Clayton.Talk

By Kimberly Allen

February 25, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

Thursday, February 28 @ 7:00pm, Wole Ralph will be holding a Town Hall meeting at the Jim Huie Recreation Center, 9045 Tara Boulevard, Jonesboro.

By Deep Throat

February 25, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

Right now as we speak, John Trotter is working with Ex-Superintendent Barbra Pulliam and members of the school board to arrange for her or her niece, to be seated by majority vote of the school board, to fill the seat that Rev. Rod Johnson will vacate upon his resignation. BACK ROOM DEALS ARE IN THE MAKING!!

By Attn: Clayton Parents

February 25, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

Again, what no one who wants the “entire board” to resign based on this report is willing to explain:

If, in a twenty seven page report, there is zero mention of the Chairman’s micromanaging emails (on a state computer on state time no less) zero mention of the Chairman violating federal privacy rights by giving out a union official’s social security number to the public, zero mention of the Chairman’s role in approving a legally invalid contract for the new board attorney, if given the documented evidence there is not a single word concerning this and other actions of the Chairman, how can one say this “report” is objective?

And if Elgart is willing to compromise the integrity of the report to give political cover to the Chairman, why should we trust any of the so-called recommendations?

Doesn’t mean there are major problems in Clayton. What it means is that to solve them we need to know the investigation was accurate and objective.

People want to call for the “entire board” to be removed, because it’s easier to feel good about “outrage” than actually think things through.

That’s why none of them, when confronted with the facts and logic concerning Elgart’s BLATANT omissions in the report, can’t and won’t respond with a reason this “report” should be considered objective.

By Attn: Clayton Parents

February 25, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

To be clear, my last (5:00pm) post should have read, “Doesn’t mean that there aren’t major problems in the county” CLEARLY there are.

Still, actions should be based on a report that is objective, and not one that is power play for Elgart and his cronies as they attempt to hold YOUR children’s HOPE scholarships hostage to what they want, and not what the voters want.

And maybe people who are so completely naive as to think Elgart doesn’t have an axe to grind in all this need to read and research beyond what the media is giving you.

By flunking n e way

February 25, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

Wonder if lil Vic gonna post snipers top the BOE when they leave.

By 4 Real

February 25, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this

This rumor about Trotter in league with Pulliam is the brainchild of the folks at give-em-the-boot. First, on Saturday or Friday, they post a headline declaring, “Stay tuned..important news about the school board on the way.” Second, on Sunday, they post a new headline and a new forum topic about Trotter and Pulliam. Third, when taken to task about the rumor, a poster was booted from the site and a new member agreement promulgated. Fourth, another poster then posted that since the website had exposed Trotter and Pulliam’s supposed “deal,” the “deal” was now dead and the website was successful in stopping it.

Give me a break!

What’s next from that crowd? Trotter in cahoots with aliens from Venus to replace the school board members with pod people. Post that, give-em-the-boot people, and then claim that since you posted it you’ve saved Clayton County from a plot between Trotter and space aliens.

Beware give-em-the-boot. They have zero credibility and seem to be intent on creating their own reality and fobbing it off on everyone else.

By Vic-O-Rama

February 25, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

Hey Vic,

The next BOE meeting is gonna be packed. Before you come up with more brilliant ways of throwing taxdollars away, please cozy up to a fire in that band uniform of yours and read the book “Roadblocks for Dummies”

By Peaches

February 26, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this

Clayton County… Your schools are about to lose their accreditation! Action is required. Now! Board members should have resigned out of shame and moved somewhere else and changed their names. The parents and the community should be demanding full and effective action to prevent the loss of accreditation.
It’s time for leadership to act.

By Progressive African American

February 26, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

This coming from a progressive African American male, Clayton County government and officials have pushed back black leadership 20 years. Where is the NAACP that was so adament about fighting against a penny tax referendum to make improvements to the county infrastructure? Clayton County is not all negative, but what is currently happening in the county are primary reasons why most educated and progressive African Americans want to get as far away from predominately black areas. There is a definate generation gap between democrats of the old school (who got into power by using the race card, catering to the un-educated, and promoting unqualified people to positions) and the progressive movement who can see, read and decipher between the political motives. For those who are progressive, without kids, and can brave the storm, maybe this is a good thing. While I hope Clayton County doesn’t lose its accreditation, if it does then maybe it will be in a better position to have progressive businesses and corporations to come in at a discounted cost, change the demographics, and push out the trash very much like what is being done in the North. Maybe it will actually put the heat on Clayton County’s internal issues and a more “balanced” structure will be put in place. It really can’t get much worse than this.

By Concerned Clayton Citizen

February 26, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

How did anyone mix our Sheriff into this mess? If everyone did thier jobs as well as Sheriff Victor Hill, we would have to close these post. No one would have anything to complain about.

By the way, what happened to hiring a new school superintendent??? Has the money paid to the search firm been wasted too???? When do we get to see the results of the search. Now seems like a good time to put a new person in place so they are here from day one of a new program for the students of Clayton County. We certainly do not need the person who is “standing in” as a superintendent. She could not be a principal. It is about time to put the students first and allow them a good education.

Concerned Clayton Citizen

By Jiminy Cricket

February 26, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

Residents,

FIVE of the 9 Board members chose NOT to meet with their own hired attorney and his team during a time where accreditation is at stake! This speaks volumes about those individuals.

People don’t change when they see the light. They change when they feel the fire. It is time for all to resign and those who are not part of the problem are encouraged to run again.

“I am shocked, appalled, dismayed and ticked off that only four members of this board had the courage and respect to meet with our team,” Greene said.

