General Assembly)? Especially when an Open Records request has CONFIRMED it happened?!

Why, in a twenty seven page report is there not a single mention of GAE member Ericka Davis’s micromanaging emails (from a state computer on state time no less!) even when the letters have been posted on the Internet?!

Clayton parents need to have as many questions for Elgart (head of SACS) as they do the board, because if he can’t answer these questions, his credibility is ZERO.

Especially considering he meet secretly with Davis and Johnson before the “investigation” and reports are Elgart’s own people were so concerned about his lack of objectivity that they tipped off board members that Ericka Davis was a constant presence in his office during the investigation.

Isn’t it very inappropriate for Elgart to have private meetings with a woman his office is allegedly “objectively” investigating?

By posterchild

February 18, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

Beaz:

Seconded. The beauty/trouble of public schools is that all students, regardless of academic ability or behavioral status, are welcome. Large classes/total enrollment are the status quo. The beauty/trouble of private schools is that selectivity is allowed, meaning much of what flies in the public sector will not pass muster. Class sizes are small, because parents pay a premium for these options.

Unless some of the parents out there want to get together and form their own private or charter school to accept the fallout which might occur, I really don’t think vouchers or privatization is an issue. Also, with the housing market/economy being in less than desirable conditions, moving elsewhere probably won’t be feasible for most.

As a former CC resident and student (and current teacher in another Metro district), this situation saddens and confuses me greatly. I really think CC needs a BOE with a much higher vested interest (aka their own children/grandchildren attend the schools) than their own political/ego gain. Where are those people, and are they ready to step up to the plate?

By Kimberly Allen

February 18, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

To those who may have thought Sonny Perdue would get involved in some way, this emailed response I received today confirms (at least to me) that he has no intention of getting involved.

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts regarding the Clayton County School System. I appreciate your concerns.

Georgia’s Constitution is explicit in its meaning that local schools shall be under the control of local boards of education. The General Assembly has entrusted to these boards the authority to set local education goals and determine a budget that will meet these goals.

If board judgments are not in step with the wishes of the community, the ballot box is the ultimate tool for getting new officials in place who will better reflect the will of the citizens. I encourage you to make your community aware of this situation and trust the citizens to make the best decision for the county at the next election.

I hope this information is helpful to you. Thank you again for writing.

Sincerely, Sonny Perdue

By Sheila

February 18, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

Mark Elgart is apparently one very prejudice person. His mind must have already been made up …… for his Princess Ericka Davis. After all, Pricess Ericka Davis was for his golfing buddy dan Colwell who got fired by the sisters in 2003 and Elgart must still be hurting from that!!!!!!!!!! Yes, Clayco need another accreditation agency —- one that is not so biased adn prejudiced.

By Attn: Clayton Parents

February 18, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

Kimberly,

Of course he’s not going to get involved. He’s too beholden to GAE to get involved and this “report” is nothing more than Elgart giving political cover to a GAE power play.

If you don’t believe me Kimberly, go back and look at my 11:28 post and see if you can find any anwser to my questions other than Elgart’s “objectivity” needs to be seriously questioned.

By Attn: Clayton Parents

February 18, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

Shelia,

I didn’t know about the relationship between Elgart and Colwell. There are reports however that Elgart’s own people were so concerned with his lack of objectivity that they warned board members that fellow board member, (and GAE member) Ericka Davis was a constant presence at the SACS office during the “investigation”.

Isn’t it very inappropriate for Elgart to have private meetings with a woman his office is investigating?

By Mary L.

February 18, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

As a former teacher in Clayton County, I can tell you that Ericka Davis is a control friek. She get pitches a fit when she cannot get her way. She and Yolanda Everett chewed out Superintendent Duncan at the Arnold-Fountain meeting a couple of Saturdays ago — in front of several people. This whole SACS episode is about Ericka trying to re-gain control; it is specifically about trying to push aside Dr. Gloria Duncan as superintendent and installing in someone whom she can control. Ericka Davis is very mean, and Mark Elgart is a fool for falling for her charm. No, Elgart has lost all credibility when it comes to Clayton County. He apparently has an anger for Clayton County. I wish someone would investigate him or write to his board of trustees/governors. In this case, Mark Elgart has become Ericka Davis’s sucker.

By Recall March Notice!

February 18, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

On Saturday, March 1st at 8:00 am The Concerned Citizens Coalition will march from the Lake Harbin Plaza located on the corner of Lake Harbin and Maddox Rd in Morrow and proceed 1.2 miles to the Southside Peach Plaza located on the corner of Lake Harbin and Hwy 42.

This is your opportunity to show solidarity with other citizens of Clayton County to voice your displeasure with the School Board for jeopardizing the educational future of our children and to request Gov. Perdue take intervening action.

We will also collect recall petitions and disseminate critical information.

Plan to bring the entire family! Free Hot dogs and soda will be served.

For more information call 866-257-0395

If you would like to volunteer or organize please say so in your message and an organizer will contact you.

By Bob Hartley

February 18, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

Join your neighbors for the March for our children on March 1st at 8am. Assembly will be at the Lake Harbin Plaza located on the corner of Lake Harbin Road and Maddox Road. The march will proceed 1.2 miles to the southside peach plaza located on the corner of Lake Harbin road and Hwy 42 in Rex. To volunteer or donate call 866-257-0395. Free Hot dogs and drinks will be served. Bring your signs, family, neignbors and resolve. This march will serve to collect recall signatures for all seats of the CCBOE. Don’t meet me there, beat me there!

By Attn: Clayton Parents

February 18, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

Mary L,

So is this why, in a twenty seven page report we see zero mention of Davis’s micromanaging emails to CCPS employees even though they were on the Internet for Elgart to CLEARLY see?

Maybe this is why there are reports that Elgart’s own people were so concerned about his lack of objectivity they tipped off board members to the fact that Ericka was a “constant presence” at the SACS offices during the investigation.

By theblackactor.com

February 18, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

How very strange. And bizarre. And sad.

I’m glad I don’t live there and that I don’t have kids in the public schools there. Jeez!

By Bye Bye

February 18, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

Clayton Parent, you’re a joke as is your rationale for Elgart somehow conjuring this whole thing up. Even if he was a rat, he would still need a hole, some food, and a dark, damp place to nest. The BOE provided that at no charge. In fact, they did it twice because he wouldn’t take the bait the first time. Maybe he was waiting for Haynes to be his “cheese”.

To all others, isn’t it very INAPPROPRIATE that we have the bottom barrel scum and incompetent of this county leading it? It’s our turn now! you said years ago. Kudos to the uneducated and those who felt like sticking it to “da man” was more important that voting for qualifications. Atta way for not only bringing the County down as fast as you did, but for breaking it and then spitting on it. Fools. Whether Clayton loses accrediation or not, this County is light years from going the other way in every other area. The Sheriff, DA, Commissioner, etc. This is just the beginning of the Skid Row of the South. Georgia knows it, Atlanta knows it, you know it or are blinded by the lies and influences again of your pastors. If you’re lucky, you’ll get out, walk away, and never look back. Good luck.

By Attn: Clayton Parents

February 18, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

Bye Bye,

If my questions are a “joke” why aren’t you able to answer them?

Because maybe then you couldn’t take the “feel good” route of bashing MACE and would have to do some REAL thinking about Ericka Davis, Rod Johnson, and GAE’s role in this?

Vote them ALL out, if it will make you feel good. But it won’t change anything if you don’t educate yourself as to what’s really going on with this “report.” Start with the questions I raise in my post, if it’s so “obvious” that MACE is the problem. But don’t forget, there are MORE GAE members than MACE members on the board. Bet you didn’t know that did you?

By Intelligentsia

February 18, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

The posts by “Attn: Clayton Parents” is the mantra that will continue to drive this system in the ground. I am one of the citizens that believe that my son is receiving what he needs from Clayton County Schools. I teach in Fayette County and the caliber of work that he is receiving in Clayton School is as good if not better. He is not only getting what is required by the state but he is getting it in an environment where the teachers are loving and supportive. They build him up when he is doing well and they do not hesitate to correct him when he is not.

I choose to supplement my child’s education with activities and/interests that makes him a good student in Clayton County Schools. It is at this moment as I read the posts from Trotter and Trotter supporters (Attn: Clayton Parents) that I choose to take my child out of Clayton County Schools. Sadly, another supportive parent and smart kid leaves the county because the adults can not stop their self destructive ways. The post by Attn: Clayton County Parent is evident that the children are not a concern. The concern is destroying another adult and the CHILDREN of Clayton County are COLLATERAL DAMAGE.

MACE has created a war with GAE equivalent to the “east coast/west coast” RAP WAR. In this case, MACE is interested in selling memberships into an extremist organization opposed to selling albums. Again, our children are COLLATERAL DAMAGE!!!!

Let me explain how this works: Destroying the reputation of the school system deters qualified and certified educators from applying to CCPS. The county is left to hire only inexperience, non qualified teachers and staff. Inexperience teachers will not have a clue how to manage the classroom academically and behaviorally. Classrooms without proper classroom management procedures are out of control. Out of control classrooms are the platform Trotter needs in order to TRICK educators in joining an organization that does nothing to help them.

My advice is to (1) get this idiot out of the school system by not allowing him to purchase board members. All candidates should expose their campaign contributions and any candidate with campaign contributions from this idiot should not be elected (2) Train these young inexperience teachers (and administrators) in classroom management. (3)Work with the educators you have because as a result of Clayton’s reputation, you will not attract experienced certified teachers- Black or White-for a long time. (4) Hire a strong Superintendent- one that will not succumb to the destructive influence of outside influences. (5) Teachers should be willing to try strategies that are researched based for urban settings. Yes, Clayton County School District is an urban school district. You need not to look to Fayette, Henry, or other neighboring districts that are not urban. You need to look to highly successful urban school districts across this nation and be willing to implore the strategies they use to support children. (6) Last but not least, GET RID of the current BOARD of EDUCATION. We need educated citizens that have diverse backgrounds in vocations to serve on the board. We need people who will not allow their personal disdain for each other to obviously impact the job they are elected to do. We need people who can read the roles and responsibilities of a school board member and adhere to them opposed to being blinded by perceived power.

I truly wish the county the best!!!

By Intelligentsia

February 18, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

The posts by “Attn: Clayton Parents” is the mantra that will continue to drive this system in the ground. I am one of the citizens that believe that my son is receiving what he needs from Clayton County Schools. I teach in Fayette County and the caliber of work that he is receiving in Clayton School is as good if not better. He is not only getting what is required by the state but he is getting it in an environment where the teachers are loving and supportive. They build him up when he is doing well and they do not hesitate to correct him when he is not.

I choose to supplement my child’s education with activities and/interests that makes him a good student in Clayton County Schools. It is at this moment as I read the posts from Trotter and Trotter supporters (Attn: Clayton Parents) that I choose to take my child out of Clayton County Schools. Sadly, another supportive parent and smart kid leaves the county because the adults can not stop their self destructive ways. The post by Attn: Clayton County Parent is evident that the children are not a concern. The concern is destroying another adult and the CHILDREN of Clayton County are COLLATERAL DAMAGE.

MACE has created a war with GAE equivalent to the “east coast/west coast” RAP WAR. In this case, MACE is interested in selling memberships into an extremist organization opposed to selling albums. Again, our children are COLLATERAL DAMAGE!!!!

Let me explain how this works: Destroying the reputation of the school system deters qualified and certified educators from applying to CCPS. The county is left to hire only inexperience, non qualified teachers and staff. Inexperience teachers will not have a clue how to manage the classroom academically and behaviorally. Classrooms without proper classroom management procedures are out of control. Out of control classrooms are the platform Trotter needs in order to TRICK educators in joining an organization that does nothing to help them.

