Clayton.Talk

By First Response

February 23, 2009 10:00 AM | Link to this

Let me be the first to weigh in on this. It is clear that the present school board is being impacted by outside influences from within the CCPS and those who hold the big contracts for doing business with CCPS. They are again trying to shift the attention of the community from the issues that Mr. King brings forward. Now they have an Ethics Commission that clearly does not understand Roberts Rules of Order. When Mr. King informed this committee that he would not be available due to a court date (which was checked and found to be true) the Ethics Committee shoould have rescheduled. Instead they voted to have him removed without hearing from him. The proper thing to do was for the Ethics Board to table the issue or abstain from voting until they had information from both sides. I understand that Fincher served as attorney for the board at the Ethics Committee. Isn’t he trying to get the legal contract with the board?

Unfortunately we will have to go through another cycle of elections before we can fix this mess. We have two years and four seats will be up for election again. Anderson, Bivens, Adamson and King seats are up in 2010.

Anderson is obviously incapable of understanding Roberts Rules of Order. Is that why a parlimenatrian is paid over $100,000? She has had more than enough time to learn the correct procedures for conducting meetings. Contrary to what she says it is clear that she has never served on any board in her life.

KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE BUDGET. MINORITY SMALL BUSINESS PEOPLE IN CLAYTON NEED TO SUBMIT BIDS FOR THIS UPCOMING YEAR.

By What really matters

February 23, 2009 10:14 AM | Link to this

Until the BOE summons the resolve to address those students, and their behaviors, that continually disrupt the learning process, with policies that have real teeth in them, the BOE is not making any progress on what actually happens in the classroom. And bottom line, that’s really the only place that matters.

Everything else is just politics and window dressing.

By Michael

February 23, 2009 10:52 AM | Link to this

Is CCPS on the right track? in a word - No.

By Gail

February 23, 2009 11:00 AM | Link to this

Yes! They are policing themselves well. Everytime a rouge board member steps out of line, the board responds in the proper fashion. I’m encouraged about the progress of the board. Ms. Anderson is doing a great job multi tasking and presiding over the board. let’s give them time to mesh.

By oldtimer

February 23, 2009 11:02 AM | Link to this

NO Way!!!!

By Alieka Fan

February 23, 2009 11:15 AM | Link to this

I think Alieka’s doing a great job so far considering what she was left with … but Michael King is a continous embarassing distraction and needs to go. I wonder if they want to keep him on til they get accreditation back? If they oust him now they’ll have to wait for a special election & all that to get things done, right? Let him stay til we get accreditation back (and we will soon!) then kick him to the curb along with his clients.

By Hope

February 23, 2009 11:23 AM | Link to this

Hey everyone , I would hope that everyone would read the WHOLE THREAD on the Boot about King and the School Board here is the Link to that Tread.

http://www.give-em-the-boot.com/smf/index.php/topic,2815.0.html

Now as far as King goes, becuase the Georgia Bar felt sorry for you (DUMMY) too give you a Bar License on a Special Program they was offering you that is if you could pass their Bar Exam and pay your dues to them like all Attorney’s do,because you did not come from and Law School that LOST it’s Accreditation. And that’s why you only work for yourself because NO Big Law firm will ever hire you period as you are a Total JOKE to the Whole Attorney Profession, and not being connected to Lee and Jewel Scott an ictor Hill and not forget John Trotter does not help you in our eyes the Citizens of Clayton County because we all know what they are and also about.

By Hope

February 23, 2009 11:34 AM | Link to this

Ps, and we all know King was John Trotters Staff Attorney back in the 1990’s as I do not care if you King say you have nothing to do with John Trotter but you can never make me believe you not now or anyone else here in Clayton County, as you are the Most UNETHICAL Attorney and person I have ever seen.

By John 3:16

February 23, 2009 11:55 AM | Link to this

Yes! They are on the right track. Serious budget concerns will affect all Georgia school districts but so far, so good. My only concern is King and his repeated ethics violations and Goree’s affiliation with Trotter.