By Pete

February 26, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

How funny! You put the africans in charge and look what happens. What a mess! They took over Atlanta too and look what happened. Nice work with Grady too. I think the best part is that you had to have 10 police cars and a helicopter just for a meeting. Why? Because 80% of the people that showed up are black and we all know how you people love to riot and shoot each other.

By Where have you been?

February 26, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

Where has the concern been up until now? Where were all these angry and involved Clayton County parents and citizens in years prior? How funny that you are now willing to stage marches and protests. Not when test scores where slipping, dropout rates were increasing were you demanding action. Nope. You guys wait until there is money at risk. Now you care. There did not seem to be such outrage at the situation until the correlation between loss of accreditation and the impact on home values and the loss of the HOPE scholarship was made. Now that the issue affects your pocketbook, you care.

Let’s remember that this is not the first warning of the accreditation being at risk that this school district has received. Maybe if all of you were this involved in your community and your child’s school prior to now, this would not be an issue. It’s about being proactive vs. reactive.

Hopefully you have all learned to be more involved in your child’s education and your community. I hope for the sake of the children that the accreditation is not lost; however if the accreditation remains intact I hope all these fired up parents and community members will continue to fight passionately for their schools and not let the passion die once the accreditation is secure.

By gregj

February 26, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

WERE IS THE NAACP??? WERE IS JESSIE JACKSON???? WERE IS AL SHARPTON???When some one needs to be fired,There always there.Were are they NOW???????

By RCH

February 26, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

What do you expect! You hire a school superintendent that was once a Principal that was fired for distributing a standardized test at her school. Clayton County deserves what it is getting; loss of accreditation.

By Chris

February 26, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

To GregJ, EXACTLY! The SCLC and NAACP hate whites more then anyone.

By Christian

February 26, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

If you look at the country and the education system in gerneral. This has been a mess long before blacks could vote. But, I guess in your white America, that was a better way of life. I blame whites for welfare and the destruction of the black family. You can eliminate this problem by simply given us the same deal Lincold offered blacks in the 1860’s. $100.00 to return to Africa. In todays dollars that will be over a million dollars. I will take mine in Euros. Thank you.

By Black Woman In Clayco

February 26, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

The job that Victor Hill is doing so well may cost Clayton taxpayers ANOTHER $63 million in future legal fees. Job well done Victor, he needs to go right along with the school board.

Blacks are more than capable of leading, Clayton just elected the wrong ones. I hope at the next election residents will vote on qualifications & not skin color & for the record yes I”m a black person saying this.

To those who are saying Clayton residents “got what they deserved” try to remember that not all of us voted for the fools now running our government & that those who will suffer the most are children who can’t vote.

Most of our elected officials need to go & that not only includes the BOE & Victor Hill, but also our board of Commissioners. Some of them need to go as well.

By BillyRip

February 26, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

I see a white man named Larry O’Keffe everywhere with ethic reform. Morrow High School is 95% Black. Larry O’Keffe son brought Two(2)hand guns and several hundred rounds of ammo to Morrow High School about to pull a Columbine. You never heard about it. School superintendent and some board members knew it but they sheilded the white family from you and the MEDIA. What ethic do he have. If this was a black kid it would have made CNN and World News. It must be GREAT being WHITE in KLAN County

By Keepin' it Real

February 26, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

Christian,

Yes white america IS a better way of life. Why do you think everyone moved to South Clayton, Henry, Fayette, etc. and other suburbs? Do you really think it was because of the crime, gangs, lack of opportunities, low quality of life?

Name an instance where a city/town went from mostly white to black and where the quality of life didn’t suffer?

Blame all you want. It won’t do you any good. Why? Because we are responsible for ourselves and what we make out of what we have. I’d like to provide my kids with the same opportunities that Bill Gates can provide his as well but that ain’t gonna happen. We’re all not equal nor have the same opportunities or advantages.

By Jeff is goofing off again

February 26, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

Great point Progressive African American! Where IS the NAACP or Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson???

By John Stewart

February 26, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

Wow!!!

Now we are making it a black and white issue? Corruption, greed, envy, falsehoods and pride come in every shade, ethnic group or race.

The question remains what are you going to do to help our kids? Are you going to talk about it or are you going to be about it?

If you are going to be about it then we’ll see you on Sat -

On Saturday March 1, The Concerned Citizens Coalition (“CCC”) will sponsor a “March For Our Children”.

Marchers will meet at 8 a.m. at the Lake Harbin Plaza located on the corner of Lake Harbin Road and Maddox Road. The march will proceed at 8:30 a.m., heading 1.2 miles to the south side Peach Plaza on the corner of Lake Harbin Road and Hwy 42 in Rex. To volunteer or donate, call 866.257.0395.

If you are going to only talk about it then keep your small minded comments to yourself.

By Jiminy Cricket

February 26, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

Black Woman in Clayco:

You are exactly right. I agree we have the wrong black leaders in place.

By Rusty

February 26, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

Just curious how the abuse of the welfare system and 70% illegitimacy “destruction of the black family” is the whites fault. When does personal responsibility ever going to be a factor?

By andrea

February 26, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

I don’t live in Clayton County, but I am not too far from there. Being raised in the North, I have been oblivious to many of the blatantly racists views as are displayed in these comments.

You people should be ashamed of yourself. These problems have nothing to do with race, but with education.

Another reason I am glad I homeschool my kids.