My advice is to (1) get this idiot out of the school system by not allowing him to purchase board members. All candidates should expose their campaign contributions and any candidate with campaign contributions from this idiot should not be elected (2) Train these young inexperience teachers (and administrators) in classroom management. (3)Work with the staff you have because as a result of Clayton’s reputation, you will not attract experienced certified teachers- Black or White- anytime soon. (4) Hire a strong Superintendent- one that will not succumb to the destructive influence of outside influences. (5) Teachers should be willing to try strategies that are researched based for urban settings. Yes, Clayton County School District is an urban school district. You need not to look to Fayette, Henry, or other neighboring districts that are not urban. You need to look to highly successful urban school districts across this nation and be willing to implore the strategies they use to support children. (6) Last but not least, GET RID of the current BOARD of EDUCATION. We need educated citizens that have diverse backgrounds in vocations to serve on the board. We need people who will not allow their personal disdain for each other to obviously impact the job they are elected to do. We need people who can read the roles and responsibilities of a school board member and adhere to them opposed to being blinded by perceived power.

Good Luck! I am truly praying for the best for Clayton County Public Schools!!!

By give it a rest Clayton Parents!

February 18, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

Attn: Clayton Parents - for the love of all that is sacred GIVE IT A REST, NOBODY IS LISTENING TO YOU!

Nothing you say absolves Haynes, Strong & Baines-Hunter from the wrongs they have committed. The entire board needs a facelift, I am just praying the citizens of Clayton County (whether they have children in the system or not) are now awake & paying attention, because we have a lot of work to do and your repetitive posts on all of these blogs are not enduring anyone to your position and definitely not to the MACE organization, either.

By 4 Real

February 18, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

Perhaps MACE is paying him by the word.

By Bye Bye

February 18, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

Attn: Clayton Parents,

You are not even able to answer your own questions with confidence. You continue to speculate and offer no evidence. The only thing you do is support MACE. You are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.

I think every board member should be removed as a first step and I think GAE, MACE, and other outside agency politics should have NO place or influence on ANY decisions the board makes. Period.

By Attn: Clayton Parents

February 18, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

Intelligentsia and give it a rest,

Two more MACE bashers, who, when confronted with facts and logic are no Tom Petty, because unlike Petty, they WILL BACK DOWN

Too bad you don’t have the courage of your convictions to address the legitimate questions raised about Elgart’s (and SACS) credibility.

If you’re so sure MACE is the problem, why do you turn tail and run when confronted with questions I raised in my earlier post?

Well?

And 4 Real I only wish they were paying by the word LOL. Fact is I’m not even a MACE employee, just sick of seeing the one organization that stands up for teachers being bashed by people like you who lack the courage of your convictions. Again, why are you afraid to address the legitimate questions about Elgart’s credibility?

I could to a “t** for tat” and accuse you of being GAE plants, but more likely you’re problably not just very educated as to what is really going on with this “investigation”. It’s why you guys consistently turn tail and run when faced with tough questions.

By Attn: Clayton Parents

February 18, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Bye, Bye,

Wrong. I HAVE supported my questions with evidence. Ericka Davis’s mircomaning emails (which Elgart didn’t mention) have been posted on the Internet

Celeste Johnson’s (Rod’s wife) illegal double dipping (which Elgart didn’t mention) has been CONFIRMED with an Open Records request.

The Clayton News Daily (a very anti MACE newspaper) ran an exhaustive report on GAE member Rod Johnson KNOWINGLY hiring an accused child molester. (Again, no mention from Elgart in a twenty seven page “report”

That’s far more evidence than you have presented Bye Bye. Again, if you are so sure MACE is the problem (and not Elgart’s credibility and “report”) why aren’t you willing to address the questions raised about the report?

I guess it’s easier to take what the paper gives you than to actually think for yourself. After all, I’m not even asking you to accept statement but rather THINK about questions. Is that too hard for you?

Maybe THAT is why Clayton is in the mess it’s in.

By 4 Real

February 18, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

The only group being “pushed” in any of these posts is MACE, and you are the one doing the pushing. I would advocate that board members not belong to any educational “union,” not that there really is one in Georgia.

As far as your oft-repeated criticisms of Elgart’s report, let’s see…Well, why shouldn’t Erica Davis, the School Board Chair, meet with him? He had to interview her just like he had to interview your buddy Haynes. I’m sure that interview was private. Elgart allowed Haynes (through Trotter) to include all the allegations about Davis and the other school board members in his investigation. I recall Elgart being quoted about receiving Haynes/Trotter’s letter on Christmas eve of all times! About Johnson’s advocacy of an accused child molester, I point out that Haynes/Trotter’s buddy the DA Jewel Scott sat on that case until Haynes/Trotter deemed it timely to trot it out to use against a political enemy. I recall reading on the AJC where Haynes was accused of living with an actual charged rapist. Guilt by association? About Johnson’s wife Celeste, again I read in Elgart’s report where Johnson was castigated for improperly voting on monies being given to his wife in the school system. And why wouldn’t the school system itself move to recoup the monies Celeste allegedly double-dipped. With his wife Celeste and that bodyguard the school system hired, Human Resources is at fault mainly.

I have yet to read one post on the AJC in which Rod Johnson is supported or in which GAE is supported. I have read many, many, many posts about how vile and pernicious the influence of John Trotter and MACE is on the school system and how vile and pernicious the influence of John Trotter and MACE has been on the school system. Something stinks to high heaven, and you keep fanning the fumes so all can smell.

All the Board members need to resign or be removed immediately. John Trotter’s influence on the Board needs to be negated immediately. Maybe then Clayton County can start concentrating on the immportant issues invovling children who need to be educated as well as possible so as to be our County and nation’s productive citizens and leaders.

Do you and John Trotter give any thought to that?

By A parent with kids caught up in this mess

February 18, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

WOW—-all the pointing fingers about who did what is a reminder of how Clayton County got in the position in the first place. I believe the entire board should resign. I don’t care who’s wife did what, who belongs to what group..the bottom line is no one on this board cares about the children. How can board members care about our children, when the only thing they want to do is point fingers and blame each other for the mistakes they ALL need to take the blame for. Fighting at meetings…WTH! Members staying overnight in hotels for a meeting in ATLANTA! PLEASE—-I don’t give a rat’s azz about MACE, GAE, Johnson, HAYNES, DAVIS, TROTTER——ALL OF YOU HAVE FAILED OUR CHILDREN! ALL OF YOU SHARE THE BLAME. GET OVER YOURSELVES!!!!

By Come On People!

February 18, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

We are not here to fight the battles of MACE, GAE or any ADULT who had a hand in getting us into this mess, no matter how small their contribution may have been.

We are not here to debate the intergrity of the report, unless someone here has some hard evidence on paper that they can provide to prove these allegations NONE OF THAT MATTERS you can’t stop this outta control train!

What does matter is that we stop fighting amongst ourselves about b.s. that don’t matter, like GAE vs. Mace and start fighting for our CHILDREN’S education and PROPERTY VALUES!

Can we PLEASE stick to the topic of how we can solve this accreditation issue PLEASE!

I vote for a RECALL and will be attending the rally on March 1!

By Intelligentsia

February 18, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

AN ACTION PLAN to KEEP CLAYTON’S ACCREDITATION: As you know by now, SACS outlined nine requirements for Clayton County to demonstrate Compliance with the Accreditation Standards. As citizens, we need to outline our own action plan to keep our accreditation then present it to the media, board of education and the Superintendent.

Read the SACS report at http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/ajc/pdf/sacsreport.pdf

The recommendations start on page 8. Your input is needed. The following are my ideas. Yours are needed as well.

By Attn: Clayton Parents

February 18, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

4 Real,

Well at least YOU responded. And it’s not what the AJC writes in support of GAE/Rod Johnson, it’s what they don’t write.

Don’t you think it’s “vile and pernicious” that Johnson would hire an accused child molester (because he wanted a “bodyguard” who could track Duncan’s movements).

The Clayton Daily News obviously did and they are not MACE fans. But the AJC other than very brief mentions hasn’t touched (and I think the only reason they mention it is that it’s been blogged about so much.)

As far as Jewel Scott, I agree it was despicable that the charges were sat on. But that was not the school board’s doing.

Yes, Ericka should have meet with SACS, but what I hear is that Elgart’s own people were concerned about the sheer number of meetings that they informed fellow board members of this. I’m sorry I don’t have the “gravitas” of a reporter to hold his feet to the fire to confirm this.

And, did you per chance read Haynes SACS complaint? Other than Johnson voting on his wife’s pay (and saying nothing about the double dipping) don’t you find it odd just how few concerns raised in Haynes’ response Elgart addressed? Attorney Dobson’s contract? Ericka’s emails? Rod Johnson’s own inteference with the alternative school bidding? Just three examples I remember.

I’m not saying MACE is perfect in all of this. But the report is so one-sided, that I have to wonder if Elgart is calling for the accreditation to be revoked in order to force the hand of MACE for the benefit of GAE. And if that is the case, then Clayton needs to seek an accreditation agency that will be objective not for MACE’s sake, but for the students’ sake.

After all, say what you want about MACE, there are more GAE members on the board than MACE members.

You want to get rid of ALL of them? Fine, but look at how skewed Elgart’s report is toward getting rid of only MACE members, despite the documented evidence against GAE members. THAT is my major point.

Now will this county support candidates that will restore discipline? That is my single biggest reason for supporting MACE, because by being “teachers only” they have positioned themselves to address the sheer, unmitigated h-ll teachers go through these days when it comes to discipline.

If there are non MACE affliated candidates that would put discipline first and foremost I would be inclined to support them, but what you have to understand is that none of the GAE candidates on the board can give their full support to the teacher’s need for discipline, because GAE is run by administrators (one of them Ms. L Jackson, sits on the board of directors and is largely responsible for the attendance debacle mentioned in the SACS report by the way.)

Well 4 Real, I give you credit. You DID respond. And I hope I have offered more nuance than the “mantra” I’ve been accused of, but it truly angers me that Elgart is getting a free pass on this.

By Attn: Clayton Parents

February 18, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

Intelligentsia,

In regard to point 6, they aren’t going to do that, because the one largely responsible, Ms. Luvenia Jackson, Chief of Student Services, Policy, and Legislation sits on GAE’s board of directors

6: Show the invoice where the district has paid for the services to the auditing student attendance. The system should fire all involved and turn the information over to PSC.

By Come On People!

February 18, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

Intelligentsia - THANK YOU for coming up with some possible solutions to this problem instead of unsubstantiated rhetoric.

The big question is, what are the odds this egomanical board will ever resign? and if they do, is there enough time to get some viable candidates lined up so we don’t have more of the same in 3-5yrs?

To my knowledge, the superintendent search wasn’t going well prior to the SACs report. I can’t imagine it’s gotten any better since it dropped.

There are FIVE out of the 9 up for reelection in July. Who is running against these folks? I’ve heard from no potential candidates as of yet for any of these seats.

Rod Johnson was on the news over the weekend urging parents to run for the school board. I’m not a Johnson fan or supporter, he needs to go too. But he could have a point. We need people with ZERO special interests to run for these positions!

By Intelligentsia

February 18, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

Attn: Clayton County Parents, Anyone can make a complaint to the PSC. I do not see how GAE can save L. Jackson if you make an official complaint to PSC. The PSC does not take anonymous complaints and you will need to submit all proof you have to the PSC.

When can the PSC expect your complaint?

By Attn: Clayton Parents

February 18, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

Can we PLEASE stick to the topic of how we can solve this accreditation issue PLEASE!

Well, “Come on People”, if Elgart can’t answer the questions concerning is own credibility, then is it not appropriate to seek alternative, objective accreditation so that students don’t suffer lost HOPE scholarships while the voters work this out?