By Mary

February 23, 2009 12:16 PM | Link to this

John stop the ignorance! Your concern should be the education of our children. King and Goree are the ony ones with a mind of their own. Anderson is a rubber stamper for the same people that started mess on the last board. The rest of them are just trying to get along to keep from being demonized themselves. So stop trying to make this another witch hunt. It will not work this time. God is in control John.

By If A, not necessarily B

February 23, 2009 12:17 PM | Link to this

The mistake people are making is to think that because Michael King’s actions are seemingly indefensible, that means the board’s actions are automatically above reproach.

Has there been any correspondance between, the ethics commission, the BOE, Mark Elgart, Eldrin Bell, any teacher union officials, or any other government official who may or may not be trying to work a deal? Full disclosure is needed, but doesn’t seem to be forthcoming.

Will there be any attempts to bring back old board members, and will SACS themselves be an outside influence on this process? Full disclosure is needed, but doesn’t seem to be forthcoming.

Even if there turns out to be no question about King’s actions, these are questions that need to be answered, yet for some reason, defenders of this board don’t even want them asked.

If you’re in the right, and you’ve done everything by the book, what possible problem could the BOE, ethics commission, and the rest have with full disclosure?

By Attorneys, Alieka Anderson, and Sam King

February 23, 2009 12:27 PM | Link to this

Let’s see now…Lee Parks, Lee Sexton, Steve Frye, David Brown, George Brown, Terry Thomas, Matt Billips, Preston Haliburton, et al., as well as Michael King have done some work for John Trotter and/or MACE in the past, but none have ever served as “staff attorney” for MACE. I think that King worked on two cases for MACE over ten years ago. Other attorneys have indeed served as “staff atorneys” or General Counsel. But, talking about connections to John Trotter, many on this current school board have “connections” to John Trotter, including the current Chairperson, Alieka Anderson whose glowing commendations for MACE are still laced throughout MACE’s literature and website (www.theteahcersadvocate.com). She thanks MACE (and particulary Dr. Trotter) for “saving” her from the Atlanta Public Schools. She talked about how “wonderful” MACE is. But, hey, people change. Nedra Ware, Michelle Strong, and Alieka Anderson were all MACE members and became Chairwomen of the Clayton County Board of Education. Dr. Trotter called for the board members to resign (including Chairperson Ware and Chairperson Strong, even when they were leading the school board). In fact, in 2003, Dr. Trotter was the first (before the AJC, The News/Daily,the Chamber of Commerce, or CCEA) to publicly call for the board members’ resignation. Check your facts. One thing that I know about John Trotter is that he doesn’t hold hardened grudges. Politically, he is very pragmatic. In fact, I heard him say recently: “I like Alieka. She can be very funny. She appears to be trying to do the right thing, but she just needs time to bone up on Parliamentary Procedure and so forth. She actually looked good coming out against hiring another attorney.” I heard him say that Bob Hartley probably advised her to do that. John said: “It was a smart move.” He said that the smartest move that the school board could make now is to hire Dr. Sam King, Superintendent in Rockdale County who served as Assistant or Associate Superintendent in Clayton County in the past. He said that accreditation would be restored immediatley and Sam King, better than anyone else in Georgia, would restore community confidence in the school system and that he would establish a sense of order to the school system. I heard him also say: “But, hiring Dr. King makes too much sense, and local boards don’t usually do the logical thing. They want to go all over the country to find a “messiah,” and when they find this messiah, he makes the teachers ‘sons and daughters of hell.’” I actually heard him say this. It’s fun being around him. He is a “colorful” character (as he is described in the American School Board Journal in this month’s issue) and also “demonized” (another word that the article used to describe him).