By Darrin "The Vent King"

February 26, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

Its not just the Clayton County Board of Ed that’s a problem. THE WAY THE ENTIRE COUNTY IS RAN IS A JOKE! The police, the housing authority, and now the Board of Ed. Have you been down GardenWalk BLVD? Hopefully you have a dam tank! That road has been a piece of crap for over TEN YEARS! Those people over there pay their taxes, so when is the DOT going to fix it? The only thing they care about in Clayton is riding around locking up as many young brothers as possible. I’ve never seen so many unnecessary road blocks in one county in my life. If they would dedicate the energy they waste harrassing people(yeah you police)and ignoring real complaints on important issues like education, we wouldn’t have this problem. I’ve ridden through Fayetteville on my way into Peachtree City everyday to work for the last six years and have yet to see the roads there jacked up like Clayton county. They don’t take care of the roads or housing issues in Clayton co. and now they are trying to disenfranchise the children of Clayton county. Why doesn’t the officials of Clayton cut the crap and just burn a big cross right in the middle of HWY 85 and get it over with. There’s only one reason why this county has become an overall joke. It was never like this back in the 80’s, now all of sudden nothing can get done or they don’t have the money or whatever. I feel sorry 4 the children that have to live in that county because the people running that county could care less about how they’ll never get into college because some stupid adults could not take care of their buisiness. To even consider taking that accreditation away and hurt those kids is EXACTLY the way Clayton co is dealt with because some don’t care or want to deal with that county. Now taking the accredation? Those adults can just go and get another job, those kids can not even get their first good one cause they won’t be allowed into college to get a good enough education. Why punish them for something those lugnut adults screwed up. Yeah, you know why…

By taylor

February 26, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

it’s only a racist comment if it’s not true… prove them wrong!

By tljfinancier

February 26, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

Who authorized SACS to determine the status of schools? Why did SACS allow Oglethorpe to take a year to remedy deficiencies, while extending six months for Clayton County to remedy deficiencies? Why did SACS not present documented objective deficiencies regarding the academic performance of the Clayton Schools? Who funds SACS? If the personal actions of Board Members is the issue, Civil and/or Criminal Charges should be initiated against the errant individuals rather than threaten a blanket and unwarranted action against the Clayton Students. Shouldn’t the Georgia Department of Education be charged with monitoring the academic performance of all Georgia School Systems?

By BS Aplenty

February 26, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

Christian

It’s unfortunate & not abnormal to see the distress in the Clayton County school system. However, the level of internal strife among school board members and the disregard for maintaining system standards appears troubling to outsiders. You get the distinct impression that educational success is not the chief priority of the school board or the residents. Maybe self-enrichment, but not educational achievement.

What’s even more troubling is that the residents of Clayton County have allowed this situation to escalate into an accreditation issue. All school board members are elected and serve at the pleasure of the electorate. At its core, the school board, the teachers and these related issues are simply a reflection of the population in Clayton County. If you want to see the “boogy-man” in this situation I’d suggest it is the residents of Clayton County. Their tacit acceptance of such self-serving behavior is the fuel for such implosions.

Then an astute African-American like you comes along to absolutely seal white attitudes towards the situation. You begin by providing an astonishing set of contradictory claims/demands. First, you decry white America for giving you welfare and “destroying” the African-American family (as if you needed help). Then, without so much mental hesitation as you’d give to buying candy, you insist that white America give you welfare in the form of $1,000,000 to go back to Africa. Alas, I can only surmise that you were Valedictorian at one of Clayton County’s high schools.

By diddy

February 26, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

I’ve been trying to follow this Clayton School System accreditation for a while. I just don’t understand why the board won’t resign. If I were them I would be embarrassed and feel like a complete failure. Are they hoping they can fix this problem and become heroes? If so, they are smoking. I think they need to step aside and let someone who knows what they are doing handle and fix this mess they created.

By Burney

February 26, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

Remember a few years back, when the principal of Riverdale high school was instrumental in dumping all of the non-black faculty? At the time, the principal stated that the faculty did not match the racial make-up of the school. Nobody protested, nobody marched, nobody said a word—half of Clayton didn’t care and the other half walked around with a smug smile on their faces. A people will generally get the leadership they deserve. You did not stand up for the rights of all—only your own. Consider it a test from God that you failed. And still, you plan marches and protests when you should have been in court removing these people two years ago. This is a black and white issue—one of law with no gray areas. Will just one intelligent person stand up and lead these people. Clayton County is a laughing stock—but this time it is not about Rednecks is it?

By Happy I moved

February 26, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

I’M SO GLAD I MOVED FROM CLAYTON COUNTY. I TOOK MY SON OUT OF POINTE SOUTH ELEMENTARY…IT HAS A FEW GOOD TEACHERS, BUT THE REST ALONG WITH THE STAFF ARE TERRIBLE….THEY DON’T CARE WHAT TYPE OF EDUCATION YOUR CHILD GETS. THEY JUST WANT THEIR PAY CHECKS.

By Rusty

February 26, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

@Diddy,buddy this is about pride and power. Two things that this stubborn bunch are not about to put aside.@ Burney,nail to head,well said.

By Jeff is goofing off again

February 26, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

Yeah we’re keeping it real. REAL DUMB!!!!

By PR

February 26, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Clayton County you got what you deserved! You elected a bunch of arrogant blacks to run your school board and now you’re going to lose your accreditation. Your kids WILL NOT be able to go to college and they’ll end up flipping burgers. You need to sue the entire board for “misfeasance and malfeasence” in office and remove their lazy, stupid butts. Put them put on the street collecting garbage becuase that’s all they are capable of. If you don’t remove them you have no one to blame but yourselves!