By 4 Real

February 18, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

Attn: Clayton Parents,

There is a big difference between being a sitting Board member who is also a member of a teacher’s “union” and being a sitting Board member who is the CEO of one of those “unions.” That is a classic conflict of interest and is patently unethical. Especially since the “union” that Board member is the CEO of pickets Clayton County schools and includes Clayton County administrators on a list of admnistrators needing improvement. You can’t talk around the unethical nature of that.

Although I particularly dislike the notion of teacher “unions” in the first place, at least GAE by not being a “for profit” group allows its members to vote on who their leaders are going to be. There is a degree of transparency to their wheelings-and-dealings. There is none in MACE. Everything MACE does goes through the crucible of John Trotter’s whims and desires. It is a tyranny of one. It is very opaque, but I suggest that most all of what MACE does, since it is a “for profit” group, is based on it gaining profit. Trotter and Haynes get this profit; therefore, Haynes is ethically suspect on the Board because as long as he is associated with MACE in an employment basis anyone can call his votes and actions into question. That makes him completely ineffective.

You talk about unnamed SACS people decrying Elgart’s meetings with Davis, but you provide no substantiation. Quit asserting what you can’t prove. No one believes you.

As far as SACS goes, I agree with another poster, possibly on another area, that SACS isn’t all that, but it is the basis by which certain things accrue for the school system. I would not want Clayton County to be the first system in Georgia and only the third in the States to lose accreditation. It looks very bad and puts everyone in a bad situation. It is also unseemly to assert that SACS isn’t the only game in town for accreditation and Clayton can just go cherry-pick one who will allow the BOard to keep on keeping on in the same manner as before. The school system would lose all of its credibility then and integrity would be hard to reobtain. The school system needs to do what is necessary with the agency that brought it to the dance to keep on dancing. Climb out of this mess and in a few years if there is still the need to switch to another agency do so, but not before cleaning up the current mess with the current agency.

If I didn’t make it clear earlier, Rod Johnson makes me ill. He and Norreese Haynes call themselves preachers. They should act as such. All that is going on is a rivalry between who’s going to get the biggest piece of the pie. Haynes/Trotter are upset that Johnson was “winning” more than they were. You know the old saying: The one with the most toys wins at the end of the game. Well, neither of them will win now. Rod’s political career is over, I would guess so is his wife’s. Haynes’s political career is over too. BOth of them just need to go get closer to God and figure out where they have gone wrong in all this. They need to find spiritual peace because the inner hell they’re going through is causing pure hell in the school system and in the County!

I have read Elgart’s report, twice. I have gone to the MACE website and read all those documents listed on the homepage. Boy! That took some doing! It’s all about Trotter not about anything else. Which makes me think that it’s all about money. WHen so much time and effort is spent by someone like Trotter on the doings of the Clayton County School Board when he purports to be running a Statewide “union,” then that indicates to me that the profit wasn’t/isn’t going Trotter’s way. If Trotter/Haynes had used all that effort on behalf of the students of Clayton County, what great, wonderful things could they have accomplished!

Money is the root of all evil here. They all need to go from the Board immediately and Trotter’s influence needs to be negated on the Board or nothing will change because he will just put forth more puppets to manipulate for his personal gain.

I applaud you your fervor about making teaching better for teachers through better discipline in the class, but it’s misplaced. Trotter’s just feeding you a line so that you’ll do what he wants you to do for him. He doesn’t care about teachers or teaching conditions. He cares about his bank account.

By Come On People!

February 18, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

Sigh.

Att: Clayton Parents - if you have so much proof & believe so much in what you say, why don’t you take it to Elgart yourself? Even if we all take your word for this & believe you, you will not solve that problem on these blogs & obviously won’t get the answers you seek, either.

From what I understand, SACs is top dog as far as accreditation is concerned. Clayton can get another organization to “accredit” them, but (a) we’d still have to meet their standards, which given the evidence we probably will not and (b) we’d still have to go through a process of being accepted which will take time in itself.

Do you have ANYTHING to add to this conversation other than unsubstantiated rhetoric?

Yes we know about the open records request. Yes we know it is not included in the report. Now what? What do YOU propose we do about Elgart that you haven’t tried to do yourself, assuming you have tried something besides bantering on these blogs.

We need fast action, not more back and forth about stuff we can’t control or do anything about.

Finally, you seem to be the only one out here supporting MACE. Where are the rest of the followers? Do they beleive in their own organization as much as you claim to believe in it, considering you claim to not even be a member of course (rolling eyes).

Prosecuting Elgart in the court of public opinion serves absolutely no purpose whatsoever & is a waste of time & energy.

Any other suggestions out there?

By Intelligentsia

February 18, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

I know this post seems off topic but it is not. The title of this blog is SOS: Saving Our Schools. I think voters need to know how destructive this organization, MACE, is when they go to the polls. When voters here the name MACE associated with candidates, they need to not vote for that candidate. I think it is wasteful for teachers to give their hard earned money to this organization but I care most if members controlled by Trotter appear on our Board of Education. So, I apologize if this post seems off topic:

Attn: Clayton Parent,

I have to ask this question. What has MACE done to specifically help a teacher restore discipline in a classroom? Does it matter that MACE is a teacher only organization when the whole system is going to hell? I decided to NEVER become a MACE member when I read some of the letters that were written on behalf of teachers. Some of those teachers were obviously WRONG!!!!! Does MACE ever say to a teacher, “what you did is indefensible”. Remember, I am a teacher and I know that discipline is important and that some teachers are exceptional when it comes to establishing a culture for learning and some teachers are not. I am interested in knowing the percentage of MACE members that are experienced, certified teachers with proven classroom management procedures. I can assure you those teachers do not need a FOOL like Trotter advocating for them.

Another question, why does MACE have such a strong presence in Clayton County? I hear South Fulton have schools with “discipline issues”. There are schools in south Cobb County that have “discipline issues”. DeKalb County have schools with discipline issues. There are pockets of Gwinnett County that have schools with “discipline issues”. Why is MACE not a fixture at those Board of Education meetings and have members on their Boards of Education?

Last question, how credible is that NI list? There are some notable educators on that list. Some of these educators are nationally known for their work yet they are on a NI list put together by the local extremist organization, MACE. Trotter’s headquarters should be in WACO not Fayette County.

* I do not belong to GAE or PAGE* When I belonged to a professional organization for liability insurance, it was PAGE.
I decided to keep my money in my pocket. If I am ever wrongly accused, I will hire an attorney.

By Attn: Clayton Parents

February 18, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

4 Real,

Maybe we don’t agree, but at least you will engage in debate.

“I applaud you your fervor about making teaching better for teachers through better discipline in the class, but it’s misplaced.”

Yes, I have read your concerns about MACE. But they are the only entity that has positioned themselves to stand up for the classroom teacher. I’m sure Trotter could make extra “profit” by opening up his membership to administrators, but in fact turns down profit by dropping even long term paying members who become administrators (at least that’s my understanding)

And yes, there’s obviously a blood feud between Haynes and Johnson. That’s because Haynes took THOUSANDS out of Johnson’s pocket when he exposed the hiring of the accused child molester (which cost Johnson his job in the Sheriff’s Dept. because Victor Hill dropped him like a lead ballon) and the double dipping on Celeste’s part.

So I say since they can’t get along…drop Johnson!

I give Haynes credit for raising h-ll and getting the land deal back on the radar.

I give credit for Haynes exposing the “Pulliam Patronage Plan” (her plan to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on positions on administrative cronies, on positions she couldn’t even provide job descriptions for! (And to be fair, that was Ericka Davis’s one shining moment last year as well; it was one of the summer board meetings, can’t remeber which one)

I give credit for Haynes passing the Teachers Bill of Rights, the first step to restoring discipline. (Now mechanisms need to be put in place to keep teachers from being retaliated against when they invoke the right to remove chronically disruptive students)

Remember, this board is GAE dominated, not MACE dominated. Thus MACE is put in a position of being “agitators” to get something done as far as teachers and discipline. And of course they don’t really seem to mind being agitators LOL, and that might be a legitimate criticism.

What I don’t see is another slate of candidates willing to step in and make discipline first and foremost in a manner that MACE does. And I see GAE more than willing to sweep in, if this board is removed “en masse” with major money to undue the good MACE has been able to accomplish with steps such as the Teachers Bill of Rights, and I see them backing a Superintendent like a Pulliam, who was all about “fixing the numbers” (and taking care of administrative cronies) instead of restoring the discipline.

If there are candidates that have a true understanding of what teachers are having to deal with, and are willing to forego money and endorsements from organizations like GAE, I’d like to see them. But I haven’t.

By the way 4 Real, ever hear of Kay Pippen? She was on the Butts county BOE, and the number two ranked employee in GAE when she served on the board. Why is it that Elgart never mentioned a “conflict of interest” when he gave them accreditaion?

By JJ

February 18, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

Kimberly, I am not at all sympathetic here. The voters put in place their officials in this particular area and “their” elected officials acted…such is democracy. Clayton is just one large apartment complex of transient families and are havens for crime and apathy…tear them down and replace with homes and it will get a little better.

By Attn: Clayton Parents

February 18, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

Intelligentsia,

Let me give you an example of how MACE helps a teacher. A chronically disruptive child. Living “out of the school zone” but attending the school and destroying the classroom (because the child is a relative of one of front office staff)

Teacher fills out the discipline referrals, reports the child is living out of the area and nothing gets done. MACE comes in a demands the principal follow system attendance policy not do a favor for a front office buddy. FINALLY the student is withdrawn (to go back to where they belong!) and an ENTIRE class, not just the teacher, benefits.

PAGE and GAE could never advocate in that way, because they are run by administrators.

Say what you want about MACE, but they are the only entity that stands up for the teacher’s right to maintain the integrity of the learning environment through discipline, because as a “teachers only” group, they are the only one who can.

When a slate of candidates is run that puts discipline first and foremost and doesn’t compromise that by accepting GAE funds or endorsements, I’ll listen, but I have yet to see it.

By the way, you paid your hard earned money to PAGE for a “liability insurance” that is a scam. Teachers have sovereign immunity in Georgia and don’t need “liability insurance”. As you have correctly surmised, for those things not covered under sovereign immunity, you need a lawyer.

But too many times, I have seen abusive administrators do a complete 180 when MACE shows up.

As people have said, MACE is “for profit”. If they weren’t providing effective service, teachers wouldn’t be joining now would they?

By Come On People!

February 18, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

Figures Attn: Clayton Parents would completely ignore my questions.

Thanks for letting me know that MACE is definitely not to be trusted thanks to your diatribe on several blogs today. Just checked their website and it is not impressive. I will make it my business to pass that info on to everyone I know to NEVER vote for anyone affiliated with the MACE organization.

I hope everyone who reads these blogs and your varied comments draws the same conclusions.

I hope everyone will attend the School Board meeting on March 3 to demand resignations!

By Attn: Clayton Parents

February 18, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

Come on People,

Repost the questions (or the time of the post) and I’ll do my best to address them (though it may not be until tomorrow, because by the time I get back to the computer, this blog may be closed for the day)

Speaking of ignoring questions, are you willing to address the ones I made with my 11:28 post?

By 4 Real

February 18, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

Again, no proof can be offered for people leaving other teacher “unions” to join MACE because Trotter and his CEO/Clayton County Board Member Norreese Haynes refuse to release their membership data. Why is that? If MACE is all that, why are Trotter/Haynes so fearful of letting the number of their acolytes be known? Nearly 3000 employees of Clayton County belong to GAE. What does that say about what Clayton County employees think of GAE? How many belong to MACE? 30? 300? 3?

By Attn: Clayton Parents

February 18, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

4 Real,

Speaking of “proof” what proof do you have that “3,000 employees” belong to GAE in Clayton?

Secondly, I don’t have MACE’s membership numbers and don’t know why they don’t release them.

I just know that as an organization that doesn’t recieve any government funds, if they weren’t providing effective service, they wouldn’t have any members and Norreese Haynes, Dr. Trotter or any of MACE’s other employees wouldn’t have jobs now would they?

Even without my having membership numbers, I think that does prove they have members right?

I do know they don’t take payroll deductions (so that membership can be confidential-if you think your paystub is “confidential” in Clayton schools, you are sadly mistaken)

As to why they don’t release total numbers, I simply don’t know; I just know they are an organization with a staff to pay so somebody must be a member.

By 4 Real

February 18, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

Duh.

Of course they have members, the number of them is the question.

Clayton COunty has the largest membership of any GAE group in the State. What does that tell you? If you doubt what I say, call them up and ask them. Go to their website and look. They aren’t afraid of sharing the facts of their existence. Now by my having said all this don’t think I’m “pushing” GAE. I’m not. As I said, I’m not an advocate for any teachers “union.” I just am NOT a MACE fan because of what John Trotter and his puppet CEO/Clayton County Board Member Norreese Haynes have perpetrated on Clayton County’s children. My guess is that MACE will lose members because of this.

I can guess why they don’t release membership data. The numbers are probably way lower than that for GAE groups.

By Concerned oldtimer

February 18, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

I am glad and proud of my association with PAGE. I was a member for 30 years. The association conducts itself professionally and costs little. Members have legal insurance and no money goes to political candidates. When I retired three years ago, only 2 teachers at the Middle School where I worked belonged to anyother organization and it was not MACE. Parents begin the recall. That is the constitutionally acceptable way to prove you want a change. Attend every board meeting, and begin to give your children a political education that will last a life time…..BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU LISTEN TOO! Some people promise to much.

By Intelligentsia

February 18, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

If MACE is the only organization that can save teachers, how are other teachers surviving nationally?

Do you not think that there are disruptive students in other school systems? Those school districts are able to resolve issues without MACE destroying the fabric of their schools.

Let me let you in on a secret. MACE scares no one. MACE has gained the reputation of an extremist organization. That means there is no balance with this organization. Reasonable individuals are embarrassed to be apart of this organization. I know of someone that canceled their membership after realizing MACE provided no notable services. When she told MACE she is severing ties with the organization, she was verbally accosted on the phone by Trotter.

MACE loses credibility every time they picket or place an administrator on the NI list in support of member who is WRONG. I read on MACE’s website a letter defending a teacher that was dressing inappropriately at school. I read a letter defending a teacher that did not have sound instructional practices. I read a letter defending a teacher cursing in the classroom. None of these letters implied that there was a discipline problem in the classroom.

You see, MACE do not have the time to investigate because if their members do not feel supported immediately (right or wrong), they will lose a membership fee. You do not need MACE to address administrators behaving unethically i.e. not adhering to attendance zones as a result of personal friendships. We have a governing body created to monitor educators in the state of GA. The organization is called the Professional Standards Commission (PSC). Stop giving your money to MACE and go to the PSC website and read how to report administrators who are behaving unethically. Again, you do not need MACE to rid unethical administrators of their leadership position. SAVE YOUR MONEY!!!!!

By Attn: Clayton Parents

February 18, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

4 Real,

Of course Clayton GAE has greater numbers; they allow teachers AND administrators to join.

And Clayton schools gave GAE unilateral access for one full week in the schools to conduct membership drives (something they denied MACE) Sid Chapman (head of Clayton GAE) even bragged about this at a board meeting.

Still take those factors out, and the numbers would most likely still be lower.

Hate to throw teachers under the bus like this, but as a group they are timid. Nothing that hasn’t been said plenty of times before regarding teachers. It’s why many of them opt for the security of a government job, rather than strike out on their own. Doesn’t make them bad people; it just is what it is.

Thus many teachers don’t embrace MACE’s, ahem, strident approach to things. Or they think “My principal is nice; it’ll never happen to me.” Until it does.

Still, even if their numbers are lower, does that make them wrong on the issues concerning discipline in the classroom. After all, at one time an overwhelming majority of belived the Earth was flat (and I think a significant number of Republican presidential candidates belived it LOL) But it doesn’t mean they were right any more than GAE’s greater numbers mean they are right on the issues that affect the classroom teacher.

By Attn: Clayton Parents

February 18, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

“The organization is called the Professional Standards Commission (PSC).”

You trust the PSC to stand up for teachers who have been treated unethically Intelligentsia? Seriously?

Ok, now I know it’s time to log off for the evening. LOL

By 4 Real

February 18, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this

Why should a school system allow a “for-profit” teachers “union” to come and drum up business? There are rules against solicitation during the school day on school premises. Gee. Now I know I should log off for the evening!

All John Trotter wants is money, money, money, money, money.

By You Have Got to Be Kidding

February 19, 2008 8:03 AM | Link to this

LOL LOL LOL LOL Here we go again - missing the point! Stop defending the adult actions that have caused this problem. John Trotter threatened to destroy the school system 10 years ago and has succeeded with the help of his boy Norreese Haynes. (Can you say ‘yes massa’) Let me turn my back on black children and help you destroy their future. At the massa direction he continues to say things that will help us to lose our accreditation. Then he will put it on the MACE website that if other school systems do not do what they say, like hire Trotter for some 6 figure job, they will destroy them. People, get a clue!

By JJ

February 19, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this

MACE opperates through fear and intimidation and parents should realize that. I am a former administrator which is to say a former teacher as well. To let you know how MACE supports teachers, I once had a teacher who had written at least 75 referrals. The other administrators warned me that she was a MACE person and not to talk to her, but I wanted to provide some help in the classroom so I chose to discuss this and try to see if I could provide some classroom management support. 75 office referrals is worth asking questions. Sometimes she would send 10 children at a time. Well after my discussion the next day I was threatened by MACE through unsolicited emails, newsletters and intimidating looks at board meetings and being placed on their NI list despite a stellar record, university recognition and recognition from the feds. I have since left Clayton for more money, a better position and left behind such petty power politics that pits one vs. another…so now that MACE has elected their people…Clayton must ask if this was wise…I feel no sorrow for this district. MACE is an organization of bullies…so as Dr. Phil says…how’s that working for you? Clayton parents deserve what they have.

By Ralph

February 19, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

To: By Attn: Clayton Parents and John Trotter

Better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

By Sheila

February 19, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

Wow, CCEA/GAE must be desperate. I was a member of CCEA and served on the Exec. Bd. In the old days, all the leaders at CCEA and GAE said not to react to MACE and never mention MACE in public. The official stance was to ignore MACE. I guess GAE continues to lose members, despite its constant claim of being so big. MACE has never claimed to be so big. Never. In fact, I saw the other day in a MACE brochure that I was getting for my friend where MACE acknowledges that it is not the biggest, just the best. Go ahead, MACE. Keep drivin’ them crazy! I think it is funny! Yeah, get different accreditation. Mark Elgart already had his mind made up…very prejudiced man.

By Nospin

February 19, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

Mace still trying to push there way into everything. Ignore them, I do. The board is the problem (and MACE MEMBERS). Next board make sure there are no current educators, or administrators on it. Thats like letting the fox in the hen house. They have no place there. The board is for you! The citizens!

By Sheila

February 19, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

GAE Members >>> (1) Rod Johnson (and his double-dipping wife); (2) Ericka Davis; (3) Yolanda Everett; and (4) Eddie White (Lifetime Membership). Let’s see now? Hmm. Aren’t these four part of the thin five-vote majority which has held sway under the Ericka Davis Reign Since January 2005? How is it that MACE has caused the problems? Baines-Hunter and Scott have never been MACE members. Haynes is a salaried employee of MACE, and I believe that Strong has acknowledged that she is a member of MACE. This is a GAE-laden board which cuts all kinds of sweetheart deals for Sid Chapman and his CCEA organization. MACE is an easy target to shoot at anonymously behind keyboards, but I bet if John Trotter offered to meet anyone of these “bravehearts” in an open dialectical discussion about the what’s wrong with public edcuation in Georgia or specifically in Clayton County, most bloggers would run like roaches when the lights turn on. Or, perhaps they would join the 7 or 8 people on that Give’em the Boot website.

By Professional w/No Children in Clay Co.

February 19, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

I’m so glad I don’t have any kids but unfortunately I bought a house in CC 5 years ago. I can’t wait to sell and move out. I’ve watch the county decline dramatically over the past 6 years. Enough is enough. I do absolutely nothing in Clayton County except live. Kids walking around with their pants sagging, loud music, the mall gearing towards hip hoppers…there is nothing in the county to do.

We should not blame the school board entirely but some of the parents needs to be more active participants in their children lives. One teacher made a statement that out of 140 kids she teaches only 4 parents would show up for parent/teacher night. That’s not the school boards fault. Stop blaming the school board or looking for the state to bail out this sorry situation. Look at what your part was in this mess. I don’t even have kids and I went to a school board meeting.

I think school board members should not be chosen by the voters. Most of us are unaware of their backgrounds when voting unless you’ve seen flyers. Voters needs to be more educated on who they are voting for and not based on race. This is serious we are affecting these kids lives (well the ones who want an education) We need to require more background checks and maybe a debate or interview for these position. They are not only failing these kids, they are faily the county and the state of Georgia.

By You Have Got to be Kidding

February 19, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Oh, listen to alllll the MACE supporters. That’s right I said it! Go ahead and follow a white man that calls you n*, cause he is your buddy and believes that it is ok. (I have heard this from several MACE members who think it’s ok) If we hear that John Trotter has given money to any one running for office, we need to make sure no one votes for them. He is distroying black children here in Clayton. His children go to school in Fayette!

By Future EX-Clayton Resident

February 19, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

No wonder the children are messed up. Listen to the adults on this blog

By qshukura

February 19, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

Marva Collins’ Creed

Society will draw a circle that shuts me out, but my superior thoughts will draw me in. I was born to win if I do not spend too much time trying to fail. I will ignore the tags and names given me by society since only I know what I have the ability to become.

Failure is just as easy to combat as success is to obtain. Education is painful and not gained by playing games. Yet it is my privilege to destroy myself if that is what I choose to do. I have the right to fail, but I do not have the right to take other people with me.

It is my right to care nothing about myself, but I must be willing to accept the consequences for that failure, and I must never think that those who have chosen to work, while I played, rested and slept, will share their bounties with me.

My success and my education can be companions that no misfortune can depress, no crime can destroy, and no enemy can alienate. Without education, man is a slave, a savage wandering from here to there believing whatever he is told.

Time and chance come to us all. I can be either hesitant or courageous. I can swiftly stand up and shout: “This is my time and my place. I will accept the challenge.”

from the book, “Marva Collins’ Way” by Marva Collins and Civia Tamarkin, published by St. Martin’s Press

By PJ

February 19, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

Attn; Clayton Parents, 4Real, Come on People. How typical. “Your fault NAH,NAH; NO it’s not, it’s your fault NAH,NAH!!” How sad. As a graduate of Jonesboro High in 1975. I sorrow at the state of my County. “It’s our turn now” Indeed

By qshukura

February 19, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

we all want to run and move from the county, get vouchers and put kids in private schools, point fingers and blame and argue ….this is all counter-productive, and there have been no real clear solutions. This saddens me! I have questions! If we want the same structure and curriculum that private schools provide, then what is so wrong with pushing for a system-wide adaptation of a curriculum that would address these standards? What is wrong with staying, rolling up our sleeves, organizing, planning, implementing and executing positive change that will not only benefit our children but the neighborhoods as well. We have to change our mindset! There has to be a transplant of the minds and hearts people. The change we are screaming for can only be brought about from our own. We waste so much time waiting for someone to come and rescue us, or I’m going to do it, let someone else do it. It is time to raise the standards and expectations for our own success, and for the success of our children. When we expect better, they will do better; when we expet failure, then that is what you get. The time is NOW to move, in one accord, united, for positive change. Some ONES have to got to do it, have got to do what needs to be done! Why not now, why not YOU!