By Ex-Clayco teacher

February 26, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

Clayton County is embarrassing. I taught high school there for several years, and was one of the only ones who was actually dedicated to LEARNING and STUDENTS at my school. I left for another district, and it is incredible the difference in my level of stress from last year to this (and it has nothing to do with race, just EXPECTATIONS).

Say what you want, but nowhere in metro Atlanta will ever become what Clayton County has become. The good news for Clayco citizens is that it can’t get any worse!

By jgrim

February 26, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

Um, tljfinancier, you might want to do a little research on SACS, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. http://www.sacs.org

By You Have Got to be Kidding

February 26, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

People - we have got to stop shifting the blame. Yes, we elected the board members because at the time we thought they had the best interest of our children at heart. Now they have proved us wrong and we will fix it by electing someone else to the 5 seats that are up with someone that has not received support from Trotter! Secondly, we will recall the remaining 4 before the end of year if they don’t resign. Now, if they do resign what happens? Will the state take over or will the Gov Purdue appoint a board until there is a special election? All of you die hards that just felt we had to get rid of Dr. Pulliam - look what you did! You left the inmates in charge of the prison! Funny thing is we have not seen any of you at the board meetings lately. I guess Trotter got you to do his dirty work and not “puff” you are gone. For those of us who are involved in the education of our children and are here all the time - the rest of you with special interest can kiss my… well you know what I mean. LOL

By dgs

February 26, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

Yes, Clayton County, you got what you deserved. Why do you think black candidates put their photos on all their signs? Because they know black people will vote for black people just because they’re black. They don’t bother to find out if this is a qualified black person or not. They’re black, that’s all that matters. You voted out a white commissioner with a law degree and years of experience in favor of the sheriff’s secretary in the last election! Why? She was black. That, my dear friends, makes you as much a racist as some of the white idiots who have posted on this page. A really smart man once said he hoped for the day when people will be judged by the content of their character, not the color of their skin. If you want to elect black people, there are plenty of highly-qualified, highly-intelligent black people who actually live in our county you could elect. We don’t need the NAACP to import them from DeKalb County. I graduated from Forest Park Senior High. My son did. My parents did. I took my daughter out of Clayton County schools eight years ago because of this mess. She attends a private school now — a private school that is 90% black! It’s not about race. It’s about what is best for the children. The school board needs to resign — all of them — and the state Board of Education needs to set appoint replacements until the next election. Stop blaming anyone but the school board. The SACS report is posted on their web site. Read it.

By sassy

February 26, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

I have a couple of things I want to get off my chest. First, for PETE….they are nine people on the board in clayton co. and they are not all black. You are a ignorant individual and a disgrace to the humam race…..really you are….because this is about the children of clayton county not about the color of peoples skin. Next, Clayton County people….this is about what is best for the children of your county….If the board members need to step down to keep from loosing accredation then step down people….so your children can still be able to go to the colleges of their choice. Why is this so difficult for ya’ll….it should be about what is best for the students…It is sad to me that grown adults are acting worse than the children that are suppose to be learning from them and looking up to them…..How can you expect the student’s to make good decesion when the adult’s around them….the adults with professional backgrounds even are acting like d*******.

By Clayton Resident

February 26, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

Did anybody read Ericka Davis’ statement to the AJC?

In some parts she sounds illiterate, did she not proofread it?

Ericka Davis has never acted like a “leader” (using the term loosely) during her reign of terror, if she had been maybe none of this would have happened.

And Ericka you say in your statement that we should “call the county commissioner and tax commissioner” to confirm that you did report residency violations. Clayton residents who pay attention already know you and Eldrin Bell are in cahoots, thanks for letting us know Terry Baskin is a party to your charade as well. Why should we believe any of you?

The Board of Commissioners only addressed this issue lately because it is now totally out of control.

Ms. Davis claims to have “second-guessed” herself about restricting travel or censuring board members.

Ms. Davis, with you being the ONLY member of the BOE involved in the last accreditation debacle, one has to wonder exactly WHY you would second guess and not IMMEDIATELY take action as chairwoman, having seen this all before. Even if punishment was a “slap on the wrist” as you claim, it was better than the ineffective NOTHING you did instead.

Too little, too late Ms. Davis.

Do we really need someone who was involved in Clayton’s last 2 accreditation scandals to not only set ethics for future board members (chuckle) but to help pick out the next superitendent? I mean, Ericka & co. did such a great job with Barbara Pulliam, right?

What’s even more laughable are your claims of this board ever possibly “leaving as a legacy a system that is brand new which can create a rebirth for this county.”

Trust that your legacy will remain for years to come and not because of anything you and/or your colleagues do from this point forward EXCEPT RESIGN!

And don’t try to blame “outside forces” for the damage rendered by the nine “inside forces” better known as the Clayton County Board of Education! Just admit you need to put this on your resume so your lousy term doesn’t end on such a sour note.

Anyway, we need to stop arguing about race (although I suspect the biggest offenders posting here don’t even live in Clayton, they’re just enjoying the show) and start talking about how many of us will attend Saturday’s rally to get these BOE members the hell out of here!

I have no children in CCPS and I didn’t vote for anyone in office right now but I will be there on Saturday to support the children and sign the recall petition.

How about you?

By Nikita

February 26, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

To all those who strike out at ClayCo, trust me, umm, it may not be in the news (lived in GA all of my life, have had the “privilege” of seeing how the media works here), but trust, we are not the only ones going through with our public officials. Talk to folks who live in other counties. Trust me the media is simply NOT making the other counties the whipping child. Part of this is growth that happenned really, really fast and a community not being really prepared for it or the consequences of the growth. Also, we have NOT really paid much attention to the qualifications of our “leaders” and this is to our deteriment. This, for me is not about black or white, or generational fighting- this is about incompetent people running wild with access to money, funds and power. Ok. They are incompetent idiots. It is time to sit them down and get qualified people on the BOE - it does not matter if they are white, black, latino, indian, native american, jewish etc. Stop. Being. Stupid. and Biased. Ummm in the name of a very popular politican - YES WE CAN! Vote for good candidates that will do the best for the county - not just for the white, black, latino, native american, asian, jewish - every kid in the system. The fools we have in office, not only on the BOE but as our Commisioners who have as of yet to build another recreation summer since the kids got shot about 4-5 years ago at Riverdale High … it is ridiculous. Instead of passing insults amongst each other based on race and other biased stereotypes let’s get it together, and instead of asking where have we all been - which seems to be common sense to me - we are waiting for another chance to vote the fools OUT OF OFFICE - which by the way is DOING SOMETHING, show up, sign the petitions, make your voice heard and get angry so that changes can be made. To all the folks who are claiming that because the board is black or the commissioners are black and that is why the county is going down - AGAIN newsflash, blacks bought homes in these neighborhoods, these folks understand value of community and upkeep of the neighborhoods as well and do so daily. Unfortunately, some of our so called leaders live in gated communities and in a tax bracket that most of us have not met and are being greedy, selfish and power hungry. Why else every half block a new strip mall? Power corrupts, not race. Get it straight. Fulton county (and a few others) can let you in on that with their commissioners as well - both black and white. Power corrupts, and if those we have in postions of leadership are not fit to lead, kick their butt out of office is the answer. Clearly, these folks are NOT meant to lead. Let them eat cake as they walk out the door back into civilian life.

By BillyRip

February 26, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

I read the entire SACS report where in the report do you see any mention of a board member firing a high school football coach. Bob Hartley, you DUMBAZZ, you had me and my neighbors signing a BOGUS recall document. You are nothing more than a ambious political BLOWHARD. DUMBAZZ

By Henry

February 26, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

Next election mabe ya’ll vote for the candidate without the photo campaigne sign. You people have been proven guilty of exactly what you preach loudest against. And yes..we are enjoying the show.

By Deep Throat

February 26, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

Keep in mind that “everyone” did not vote in the current board. People have been organizing the community for years against John Trotter and his supposed union. A few days before each election, voters get a glossy magazine called the Clayton Progress. This magazine has pictures of celebrity and biblical quotes, In the center of this magazine is an endorsement list from the “League of African American Voters” The magazine says to take their endorsement list into the voting booth, and vote for the candidates on that list. This magazine is published by MACE, the union headed up by John Trotter. John Trotter is bamboozeling the county with this publication. If you still have copies of this magazine, go back and look at it and you will see that everyone who was “endorsed” by the League of African American voters has been at the root of the problem for the school board from connie kitchens, Nedra Ware, Latoya Walker, Norrese Haynee, Sandra Scott etc. Another trademark of a John Trotter Flunkie are the brightly colored campaign signs with catchy slogans and almost always have the picture of the candidate on their signs to show blacks they are black. When you get this magazine around July 12th or 13th, Throw it away!! DO NOT do as instructed by John Trotter and “Take it into the voting booth” Use your own mind, do your own research on the candidates before making your choice on election day. Don’t fall for ANYTHING! that is endorsed by the League of African American Voters! There is no LOAAV! It does not exist! Have you ever heard of them prior to receiving their “endorsement piece” a few days before the election? How come you are not a member, Do you recall them EVER reaching out to you as an African American voter? Why does this publication not have a return address, phone number, central office etc. When you get this trash in the mail arounf July 12th or 13th, do yourself and your community a HUGE favor and throw it away, In fact keep it and vote NO for every candidate listed. It’s time to put John Trotter and his flunkies out of business for good!

By Not Bob Hartley

February 26, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

Nice try defending yourself and deflecting the blame, Sandra Scott. Bye Bye. Your time is up. You cannot hide. We know who you are and the posts you make.

RESIGN or get RECALLED!!

By Vanessa Del Rio

February 26, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

Hey Billy Rip

You were most likely one of the 100 or so signers of the petition that didn’t live in the district or was not even registered to vote!I doubt if you can read at all. Question, What are you doing to hold the board accountable? DUMB HICK!

By Bobby Rip

February 26, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

Billy Rip = Sandra Scott

By VirusData

February 26, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

I do want to thank everyone with the Kimberly’s and her blog and I was to thank the all the people that also made give-em-the-boot.com and Claytonmspaparazzi.com websites to help keeping us the Citizens informed on these Crooked Elected Officials here in Clayton County.

And if so called Rev. Rod Johnson thinks he is running for another Elected Office he in Clayton County his is wrong because of 1 thing, (1) you can not even do your job on the School Board and missed up our School System with you personal and private interest with the people (Lee/Jewel Scott) that put you in office in the first place to help build their political empire here in Clayton County to make all yourselves rich at our expense the taxpayers of Clayton County.

In my eyes you all are nothing but Crooked Racist Elected Official’s try to save your little jobs here in Clayton County, please move out to another 3rd World County if you all want to over throw any Governments like you all has tried here in Clayton County and get real jobs since all of you want to be like Hitler or another Dictators in wanting to control us citizens like here in Clayton County.

This Message is for all your (Rev. Rod Johnson) other buddies Crooked Elected Officials (AssClowns Lee/Jewel Scott, Leslie Terry Miller, Cry Baby Little Victor Hill that appear he needs his diaper changed since he is so dang cranky) we the citizens here in Clayton County are wakening up to all your dirty deeds.