By Jiminy Cricket

February 19, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

Revoking accreditation is not going to happen. This is all about another chance with anticipated community pressure to get it right. Noone wants this to really happen - even SACS. If it were, SACS would have yanked it much sooner given the recent probation status for the same issues. Thus the Sept. 1, 2008 deadline and current board members under fire that are unwilling to resign until Summer. I am sure this exit strategy has already been discussed between SACS and CCPS.

My prediction: 1. Ericka and the Board, with handholding by SACS, will do enough in the eyes of SACS to move CCPS from “revoked” status to “probationary or non-probationary” status prior to Sept. 1

Residents, let’s not just “Save Our Schools”, let’s “Remember” and save our County. Do NOT forget. If you think this experience has been bad, watch what happens if you vote Lee Scott into office. But that’s another blog…

By maggie

February 19, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

How I hate the changes that have come about in Clayton!! It used to be safe, crime free, and we also had a school board, led by Ernest Stroud, that never conducted themselves as this board does! It’s unbelievable far down that Clayton has fallen AND that it was allowed to happen.

By Clayton Resident

February 19, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

I think Jiminy Crickett is on to MANY things in his post!

There are MANY OTHER elected officials that need to go, not just the school board! We can’t allow the rest of them to get over on us either.

We need a CLEAN SWEEP of ALL Clayton officials, the only ones that seem to be on their job is Wole Ralph & Sonna Singleton in my opinion.

Eldrin Bell & Victor Hill DEFINITELY need to GO!

By Clayton Resident

February 19, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

I know we are all concerned about the school board right now, as well we should be, but we also need to be concerned about who will succeed Victor Hill as sheriff! Check out all your options people! Here is one for you. and I don’t know if he’s paying for dinner lol, but hopefully he will discuss some of his future plans if he’s elected.

We need to be informed voters now more than EVER Clayton County!

Dinner with Kem Kimbrough When: Friday, February 22, 2008 Where: Taco Mac (3682 Ga-138 SE Stockbridge, GA) Time: 6:30-8:00pm

By advocate

February 19, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

The RIGHT and best thing to do now: Completely start over.Period!

By Martha

February 20, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this

Vouchers for private schools are fine, but do not be deceived into thinking that a private school will be better in any respect. The State requirements for private schools are less than minimal. I placed my godchild in a private Christian Academy at my own expense just to protect her from Clayton County High School behavior. The school made great promises and defaulted on them all. Teachers couldn’t teach because they were not “real” teachers. Students were disruptive and the so-called teachers were not equipped to control their own classrooms. A student pulled scissors on another student but still received an “A” in conduct because she pulled the scissors in her mother’s classroom. Rule of thumb: If the private school does not have a waiting list, stay away.

By 4 Real

February 20, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this

Good luck finding a qualified and dedicated superintendent to take over Clayton County Schools. It will be someone that is doing it for the money only… just as Dr. Duncan did. Don’t forget Dr. Duncan is the same person that was fired for cheating and had a heart attack due to the stress of being principal at Riverdale High School, but she took the job because the salary almost doubled what she was making as principal. Someone will come in, say the right things, and make a quick buck$$$$. I hope the “New” board does a better job selecting its next leader and I pray that the parents and community get involved this time.

By Stunned

February 20, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

I regret moving to Clayton County. If I could sell my house, I would put it on the market immediately. This makes NO SENSE at all. When registering my sons for school I immediately went to Henry County, unbenounced to me I live .3 miles outside of Henry County which puts me in Clayton, so I had no choice but to send them to this school. After the decision on 03/15, I think I have a good shot at getting them into Henry County

By Synamon Baldwin

February 20, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

Kim, Thank you for your work in the community. We appreciate your efforts to educate readers. The mission of the Clayton County Wide Homeowners Association is to stamp out civic illiteracy and provide support for our homeowners. Our members meet the 2nd Saturday of each month. Our March 8th @11am meeting is open to the public.

The BOE debacle affects everyone in Clayton County. CCWHOA has addressed many issues over the past 2.5 years including foreclosures, mortgage fraud, commuter rail, codes and ordinances, public safety, accountability of elected officials and more civic concerns. Our positions and stances on civic issues have been challenged and criticized by some. Yet, this is one issue that affects us all. It calls for rational, well thought out, unified and organized actions. Loss of Accreditation is not an option for the people of Clayton County. I would like to share the following information. We call on all people of Clayton to join us.

Synamon Baldwin

CLAYTON COUNTY WIDE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

“SACS REPORT EVALUATION & PRE – RALLY ORGANIZING” MARCH TOWN HALL MEETING

SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 2008 @ 11AM National Archives 5780 Jonesboro Road Morrow GA

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

“WHAT MUST HOMEOWNERS DO TO SAVE OUR CHILDREN FROM ACADEMIC INEQULAITY AND OURSELVES FROM FINANCIAL RUIN IN CLAYTON COUNTY?”

• HOMEOWNERS and STUDENTS IN CRISIS

• CLAYTON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION DEBACLE

• MORTGAGE FRAUD AND FORECLOSURES

Homeowners and citizens are invited to join us for an open discussion and dialogue with our leadership team and panel of invited guests. Our goal is to share information and strategies for assuring that our school system does not lose accreditation.

Do not make decisions or take positions based solely on newspaper articles, radio sound bites and nightly TV news reports.

CCWHOA members are asked to attend the BOE Meeting at 1058 Fifth Ave, Jonesboro GA 30236 on Monday, March 3, 2008 @ 7pm. We will state the CCWHOA official position on the accreditation dilemma.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT 404.396.2706 OR EMAIL CCWHOA@AOL.COM

By Mundys Mill

February 20, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

For those of you who may be interested in getting active and involved…there will be a county-wide MARCH held on Saturday, March 1st @ 8am. It is being held by the Concerned Citizens Coalition and will start assembly at the Lake Harbin Plaza located at the corner of Lake Harbin Road and Maddox Road. The march is calling for the resignation of all board members! Come out and show your support for our children’s future in education!!! If you want to volunteer, call 1-866-257-0395 for more info.

By looknsee

February 20, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

The Clayton County home owners association is to share the blame for our school problems. They are the ones that endorsed some of the candidates that are listed for recall. They should have done their homework prior to endorsing the ones that they wanted, but then again, they are a political organization with an agenda for their candidate’s, hell or high waters.

People of the county need to vote educated. Stop listening to others tell you who to vote for, but educate yourself and find out the facts and ask questions from other sources other than the endorsers.

As an African American woman, I am saddened that certain organizations use our great leaders to promote themselves and then violate their own motto or mission statement.

Kimberly Allen, Thank you for allowing us an opportunity to speak the truth in your forum and thank you for doing your homework prior to writing these articles. I see so many mistakes in other stories and yet no one calls them out. Please keep up the good work that you do.

By Mundys Mill

February 20, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

Let’s stop pointing the finger and get more involved…use your fingers and frustration and call the local radio stations, TV and newspapers to come out and support the March. Let the entire Metro Atlanta community know that there ARE educated people in Clayton County and we do care about our children and their futures. We do still have people that care and are interested in protecting our community. If I were the surrounding counties, I wouldn’t sit back and laugh and joke on such a serious matter…the kids could be coming to a neighborhood near you if the county looses accreditation!

By Mundys Mill

February 20, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

Let’s stop pointing the finger and get more involved…use your fingers and frustration and call the local radio stations, TV and newspapers to come out and support the March. Let the entire Metro Atlanta community know that there ARE educated people in Clayton County and we do care about our children and their futures. We do still have people that care and are interested in protecting our community. If I were the surrounding counties, I wouldn’t sit back and laugh and joke on such a serious matter…the kids could be coming to a neighborhood near you if the county looses accreditation!

By Mundys Mill

February 20, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

Let’s stop pointing the finger and get more involved…use your fingers and frustration and call the local radio stations, TV and newspapers to come out and support the March. Let the entire Metro Atlanta community know that there ARE educated people in Clayton County and we do care about our children and their futures. We do still have people that care and are interested in protecting our community. If I were the surrounding counties, I wouldn’t sit back and laugh and joke on such a serious matter…the kids could be coming to a neighborhood near you if the county looses accreditation!

By Jiminy Cricket

February 20, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

Unify Efforts!

By TA

February 20, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

I agree with Mundy’s Mill. Tell the world! Get the media involved. If you read other blogs and sites that describe the troubles of Clayton County schools, you will see that many of those who are out of County and out of State are just as concerned. Most perspectives aren’t “what do you expect”… most are “what a shame” and “if we’re not careful, it could happen to us.” And “Let’s ensure we don’t get in the same position.”

Personally, I believe its an eye opener to many in and out of County about how for granted we take things. Specifically the actions of elected officials. This outrage should have happended by all when we got probation the first time. It was a clear sign that something was wrong.

By Synamon Baldwin

February 20, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

Kim I hesitate to post blogs because of illiterate comments such as that from looknsee. The description of CCWHOA is completely erroneous and obviously contrived but then you know that. This person is a throw a rock hide a hand individual.

My name is out there and so is my number. I challenge that person to contact me for intellectual exchange. Or just show up at the meeting and get a real education about CCWHOA and civic literacy.

We are a proud group of middle class homeowners who have compassion and love for our communities. Are we perfect? No. But we are open, honest, decent and we have will!

Synamon Baldwin

By Morrow

February 20, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

Synamon,

Is the CCWHOA supporting and unifying with the Concerned Citizens Coalition and their activity on March 1? If not, why now that you know this will be taking place and both are for the same cause?

By Synamon Baldwin

February 20, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

Yes CCWHOA members will be at the March. We have talked to the leadership of CCC and they will be at our meeting as well. This is truly an issue that we must all work on together.

Synamon Baldwin

By Ekklesia_Reformata

February 20, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

Somehow I’m still amazed at the apathy and unwillingness to LET GO of something that is obviously not working. It’s now been several years since test voucher programs where tried in various places, I believe Milwaukee and Boston were a few. If for some reason you don’t intuitively know that competition make for a better product, these pilot voucher programs show that BLACK folks gained the most from vouchers: IE, demonstrated the greatest increase in test scores. The fact of the matter is there is more than enough blame to go around but at the end o the day, parents are responsible for their children. I don’t know how you can continue to subject you children to that school system. What if there are not enough private schools to take all 50k students. There is enough to take yours! Or, you could even home school you child. But one thing for sure is, if you don’t do anything significant, nothing will change and 5 years from now, we’ll be having the same discussion. Your responsibility is to your children first. Move, homeschool, send them to private school, do something reasonable after researching your options. Earlier this week the AJC ran an article about the twins that moved to Clayton County from NY. They seemed very bright and eager to learn. Why didn’t their parents find out about Clayton Schools before they moved there? It’s no secret the issue Clayton County has been having the last 5-10 years! Now, they’re in this quagmire when all they had to do is move to where the school system is producing results! Likewise, you have options now and you must exercise them less you find yourself depending on some help that may or may not EVER show up; at least while your child is in school.

By what???

February 20, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

I am amazed at what most of us are missing here. We are being singled out as a county, not because of a bad school system, teachers, students and administrators, but because of the board that we elected!!

Thee (the board) could care less about our kids. I have three, and cannot sell my house at a loss. I have to fight. So, I am going to call my congressman, senator and representatives to see what we can do.

I pay taxes for two properties here, so I oay the bills, along with you guys. We must get organized, concise, and get these idiots out of office, PERIOD!!!

March 1 is when I am celebrating my 10 year wedding anniversary, but at 8.00 in the morning, I will be at this march, because my kids, and your kids, should have better, and they will!!

TRUST ME ON THIS, WE WILL GET IT TOGETHER!

By Get Smart

February 20, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

BTW, the surrounding counties don’t want Clayton County’s unruly kids.