I have one word for them and the Whole School Board “RESIGN”

Then maybe the School System can be Reformed from the ground up, and thank you School Board for screwing up the School System with all you worthless policies, ideas and cover ups like you all did on that Swamp Land Deal up in Riverdale that you all wasted our Tax Money on.

By PJ

February 26, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

I doubt that Billy Rip is Sandra Scott. The grammar isn’t bad enough!

By theblackactor.com

February 26, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

Oh my.

What the hell…??!!!

By mmmm

February 26, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

I cannot believe the people on this blog making this a race as an issue! The problem includes both white and black individuals.John Trotter who is white and his puppets that are all black.

By mmmm

February 26, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

I cannot believe the people on this blog making this a race as an issue! The problem includes both white and black individuals.John Trotter who is white and his puppets that are all black.

By Concerned oldtimer

February 26, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

Sassy, Look at the Board of Ed. THEY ARE ALL BLACK.

By crkho

February 26, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

Grammar isn’t BAD enough! Oh, you said a mouthful! After attending a meeting last night- I feel sorry, so sorry, for some students in Dekalb County who must have a teacher that can’t make a subject and verb agree any more than these board members agree. “Have this been bidded out yet?” Indeed-

By Divide and Conquer!

February 26, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

Why are people making this about race? Another tactic to “divide and conquer” Clayton residents in order to get us thinking/arguing/talking about ANYTHING other than the CCBOE?

Nice try, but you all still need to be recalled and if you had any kind of pride, you’d resign.

Clayton residents - we do not come together on many issues, let’s stick together on this one PLEASE! These folks need to go regardless of what happens with the accreditation and Ericka Davis damn sure does not need to have any say so on the new ethics legislation nor picking a new superintendent! She & her crew have done more than enough of their fair share of damage.

BOE - don’t let the door knob hit ya on the way out! Better yet, I hope it smacks you HARD!

By BillyRip

February 27, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

Does CCPS bid any contracts out for fair and open competition, like other governmental entities? NO, they just give the business to the WHITE FOLKS that live in LAKE SPIVEY, like they have for the last ten years. They are still running this county, while standing behind the likes of Chairperson Ericka (aunt ja mama) Davis. Your county government suffers fate with Chairman Edwin (uncle tom) Bell. Ya sir boss, I feels no ways tire!!! Here’s anything good one. Let’s Put a Brother in Office vote Bob Hartley for the County Court Clerk. Is that Gail Buckner hiding behind Bob Hartley? Good Luck Blind leading the Blind in CLAYCO.

By Jonesboro alumni

February 27, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

I graduated from Jonesboro HS in ‘91 and got a great education- we were the Vandy of Clayton County- ok athletics but great SATs- AP scores etc. What happened when I moved away? Can anyone explain? I grew up in CC - near Lovejoy area when it was a gravel road - so it pains me to hear all of this

By Joy

February 27, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

I thought this blog was about should the school board resign or not? Not about trashing the county. Or kicking people when there down.I dont live in CC but where i live is no better. When I look at the news i see things happening around the metro area all the time. Just in this school year along, there have been gang volience, students arested for breaking into homes and cars, school shootings, a student beat-up a teacher, and one student was beaten up so bad that his jaw had to be wire shut. And non of this happened in CC. Two police officers were gun down, while on duty, Snatch and grabs are happening just about everynight, mall shootings, standoffs, and etc. Dekalb and fulton so far has the highest crime rate. So to the people that are trashing CC, where do you live ? I see why Georgia is always last. We need to work together to make our schools better not belittle places. Help not hurt.

By BillyRip

February 27, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

Vanessa Del Rio,

I have denounced the entire board for letting this happen. Replace them all, ya that’s a fix. They will only be replaced by more CRONIES. Money people put them in office. Until we get a nine person board free of outside special interest, i.e. Who gets what contracts, who gets what positions or who gets what six figure jobs we will never over come. Every school board/system has its problems, only problem here is your school board vice-chairman (Mr. Wendell) Rod Johnson felt he wasn’t getting his share, so he ran to SACS to throw three of his CRONIES under the BUS. In doing so he threw a community of 52,000 kids and a county of 236, 000 people mostly BLACK under the BUS. What SACS should have done was told him to go back to your school board and get at least a majority decision (five votes) before you throw your system under the BUS, SACS didn’t.

Its like this Vanessa, a dope man calls the police to his house to report his buddies have stole his dope, the dope man thinks the police will stop at his front door to take his report, and go pick up his buddies, however we know that the police will enter his house and take every illegal and investigate everything in the house then take him and his buddies to jail. STAY strong your child will get an education in an accredited system however, I don’t about the quality in any county. Have faith, THIS TOO SHALL BLOW OVER.

By London

February 27, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

Keep the faith CC. as a former New York City teacher to me this is a small problem that can be fix. Try working in a System where the teachers are the only ones who can speak english and the students will use a closepin as a weapon. Keep your heads up!!

By Nikita

February 27, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

I always think it is funny that people who clearly believe in racial politics try to sit in judgment of others who they think are doing the same. Ummm… what makes you so much better? Absoblutely nothing. Enough said.

Power corrupts completely - and that includes everyone - no race is exempt. Geeze. Grow up, get real, buy some common sense, read a paper from somewhere else once in a while and stop living in that cave. Every person with access to power corrupts and abuses it. This applies whether you are white, black, asian, latino, native american etc.

By taylor

February 27, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

I don’t remember Clayton County going through this 15 or 20 yrs ago correct me if I’m wrong… and what has changed since then besides demographics?

It’s not a racist comment if it’s true.

By Spence

February 27, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

You are exactly right Nikita.

Look no further than the Georgia Gold Dome. Republicans took control of the state promising an end to the corruption. What we got instead was the Sonny Perdue land deal and his property tax break courtesy of the legislature. Right off the bat!

Remember the Linda Schrenko, the ex State school superintendent?? The one who stole $600,000.00 from a deaf education fund for among other things a face lift? I think she is still in jail.

Just yesterday a member of the Transportation Dept, Lynn Westmoreland, and the head of the state EPA were implicated in a land scandal! The Speaker of the House Glenn Richardson has also been involved in scandal. Remember their pledge to tighten ethics? What a joke that turned out to be. The Georgia prison system is also in the middle of a scandal.

Mitch Skandalakis, the ex Fulton County Commission chairman also did time. Remember US Rep Pat Swindall?

Whether Black or White Georgia is deeply entrenched in a culture of corruption.

By Spence

February 27, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

Whoops! I forgot to add ex-Christian Coalition “Chief” Ralph Reed to my list. I know the list goes on and on and on………………

By BillyRip

February 27, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

Taylor, CORRECTION!!! The current problems were all started by Dan Cadwell and his CRONYISM 10-20 years ago. That’s the current problem, the now minority in the county don’t want to share the wealth/county contracts with the county’s the now majority. Your people just don’t get exploited by the MEDIA and the like. Not racist, ya, spare me.

By BillyRip

February 27, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

Taylor, CORRECTION!!! The current problems were all started by Dan Cadwell and his CRONYISM 10-20 years ago. That’s the current problem, the now minority in the county don’t want to share the wealth/county contracts with the county’s the now majority. Your people just don’t get exploited by the MEDIA and the like. Not racist, ya, spare me.

By taylor

February 27, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

Your people?

By bon

February 27, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

Billyrip

So now its the medias fault huh..

typical

By Concerned oldtimer

February 27, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

When talking bout corrupt people in office mention more than republicans. Think of good ole Herman Talmadge, Lester Maddox, and innumberable members of the state legislature. It is up to citizens to keep an eagle eye on everyone.

By sun

February 27, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this

I hope people do not believe what they read in this blog. This was to be about the problem facing our children. It is clear that much of what I read is meant to cause problems and make people look at things other than the problem at hand. Anyone who has read the SACS report cannot make this about color.

By sun

February 27, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this

I hope people do not believe what they read in this blog. This was to be about the problem facing our children. It is clear that much of what I read is meant to cause problems and make people look at things other than the problem at hand. Anyone who has read the SACS report cannot make this about color.

By Janis Ian

February 27, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

You can make it about sex though.

Mark Elgart’s connection with Board Chair Erica Davis as well as her connection with Big Daddy Eldrin Bell certainly deserves scrutiny:

What is the nexus among these three: Erica, Poppy, and Elgart?

By Attn: Clayton Parents

February 27, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this

Speaking of Republicans (as Spence did) seems that parents in Fulton were extremely upset at the goings on but Elgart and SACS didn’t even respond much less “investigate”.

Perhaps Elgart wanted to protect his “good ole’ boy” Republican friends in Alpharetta?

Even leaving some of the ugly and uneccessary talk about demographics out of it, there’s no way you can read the report, with its glaring omissions and not conclude that politics have played a major role in this so-called “objective” investigation.

And it’s politics that is causing people to consistently refuse to address the documented evidence of glaring omissions (zero mention of Ericka Davis in a twenty seven page document?) misstatements of facts and plain ole’ outright lies that Elgart’s “report” contains.

Is Elgart willing put his money where his mouth is and come to an open forum and defend his “report”? I doubt it, because he doesn’t have to. He’s unelected and thus unaccountable to the voters, and it’s those voters who need to decide who’s on the board, not Elgart by holding HOPE scholarships hostages in a power play of which he is a willing, if not major participant.

People are starting to see through this report. That’s why supporters of the status quo are in full blown attack mode when someone presents evidence showing how biased it truly is. (And don’t be fooled; those who are calling for the ENTIRE board to be removed are defending the “status quo”. Same power play with different players, that’s all. Sad thing is some are so clueless they don’t even know they are playing right into the status quo’s hands by calling for the ENTIRE board’s removal. They think they are actually bringing about “change”.)

Better stop relying on the media and start educating yourselves.

By Attn: Clayton Parents

February 27, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this

Gee a Republican governor asks a Republican Secretary of State to “investigate” a Democratic Clayton County School Board. Yeah, that oughta be “objective”.

Again this “investigation” like the one before it, has NOTHING to do with the students. It’s nothing more than politics.

By DEEP THROAT

February 28, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this

Billy Rip Is John Trotter Clayton Parents is John Trotter

I am a mole in the MACE office. Look whats coming next!

By BillyRip

February 28, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this

Run Sandra Scott out of Office, she’s an alien she travel to Pluto every night and return with the sun every morning!!!!!

By Vince

February 28, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

With apologies to the scarecrow (sung to the tune of, If I Only Had a …

We just while away the hours gloating of our powers and causing so much pain And our heads we’re a’scratchin’ No solution to SACS is hatchin’ If we only had some brains

Helping students is a riddle Like Nero, we’ll play the fiddle ignoring Clayton’s pain We’re causing so much sorrow Isn’t Marietta part of Morrow? Oh I wish we had some brains.

Oh, I can tell you why I’m not doing my Clayco job I’m picketing at schools in Dekalb and Cobb and I don’t care… about the recall mob

I won’t be just a nuthin’ The SACS report is just stuffin’ MACE will put SACS in its place I’ll just dance and be merry Life will be a ding-a-derry Oh, I wish I had some brains.