(http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/stories/0708disciplinechart.html?appSession=63571829478331)

By Henry H. Anderson M.D.

February 20, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Thank you Ms. Synamon Baldwin and the Clayton Countywide Homeowners Association for dealing with the SACS Evaluation Report on the Clayton County School System and the Clayton County Board Of Education School Board at your monthly meeting on Saturday March 8, 2008 at 11:00 A.M.at the National Archives Building Meeting Room in Morrow, Georgia. I feel very strongly that the turnout for this very important meeting will not only be very high, but will bring out all the Clayton County Citizens, Teachers, Administrators, Employees,and other important Clayton County Elected Officials and people in general who care about our school system and the students who are being affected the most, out to this important,informative, educational,and proactive meeting where answers, solutions, and a plan of action going forward will be presented and given to prevent loss of accreditation. It is also my hope that this extremely important meeting will be attended by Clayton County Students so that we can here first hand from them how this has affected and impacted them as well as getting their observations and reports on the overall morale, mood, and feelings of the other students in the school which they attend and how it is affecting them, whether they are in elementary, middle,or high school and the atmosphere of the school itself over these unfortunate series of events that have occured against the Clayton County School System. Again, thank you for having this very important and most needed meeting that will focus on and give the attendees solutions, answers, and a much needed action plan to solve the school system’s problems and prevent our school system from losing its accreditation as recommended by the Southern Association Of Colleges And Schools(SACS) on Monday September 1, 2008.

By spunky

February 20, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Be careful who makes the speeches at the March, With all the possible TV coverage, We could end up looking even stupider. This whole March idea sounds kinda worn out to me. Let’s do something a little more intelligent, like compling with SACS mandates quickly.

By looknsee

February 20, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

Synamon honey,

I was not talking about you personally. Now I will state for the record that I have been to one of your meetings and it was horrible the way you spoke to people. You were so confrontational and one-sided, considering that it was suppose to be an open forum. After the meeting I spoke to several other residents from my community and they said and felt the same way. We were not happy with your attitude or views. It was obvious that you had an agenda and no matter what, you were going to try and force it onto everyone else.

I have been on god’s green earth for over 60 years and had seen your type of personality several times and know how to deal with you. Calling you out is always the best way from my experience. Please take this advice and do no harm to this county any longer. Please work with us and not against us. Listening to the community is your first endeavor that I ask of you. Please do not tell your members and the citizens what to say, but instead, ask them what they think.

I have paid my dues with nearly every step of my life. So when you say that I am,” throw a rock hide a hand individual.” You honey, don’t have a clue to what you are talking about.

By t williams

February 20, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

CINNAMON

CINNAMON

CINNAMON

inquiring minds are not surprised that you have reared your homeowners asso. head in this school board mess.

MISERY LOVES COMPANY

inquiring minds remember that your homeowners asso. endorsed Sandra Scott in the last school board election. Sandra Scott was the only school board race your homeowners asso. endorsed out of FOUR elections. inquiring minds realize that your homeowners asso. doesn’t have too good a track record where it concerns the school board, SO, inquiring minds want to know why you’ve reared your homeowners asso. head now.

POLITICS MAKES CINNAMON SWEET, HUH?

inquiring minds quess that Cinnamon’s homeowners asso. desire to gain control of the school board in the next election. inquiring minds want everyone to know that Cinnamon’s homeowners asso. only felt that Sandra Scott was worthy of their asso. endorsement in the last election. What does that say about Cinnamon and her homeowners asso.?

BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY

inquiring minds want all to understand the bottom line. inquiring minds would much rather John Trotter be in control of the school board than Cinnamon and her homeowners asso. At least John Trotter has two doctorates and is grounded in education. Love him or hate him, at least John Trotter has a clue about what should go in a school system. Cinnamon and her homeowners asso., well, inquiring minds will never forget her raving and ranting and swaying in complete and absolute hysteria about Mike Edmondson being elected. (Mike Edmondson, for those who don’t know, is a white man. Cinnamon and her homeowners asso. didn’t seem to think his race qualified him for office. I was there Cinnamon. I heard and saw you.)

BEWARE FALSE PROPHETS

inquiring minds say Cinnamon is a boll weevil looking for a home. Cinnamon and her homeowners asso. missed out controling the BOC, now Cinnamon and her homeowners asso. see an opening to control the BOE. inquiring minds say “Beware the sweet name of a sour individual.”

CINNAMON

CINNAMON

CINNAMON

By Synamon Baldwin

February 20, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

looknsee and t.williams I see you have reared your illiterate blogging heads up again. lies, innuendos and sheer nonsense. Throw a rock and hide a hand — both of you. Take off the masks!

Thank God I do not need your validation!

Synamon Baldwin 404.396.2706

By Voice of Reason ...

February 20, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

Out of 100 comments about 30-35 are actually relevant to the SOS save our schools topic.

Why are we wasting MORE time name calling and fighting amongst ourselves?

We need to use this space to talk TO each other about figuring out this school board mess, not pointing fingers AT each other.

Other counties already think we’re a bunch of idiots, can we stop proving them right in print about stuff that doesn’t matter.

Let’s get this board recalled!

By Synamon Baldwin

February 20, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

Voice of reason!

Perhaps looknsee and t.williams will listen to you. I have given up on intellectual exchange with them. If you review Kim’s previous blogs you will see that name calling and not addressing the issue is a pattern for t. williams. loooknsee has an ax to grind and obviously wants to discredit CCWHOA.

By t williams

February 20, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

CINNAMON

CINNAMON

CINNAMON

inquiring minds want to know whether you or your grandson is posting on this blog.

BLACK LIKE YOU, HUH?

inquiring minds see you use coded language to mask your racism, eh, Cinnamon? You say, “Take off your masks.” inquiring minds want to know if that is homeowners asso. speech to imply the KKK? Having seen you in heated fervor about a white man possibly being elected to the BOC, inquiring minds make the educated guess that, yes, you are using racist coded language.

BLACK LIKE ME, CINNAMON

inquiring minds want you to know, not that race matters, that inquiring minds are black, Cinnamon, and inquiring minds are very concerned that a certain exclusionary black element is overtaking Clayton County. inquiring minds know that success and continued prosperity for all Clayton County’s citizens depends on all the races coming together for the common good. inquiring minds have seen you in action: no innuendo, Cinnamon, no lies, Cinnamon, and the sheer nonsense was the racist hatred you spewed, Cinnsamon, in a public meeting. (I was there and saw and heard you.)

ILLITERACY BEGINS AT HOMEOWNERS ASSO.

inquiring minds include civic illiteracy in our condemnation of you, Cinnamon. Do you really deny that your homeowners asso. bought a full-page ad in the Clayton News-Daily during the last election cycle endorsing Sandra Scott for the school board? inquiring minds state that there were THREE other school board races that your homeowners asso. ignored. inquiring minds think it a valid question to ask why. inquiring minds can only surmise that Cinnamon and her homeowners asso. felt comfy endorsing a candidate like Sandra Scott because Sandra Scott must have resonated with you Cinnamon and with your homeowners asso. What resonance? An illiterate, loud, obnoxious, selfish black woman whose only desire in getting elected was to get even with the football coach who wouldn’t give her nonexistent tapes of her son’s wonderful football experience?

WHAT ROCK IS IN YOUR HAND, CINNAMON?

inquiring minds want to know what you and your homeowners asso. are smoking, Cinnamon, for you to believe that the public will blithely forget your endorsement of Sandra Scott in the last school board election and your denunciation of Mike Edmondson because of his race.

CINNAMON

CINNAMON

CINNAMON

By Ekklesia_Reformata

February 20, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

Like most serious problems, a multi-faceted solution will be needed. New board members, voucher school choice, home school, taking a loss in real estate, allowing kids to stay with family members elsewhere should all be viable methods employed to ensure your child gets the education they need. I work for Fulton County Schools and know firsthand of the challenges and deficiencies of some of South Fulton Schools. There is much work to be done here! However, recently while helping a parent that moved from South Fulton to Clayton County due to a pending foreclosure, liquidate her property, she staunchly indicated that with all the short comings of the South Fulton HS her son used to attend, she was heartbroken and more sadden that she had to move to Clayton HS district and that it was exponentially worse in Clayton. Again, I know first had the issues in South Fulton and to think it is even worse in Clayton is unimaginable. But the fact of the matter is that it REALLY is and putting our head in the sand unrealistic expectation of how long it takes to change the direction of a monolithic and sinking organization doesn’t help. Let’s be realistic. As one comment said, it took over 10 years for Clayton to get to where it is now and it will most likely take a comparable amount of time to fix the issues. If a rapid change were to happen, it would be due to dynamic visionary leadership; someone who is willing to break all the status quo for the sake of improvement; an honest person who is not beholden to anybody or any organization; someone who has looked at all the options and is expert in them all and realizes that in some circumstances, one option will be appropriate and not others. Here in Fulton County Schools, we have had 4 Superintendents in the last 5 years and the current one has announced his departure this summer. They come in with all the hoopla and leave in a puff of smoke. They’ve come from as far away as Minnesota, other contiguous counties, and from within the system. My point is that that kind of leadership, the kind that can produce a rapid and dramatic turnaround is extremely hard to find! I constantly asked Principals friends and family members, teachers and other education professionals are they familiar with “The Trivium” or the “Classical Education Model”, a system of education that has 6 graders reading and writing on a 12th grade level. Constistantly, they are unaware. And I think to myself, how can they not be familiar with education models that WORK especially since the one they are involved with doesn’t! Even for a school system like Fulton County who has garnered many accolades for it’s performance largely and disproportionately due to the North Fulton Schools, you won’t find a more vocal and active group of parents and community leaders than in the Sandtown area of South Fulton. Several years ago when all the South Fulton Middle Schools where on the failing schools list, Sandtown MS was opened making it the only South Fulton MS not on the list. But in two quick years, there it was on the failing list also! There are forces, problems, dynamics, people (selfish ill-quipped people) who make drastic change in a large organization extremely difficult. And in the mean time YOUR child will be receiving an inferior education and maybe even an un-accredited education. You can always work to change the system while your child gets properly education somewhere else and more over, if you child gets the solid education they deserve; they could be that dynamic visionary person that gets things done right in education. Ignorance begets ignorance and we don’t need any more marginally educated students. Everybody has to make their own decision, but for me, I would be out of there yesterday!!!!

By Attn: Clayton Parents

February 20, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

JJ,

Thank you so much for sharing your story of the teacher who wrote “75 referrals”. It shows us how clueless and incompetent YOU truly are.

It took you seventy five times to finally realize “Houston, we have a problem.”?

Maybe she wasn’t the best classroom manager. But in the final analysis, why did she end up writing 75 referrals?

Because 74 times you dropped the ball. 74 times you failed to send a clear, consistent, and compelling message that out of control behavior is not tolerated at your school.

Imagine a mother who isn’t the strongest disciplinarian, who resorts to “Wait til your father gets home”. If that father is any kind of man worth his salt, do you think that mother has to say “Wait til your father gets home” seventy five times in a single year?!

Bet you didn’t think of it that way did you JJ? Because weak and spineless administrators never do.

That’s why you had the not so bright idea of posting about the teacher, thinking it would make you look competent.

In fact it makes you look “incompetent squared” in that not only are you incompetent, you don’t even KNOW you’re incompetent (The Audacity of Dope could be your autobiography perhaps?)

This is just the type of spineless, gutless and ineffective administrative archetype MACE is trying to combat in Clayton, so that teachers can teach without having the integrity of the learning environment destroyed by having to break up over 3,000+ documented fights.

As a supporter of the philosophy that “you cannot have good learning conditions until you have good teaching and that MUST include administrative support for discipline” I absolutely LOVE the fact that you came on here to bash MACE.

It gives me the opportunity to dissect the arguments of the MACE bashers, analyze their point of view through the prism of facts and logic and challenge them to defend the integrity of their posts (A task many seem decidedly unequal to.)