By Vince

February 28, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

With apologies to the scarecrow (sung to the tune of, If I Only Had a …

We just while away the hours gloating of our powers and causing so much pain And our heads we’re a’scratchin’ No solution to SACS is hatchin’ If we only had some brains

Helping students is a riddle Like Nero, we’ll play the fiddle ignoring Clayton’s pain We’re causing so much sorrow Isn’t Marietta part of Morrow? Oh I wish we had some brains.

Oh, I can tell you why I’m not doing my Clayco job I’m picketing at schools in Dekalb and Cobb and I don’t care… about the recall mob

I won’t be just a nuthin’ The SACS report is just stuffin’ MACE will put SACS in its place I’ll just dance and be merry Life will be a ding-a-derry Oh, I wish I had some brains.

By Billy Gerkin

February 28, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

The fact that this blog has been nothing more than a dumping ground for racist banter, name calling, and passing-the-buck is pure evidence as to why Clayton County is in this mess and why it won’t be able to get out.

Blow over, indeed. I hope you do lose accreditation.

By tm

February 28, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

Soon allot of freeloaders holding office in Clayton County will have to start working for a living, becasue they are about to be thrown out. GET A JOB LOOSERS

By You Have Got to be Kidding

February 29, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

Whew - this residency certification form that the attorney requested may get rid of hummmm lets see 5 board members!
Erika who lives in Fayetteville Yolanda who lives in Fulton Lois who lives in Fulton Rod who does not live in district 5 and the man himself (LOL) Rev Norresse Haynes who lives in Marietta! That will leave 4 members - 2 that belong to Trotter and will do his bidding and 2 that are up for re-election!

By You Have Got to be Kidding

February 29, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

Whew - this residency certification form that the attorney requested may get rid of hummmm lets see 5 board members!
Erika who lives in Fayetteville Yolanda who lives in Fulton Lois who lives in Fulton Rod who does not live in district 5 and the man himself (LOL) Rev Norresse Haynes who lives in Marietta! That will leave 4 members - 2 that belong to Trotter and will do his bidding and 2 that are up for re-election!

By John Stewart

February 29, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

Erika won’t get exposed because Terry Baskins (Tax Commissioner) is the head of her Campaign.

Someone mentioned this earlier…..what is the connection between Erika Davis, Eldrin Bell and mark Elgart?

Then ask yourselves what the commuter rail that Eldrin has been pushing so hard for and how the loss of accredidation affects property values.

Then ask yourselves who get contracts in the county.

People I hope we start connecting the dots. What is going on is bigger than the school board. Please listen to the Warren Ballentine show today from 10am - 1pm www.classicsoul1025.com. Your mouths are going to drop when you hear some of the stuff that is going to come out.

By It gets worse

February 29, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

People,

Clayton County School System has already gone through their budget of $500 Million dollars! GONE!

Where did it go?

By Nospin

February 29, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

These board members should be getting fitted for prison uniforms right now. But wait! You haven’t seen anything yet! Wait until the Lee Scott/Victor Hill mess comes into light, and it is a coming soon, as we get rid of this board. Relax Victor, while you can! You are next! http://www.give-em-the-boot.com/

By Vince

February 29, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

NOREESE HAYNES MUST GO!

CLAYTON STUDENTS AND TEACHERS DESERVE BETTER!

By John Stewart

February 29, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

Erika Davis needs to go living in that 400K house in Fayetteville (Fayette)

Rod Johnson needs to go not living in the district he represents, District 5. He also needs to go because he didn’t follow board guidelines and bring his grievances to the boad and instead going to SACS. Hey Rod you say you’re about Ethics. Yeah ok!!!

By Fruit of the Loom

February 29, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

With apologies to Michael Jordan, it seems Norreesie’s boyfriend didn’t like the Haynes on him!

By sendthemtojail

March 3, 2008 7:52 AM | Link to this

Got dirt on the DA,her husband, or the school board? Here is a place to post it and stay unknown! Help clean up this county.

http://wwww.give-em-the-boot.com/

By Kimberly Allen

March 3, 2008 7:59 AM | Link to this

School Board Meeting Venue changed!

due to the large expected turnout of concerned citizens, **tonight’s school board meeting will be held at:

CCPS Performing Arts Center 2530 Mt. Zion Parkway Jonesboro At: 6:00pm**

By BillyRip

March 3, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

Gentrification is in “Effect’, get out “Colored Folk”. The “White” flight back is beginning. ClayCo is prime property, with commuter rail coming. They’re tired of the commute from I-75 & 85 North!!! ClayCo’s Gentrification is by sponsored Ericka Davis & Edgin Bell, your money.

By Vince

March 3, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

Billy Rip…You’re being sarcastic….right? I grew up in Conley in the seventies and couldn’t wait to escape. I don’t care how bad, congested or long my commute is from way out in Gwinnett. I would NEVER consider going back to Clayton…especially now.

By Shirley

March 17, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

The Clayton County School Board should not be able to look our children in the eye after today’s announcement. If they had some shame they would all resign TODAY!!!!

By Shirley

March 17, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

The Clayton County School Board should not be able to look our children in the eye after today’s announcement. If they had some shame they would all resign TODAY!!!!

By James W.

March 18, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

I don’t care about your personal issues. I am trying to become the next president of the U.S. And I can’t be that if I don’t go to college. I want to stay in Clayton County b/c that’s where my mother resides. If you have any heart at all, you will resign b/c its whats best for the county.