I’m especially appreciative an administrator posted, so parents and voters can see first hand the gutless, spineless and totally dysfunctional environment teachers are expected to perform in, and thus get a “real world” look as to why MACE resonates with so many teachers in Clayton and elsewhere.

Thank you,

By Ms Shon

February 20, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

T. Williams

Will you please stop name bashing and critizing Synamon and make intelligent comments on how to fix the problems that we are facing. If you have a personal vendetta against Synamon, call her she gave you her number. We are all here to solve a problem, not hear about yours.

By You Have Got to be Kidding

February 21, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

Who cares about who endorsed who in the last election? We all voted - and the majority won.
The question is what do we do now that we find our trust has been misplaced? And it continues with Norressee Haynes continuing to run his mouth about SACS. Who voted for him? He doesn’t even live in Clayton County! He lives in Cobb! And ya’ll were worried about where Lois lives! LOL LOL LOL LOL

By KimWhit

February 21, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this

Vouchers are a great solution for students with excellent grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities. Most good private schools have a very rigorous application process and limited space for new students each year. Most of the Clayton student have performed poorly academically and cannot ace the required standardized test. I don’t think vouchers are a viable option for a small percentage of students. Vouchers will most likely cover a portion of the tuition (usually $1300/mth). Clayton has a huge free lunch population so where would a low income parent of a good student get the balance of the tuition. I agree with the Sonny Perdue angle and emailed his office two months ago to request that he not only unseat the entire school board but also the entire slate of county government. The silver lining is that maybe this accredidation debacle may keep the Bowen Homes crowd from flooding the county. I think that all financially able Clayton residents should purchase all of these foreclosed properties for investment property. Don’t rent to Section 8 type tenants, only retired individual and singles. Keep the property in primo condition. I have my eye on a few properties that I should be able to get for bargain basement price and maintain with or without a tenant in place.

By Matthew

February 21, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

I say let the state take over the school system. The reason, the board members are not doing their job. I have never hear about a school board have a self-serving ego. When anyone is on the school board, that person is suppose to care about the kids and not themselves.

I live in Cobb County and most of the schools are good with a well run school board. From 2004-2006, some school board members made some residents mad. When 2006 came around, We got a new superatendent and voted the bad board members out. That is why Cobb is F*******.

By Yeah, right

February 21, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

The silver lining is that maybe this accredidation debacle may keep the Bowen Homes crowd from flooding the county.

I am in the minority of residents who wants the schools to lose accreditation and if possible, let the state to take over. That may be the only way to stop the influx of losers coming into Clayton and get some of them already here OUT OF HERE!!!

We have taken on our fair share of miscreants since the Olympics. Welfare recipients relocate in other counties but the majority have come to Clayton.

We not only need to clean house of our political representatives (and I’m not just talking the school board here people, the sheriff & a few commissioners need to go as well) but of the element that has taken over Clayton county so the good folks can get their county back. Clayton doesn’t have to be exactly like it was during it’s hey day, but there’s a hell of a lotta room for improvement, which can only begin when those draining our country dry go do so elsewhere.

Think about it.

By J

February 21, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

To: Matthew I am glad and you are glad we live in a functional society with a f******* government. The reason why Cobb, Gwinnett, Henry, Fayette, and any other county outside of Clayton are f******* because people care about their childrens Education.

I also agree that Georgia should take over Clayton County Public Schools and any other disfunctional school system. One day, I was talking to a person from New Jersey. As I was talking to that person, We were talking about a movie called Lean On Me. That person heard of that school where the movie was shop. That person said that if schools are failing badly, the state will take over.

By J

February 21, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

To: Matthew I am glad and you are glad we live in a functional society with a f******* government. The reason why Cobb, Gwinnett, Henry, Fayette, and any other county outside of Clayton are f******* because people care about their childrens Education.

I also agree that Georgia should take over Clayton County Public Schools and any other disfunctional school system. One day, I was talking to a person from New Jersey. As I was talking to that person, We were talking about a movie called Lean On Me. That person heard of that school where the movie was shop. That person said that if schools are failing badly, the state will take over. Lets hope the state will do the same for Clayton

By J

February 21, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

To: Matthew I am glad and you are glad we live in a functional society with a f******* government. The reason why Cobb, Gwinnett, Henry, Fayette, and any other county outside of Clayton are f******* because people care about their childrens Education.

I also agree that Georgia should take over Clayton County Public Schools and any other disfunctional school system. One day, I was talking to a person from New Jersey. As I was talking to that person, We were talking about a movie called Lean On Me. That person heard of that school where the movie was shop. That person said that if schools are failing badly, the state will take over. Lets hope the state will do the same for Clayton.

By Concerned Clayton Citizen

February 21, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

To all citizens of Clayton County,

I have met Synamon Baldwin and this rude, self serving person who states she was treated badly at a meeting. I do not believe her. I am white, I also attended meeting as a guest and was treated very well. Synamon was a well spoken person with information important to the agenda. Some people seem to enjoy “drama”. You need to get a life.

Concerned Citizen

By Bob Hartley

February 21, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

Divide and conquer! A didvided community is incapable of healing. I suggest we keep our eye on the ball and remember whats at stake. Not only is the educational future of our children at stake but the economic well being of our county! What family in their right mind would move into a community where the schools are not accredited? Clayton County leads metro Atlanta in forclosures, are working, functional families going to move into those homes or single mothers on section 8? and if so, how will it affect you? It should not matter who endorsed who in the last election, People voted because we thought we were making the necessary decision to rectify the last school fiasco! We need to come together and fix what we need to fix! All this maddnes must stop.

Bob Hartley Concerned Citizens Coalition

By Bob Hartley

February 21, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

Divide and conquer! A didvided community is incapable of healing. I suggest we keep our eye on the ball and remember whats at stake. Not only is the educational future of our children at stake but the economic well being of our county! What family in their right mind would move into a community where the schools are not accredited? Clayton County leads metro Atlanta in forclosures, are working, functional families going to move into those homes or single mothers on section 8? and if so, how will it affect you? It should not matter who endorsed who in the last election, People voted because we thought we were making the necessary decision to rectify the last school fiasco! We need to come together and fix what we need to fix! All this maddnes must stop.

Bob Hartley Concerned Citizens Coalition

By Bob Hartley

February 21, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

Divide and conquer! A didvided community is incapable of healing. I suggest we keep our eye on the ball and remember whats at stake. Not only is the educational future of our children at stake but the economic well being of our county! What family in their right mind would move into a community where the schools are not accredited? Clayton County leads metro Atlanta in forclosures, are working, functional families going to move into those homes or single mothers on section 8? and if so, how will it affect you? It should not matter who endorsed who in the last election, People voted because we thought we were making the necessary decision to rectify the last school fiasco! We need to come together and fix what we need to fix! All this maddnes must stop.

Bob Hartley Concerned Citizens Coalition

By CC future ex Resident

February 21, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

I agree with you Bob Hartley!!!

This is madness. I know get why the kids are messed up. Listen to the adults on this site. Someone please listen and help our kids. ALL OF THEM.

By Olivia Jasper

February 21, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

You know I am so sick of parents who blame schools and school systems for the failure of their children. I have been teaching for 10 years. I hate to burst bubbles, but you can send your kids anywhere you want. However, the quality of education that they get is based largely upon the support from the home. If you want to know why Clayton County Schools can’t make AYP, let me help you out. There is a lack of parents who want to take responsibility for their child’s education, and they pass that apathy on to their kids. The children are largely spoiled and undisciplined. The parents are so busy with their own lives that they want the teachers to do everything for their kids. I don’t take ownership from the Clayton County BOE for their part in this whole accredidation mess, however it is the parents who voted for the board. There is certainly enough blame to go around here among BOE members, teachers, and administrators. But parents before you point the finger at all of these people for failing your child, look inward at what you have done to fail them.
Yes, I am a teacher in Clayton County. No, my child does not go to Clayton County Schools, but we don’t live in Clayton. Yes, my child does go to private school. No, she is not a good student because of that. She is a good student because of her parents. We both work 40+ hour work weeks, but everynight one of us is with her doing homework and reinforcing what is learned in school. Everyday we are instilling values and proper conduct in her, so that she knows how to behave when she gets to school. Whether the school system has accredidation or not the quality of education that your child gets starts with you.

By Kimberly Allen

February 21, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

If you are a supporter of Senate Bill 458, there will be a vote by the Education Committee on Tuesday, February 26. If that vote passes, the next step is the Senate vote. My next post will give brief info on SB 458.

Sen. Eric Johnson, the legislation’s sponsor, has said he needs as much support as he can get to help get this bill passed, especially from parents and students.

If you want to see this legislation passed, please contact members of the Education Committee, along with your senator and let them know BEFORE February 26! that you want this legislation passed!

Education Committee Members:

Balfour, Don: SS9BALFOUR@AOL.com, P: (404) 656-0095; Fax: (404) 656-6581

Carter, Joseph: joseph.carter@senate.ga.gov; P: (404) 651-7738; Fax: (404) 651-5795

Fort, Vincent: vincent.fort@senate.ga.gov; P: (404) 656-5091; Fax: (404) 657-7266

Jackson, Bill: bill.jackson@senate.ga.gov; P: (404) 656-5114; Fax: (404) 657-0797

Johnson, Eric: eric.johnson@senate.ga.gov; P: (404) 656-5109; Fax: (404) 657-9727

Moody, Dan: dan.moody@senate.ga.gov; P: (404) 463-8055; Fax: (404) 651-6768

Ramsey, Ronald B.: senator@ronaldramsey.org; P: (404) 463-2598; Fax: (404) 463-1386

Tate, Horacena: horacena.tate@senate.ga.gov; P: (404) 463-8053; Fax: (404) 463-7783

Thomas, Don: don.thomas@senate.ga.gov; P: (404) 656-6436; Fax: (404) 651-6767

Thomas, Regina D.: regina.thomas@senate.ga.gov; P: (404) 463-7784; Fax: (404) 656-6579

Weber, Dan: dan.weber@senate.ga.gov; P: (404) 463-2260; Fax: (404) 463-4161

Williams, Tommie: tommie@tommiewilliams.com; P: (404) 656-0089; Fax: (404) 463-5220

Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle: casey.cagle@ltgov.ga.gov; P: (404) 656-5030; Fax: (404) 656-6739

Clayton Senators

Seay, Valencia: valencia.seay@senate.ga.gov; P: (404) 656-5095; Fax: (404) 657-9728

Davenport, Gail: gail.davenport@senate.ga.gov; P: (404) 656-7586; Fax: (404) 463-1388

By Kimberly Allen

February 21, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

Section 1

• If a school or school system loses its accreditation or does not become accredited, the parent of each student in the noncompliant school system or school may attend another public school within the county, enroll the student into a public school outside the resident school system which has space, or receive a scholarship to enroll in a private school.

• Schools and systems must be accredited by SACS or GAC.

• The amount of the scholarship for private schools is the amount the student receives in state funding or the amount of the tuition, whichever is less.

• Once the school or school system regains its accreditation, no more scholarships can be issued. However, students who receive a scholarship under this bill can keep it until they graduate.

• The bill goes into effect upon the Governor’s signature.

• The estimated average amount of the scholarship is $4125 per student. However, the actual amount will vary depending on the age and needs of the student.

By Kimberly Allen

February 21, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

Section 2

• If a school is designated as a Needs Improvement School for seven consecutive years, the parent of each student in that school may attend another public school within the county, enroll the student into a public school outside the resident school system which has space, or receive a scholarship to enroll in a private school.

• The amount of the scholarship for private schools is the amount the student receives in state funding or the amount of the tuition, whichever is less.

• Once the school is no longer designated as a Needs Improvement Schools, no more scholarships can be issued. However, students who receive a scholarship under this bill can keep it until they graduate.

• The bill goes into effect upon the Governor’s signature.

By Concerned oldtimer

February 21, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

Sounds like everyone should support this bill. And Olivia, you are so right!

By JJ

February 22, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

Attn: Clayton Parents, REF: JJ Ms., Your response is typical of a MACE rant…always an US vs. Them mentality that has harmed the district and led to such mess. I was a new administrator trying to assist this MACE person as have others prior to my tenure. You see administrators like myself are always a teacher at heart, but MACE infects educators into thinking that all administrators are against them and that efforts to assist are in essence challenges to their authority. Juvenile to say the least. MACE like many other unions exist to protect individuals who cannot compete in the market because their skill and desire are lacking and thus they band together to protect themselves. MACE attracts a particular type of educator…disgruntled and bitter. I now train teachers, parents and administrators to better serve children. Funny that teachers from MACE do change the world they endeavor to tear it down or at least keep it static. Move aside. In fact, truth be told MACE is the creation of one Johnny Trotter who was denied a principalship in Clayton and has enacted revenge on the entire community for being rejected…again bitter and digruntled. Clayton’s experiment with MACE…costly.

By VirusData

February 22, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Please Remember to all the Clayton Taxpayers, The School Board is just apart of the problem in Clayton County, We all know that Lee/Jewel Scott put all these Crooked Elected Officials in Office by giving their Dirty Money to their campaigns by which are close friends of theirs, Lee/Jewel Scott has been trying to control (Massive Take over or Over throwing the Cities Governments and County Governments since 2003 and they always leaves many paper trail’s to proof it.

I know for fact many people and some Good Elected Officials had the goods on them all but the News Media refused to print because they are afraid that these Crooked Elected Officials will not talk to them an give them stories for their readers, but they still refuse to print hard paper proof if the goings on in that County. The News Media in my eyes are the problem to.

The Elected Officials I am talking about is the 1: DA and her Dept of close friends she has hired to run her and her husband campaigns out is that department just like Cry Baby Victor Hill the Sheriff. 2: Solicitor Generals Office that also runs her campaigns out of her Department. 3: Sheriff’s Department and Sheriff himself which he been using his Department to run his re-election campaign from.

These stated above Elected Officials been wasting the citizens taxpayers money since they all got into office and all of them has Bodyguards since they was elected an the taxpayers of Clayton County been paying that waste of tax money since 2003.

Then the whole Clayton County State Legislative Delegation are all close Friends of Lee/Jewel Scott that has been hand pick by Lee/Jewel Scott for their conquest takeover Clayton County, as everyone down in Clayton knows I am telling the truth about that fact.

So basically in most citizens eyes down in Clayton County the whole County is screwed and of course the Governor of Georgia will not step in to stop this madness humm it sounds like he could be the Lee/Jewel Ace in the hole (Rat in the Hole) so they can still over throw that whole County and all the Cities. Crooks are just that Crooks and they also seem to flock together an bed together as well.

The Truth Hurts don’t it Lee/Jewel Scott|||||||

By Kimberly Allen

February 22, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

Governor Sonny Perdue will be holding a press conference TODAY at 3:00pm to “announce actions regarding Clayton County Schools”.

Wonder what that’s gonna be about???!!!

By Intelligentsia

February 22, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

Kimberly,

My son (six years old) recently asked me questions about Dr. Martin Luther King. He found a way to weave Dr. Martin Luther King in many of our conversations. As an educator and former history teacher, I am aware of the importance of knowing the past and how that knowledge can influence the future. I decided it was time to take my six year old to visit the King Center. My husband, my son and I visited the King Center this past Wednesday. I felt pride as I talked about the sacrifice and the hard work of the civil rights pioneers on display at the King Center. I then talked with him about his obligation to get an education.

Education is the cornerstone for change. There are so many examples in history that support the importance of education in a society. During my visit to the King Center, I could not help but to reflect on the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed”. I then thought about the Clayton County Board of Education. The Clayton County Board of Education is oppressive. The unprofessional, embarrassing and counter productive antics of this board will cost the students of Clayton County an equal opportunity to take advantage of the educational opportunities in the state of GA. That is oppressive!!!!

I set out on the trip to the King Center to further teach my son about Dr. King. What I received from visiting the King Center was actually a lesson for me. We must have a organized and concerted effort to fight this board of education. Members of the Board (Haynes and Johnson) have made it clear that they will not resign from the Board. It is just as Dr. King said “…freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed”.

I propose that we fight this oppressive board using a “triangle method to enact public change”. I believe simultaneously we need to PROTEST, call for LEGISLATIVE ACTION/ POLICY and utilize the COURT SYSTEM.

PROTEST: There has been limited protest concerning the actions of this board of education. Mr. Hartley and other citizens have work to recall Sandra Scott. Mr. Hartley and other citizens have spoke at the Board of Education meetings. They are planning a protest rally on March 1, 2008. The students of Clayton County are not only taking part in the March 1, 2008 protest rally, the students plan to picket the board meeting on March 3, 2008. I think we all need to plan to be there on March 3, 2008 with our posters. Every time Noressee Haynes, Lois Bain-Hunter, Rod Johnson and Sandra Scott speak, we need to hold up the signs that read RESIGN. I wish we could come together at one of the local churches and have one combined meeting to plan a PROTEST that will impact the actions of this board.

LEGISLATIVE ACTION/POLICY: Mr. O’Keefe and a few other citizens are pushing for the State Legislation to govern the behavior of the school board. Senate Bill 458 is also another example of legislative action that has been introduced. Although I am personally not in favor of vouchers, in the case of losing accreditation, I will support Senate Bill 458. Please contact State Representative Mike Glanton about drafting Senate Bill 458 and legislation to govern the behavior of the school board. Mr. Glanton must understand that when this issue is out of the media spotlight, we are still concerned about the students of Clayton County.

COURT SYSTEM: We have not utilized the court system. I believe that the citizens of Clayton County should come together and file a class action law suit against Clayton County Board of Education. We need to retain legal services to advise us on how to file a suit on behalf of the children. I am interested in learning more about our taxpayer status and our right to sue government officials. I am also interested in learning how this board is in violation of the state constitution that requires the state, which yields control to local boards of education, to provide an adequate education. With the lost of accreditation, I do not see how this can be accomplished. I am also interested in learning how to file a lawsuit under the equal protection clause. Again, loss of accreditation will prevent our students from having equal access to state educational opportunities such as Hope Scholarship or other educational scholarships that require a school district to be accredited. The class action lawsuit will seek remedy for the following school board conditions.

• Unethical behavior of the board • Inadequate and detrimental leadership to the county • Disclosure of the campaign contributions from special interest groups • Lack of community dialogue with citizens • Loss of Accreditation

We must remember that Brown vs. Education was won in the court room. The constitutionality of the Montgomery Bus Boycott was also tried in the court room. The constitutionality of the injunction to stop the second march on Selma was also tried in the court room.

I am involved in my son’s education. I attend monthly Board meetings. I am looking to get involve to enact specific change with regards to this Board of Education.

One last question, where is the NAACP? Mr. Matthews utlilized media outlets with regards to the land deal. He spoke at the monthly Board meetings about the land deal. He wanted answers about the land deal.

Is this issue with the board of education not as important? This issue with the board has a profound impact on the citizens economically. This issue with the board of education has a profound impact on type of education the children receive. This issue profoundly impacts the quality of life for the all citizens of Clayton County. Where is the NAACP? This is a rhetorical question. I already know the position of the NAACP. The NAACP position is political friendships trump what is best for the children of Clayton County.

By Nospin

February 22, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

The board of education is just a begining! Most of county government will also need to be replaced. The sheriff is a thief, the DA does not know how to prosicute, and her husband AKA Lee Scott(a convicted felon with a gun and badge) is running for chairman, and daffy duck the judge hates cops! What a mess this county is in! Only you can fix it! The answer. Vote color blind next time! http://www.give-em-the-boot.com/

By Kimberly Allen

February 22, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

…It is just as Dr. King said “…freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed”

I just felt that quote needed repeating!

re: NAACP - I have read in various articles that they have called for resignations or implementation of the 9 requirements given by SACS. I have not heard that they are conducting a protest march, I believe all county organizations are trying to come together & stand united for the March 1 rally.

But I have emailed the NAACP to inquire. When/if I hear back, I will report back to this blog.

Intelligentsia, I do think you make a lot of valid points that deserve to be considered. the question is, can we come together as a community to make things happen, and not get apathetic again when the story starts to lose steam?

You already know about the March 1 rally, but radio personality Warren Ballantine (Grown Folks Radio, 102.5 FM) will be hosting a town hall of sorts for Clayton County, I believe it will happen on Thursday, February 28 at 6pm, but I will confirm that date & post here next week.

Although not a Clayton resident, Warren discussed the accreditation situation at length on his show this morning. Several Clayton residents called in and brought up many excellent points … one even named names & called out Ericka Davis along with Rod Johnson for “throwing the entire system under the bus” as payback to Noresse Haynes.

Anyhoo, the meeting will take place at 6:00pm at the Wings of Faith Worldwide Ministries in Clayton County (1260 Old Conley Rd Conley, GA 30288; Phone: 404.361.7848). He made mention that the church seats 1200, so there will be plenty of room and I agree with him when he says it should be “standing room only” that night if Clayton comes out in full force.

This could be a good prologue to the March 1 rally & the March 3 school board meeting.

Warren also personally invited every member of the school board live on the air, along with other county representatives, to the town hall meeting as well so we could hear their side of the story.

Again, I will confirm that date & post back here next week. But this is one more opportunity for Clayton residents to gather and explore solutions to this accreditation issue and the school board. Warren added that this would be a good opportunity to also discuss any other issues Clayton may have in a neutral setting.

Ballantine specifically stated that this is a COMMUNITY meeting and that ALL are welcome. It is not just for blacks or folks affiliated with any specific county organization, but for ANYONE who cares about Clayton, wants to see improvements & get involved to make that happen.

Intelligentsia, I do hope that you and your family will be able to attend & share your thoughts posted above.

Have a great weekend Clayton! Slowly but surely we are making things happen together, I think the news from Sonny Perdue may not be what most want to hear, but it is a step in the right direction IMHO.

By Male Enhancement

March 4, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

Hello, of course I came to visit your site and thanks for letting me know about it. I just read this post and wanted to say it is full of number one resources. Some I am familiar with. For those who don’t know these other sites they are in for a treat as there is a lot to learn there.

By Leigh

March 4, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

Dont suggest lowering our educational standards by seeking a different accred. body. Perhaps we need a smart advisory board that will oversee the environment in which the Board of Ed. conducts change and project management. This includes…..ACCOUNTABILITY…..

By Natural Male Enhancement

March 7, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

Thanks for very interesting article. btw. I really enjoyed reading all of your posts. It’s interesting to read ideas, and observations from someone else’s point of view… makes you think more. So please keep up the great work. Greetings.

By Gloria

March 18, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

I think this situation is ridiculous, it never should’ve come to this, the board members should’ve done the sensible thing and resigned, it seems no one is giving any thought to our kids, and they are our future. As far as I’m concerned the phrase - No Child left behind is a joke - especially for the kids in Clayton County. The Governor or the President need to step in and get something done, we need immediate change for our county and our children. This is so upsetting. I wish I could vote all of the board members out of office.

By Rex/Morrow Civic Asso.

March 18, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

Janet Stewart,

I mean Bob Hartley’s campaign manager; I will not let you use this forum to promote this BOOTLEG POLITICAN. If you want him elected make him do it the moral and ethical way!!! By going out church to church, door to door talking to people and convincing people he’s the man for the job. Instead you want to plant seeds in the minds of people using this forum. You are afraid people will see through this BOOTLEGGER and maybe even vote for Rod Johnson. Please give me a viable candidate!!!!!