By Where's the BS

February 23, 2009 12:44 PM | Link to this

One thing Bob Hartley, or someone claiming to be Bob Hartley, said on this blog was that the concern about gangs is a bs issue. The safety of staff and students is a bs issue? I guess if it’s not a SACS mandate, the safety of staff and students is of no consequence right?

Just because the BOE wants to throw a wall of silence around the issue, while at the same time making everybody and their brother available for comment on the dance team, to deflect from the issue, doesn’t mean it isn’t an issue.

I’d like to know why the safety of staff and students is a bs issue, or for that matter, why it’s an issue the BOE refuses to address?

By Enough of you Trotter People

February 23, 2009 12:44 PM | Link to this

Trotter people pro and con we have heard enough of this man. Move on please. Many of us have. As for Alieka Anderson maybe she will take time and study Robert Rules of Order. Then she can pass own her knowledge to the new BOE and Ethics Commission.

By Hope

February 23, 2009 12:45 PM | Link to this

Hey, By Attorneys, Alieka Anderson, and Sam King

Well at least these other Attorney’s you stated (Lee Parks, Lee Sexton, Steve Frye, David Brown, George Brown, Terry Thomas, Matt Billips, Preston Haliburton)has not Run to become a School Board Member like King has, as I am sure they Lee Parks, Lee Sexton, Steve Frye, David Brown, George Brown, Terry Thomas, Matt Billips, Preston Haliburton Attorney’s would not be so ” UNETHICAL ” as King is by doing that and becoming an School Board member.

But your correct with the connections to John Trotter lets see , Goree, Garrett, King, now if my memory is correct Alieka Anderson sent a letter to John Trotter because she did not want to be apart of his organization NO more as that was before she ran for her seat up on the School Board as that’s been well known proven fact as I am sure she given many people here in Clayton County a copy of that letter.

By Louis A.

February 23, 2009 12:46 PM | Link to this

Do you notics how when politicuians step up to work for the citizens they are shot down? No wonder we are left with what we got? Who in their right mind would campaign for public service in Clayton County?

I’m sorry Kim, your blog has become a cesspool of nnegative energy directed towards those who had the convictions to step up. It’s a lose-lose pproposition.

Give the school board time to work. They have inherited an unpecidented mess. They were elected to clean up that mess but it will take time.

I think they are cautiously moving forward as they should

By Here we go again

February 23, 2009 12:50 PM | Link to this

Alieka Anderson left John Trotter and MACE years ago. She said once she met the guy she discovered he was a nutcase. Her letter has been well published on Give em the boot and others including myself have seen it. She is not with Trotter!

But is that the issue? Accreditation will be restored and all this will become a footnote by the next election cycle!

By Whats UP

February 23, 2009 12:55 PM | Link to this

Is Bob Hartley, Mike Glanton or John Trotter telling Alieka what to do?

Mike Glanton supposedly will be running in the next Lt Governors race. So why is he trying to run the school board? He wants to be the savior of the community and use us all for his gain. He supported Thompson and look at what has happened now he is trying to run the school board. Mike, go back downtown and hob nob with the politicians and leave us alone.

Bob Harley, what kind of advise can you offer Alieka? You can’t even get yourself elected to office.

John Trotter, well I guess you are the man behind the woman. But does Mike or Bob know? Hum, are you working with Alieka and Pam to get Sam King back in Clayton County? Or is that a Mike Glanton initiative?

ALIEKA - don’t listen to these fools! They will turn on you like a bad habit.. You better start thinking for yourself and making decisions that will benefit the children of Clayton County. Because you are accountable to the people not these men.

By Briefly...Bob H.

February 23, 2009 1:52 PM | Link to this

Bob, Thou Great Defender of Alieka: Very briefly let me state the facts. Alieka saw an opportunity to run for Norreese’s seat when he was kicked off the school board. She abruptly stopped automatic payments to MACE. That was in March. Let’s see now…is that “years ago”? No, less than a year. But, MACE did her a favor by providing her a letter to show to people that she was no longer a member of MACE. Dr. Trotter does have a heart and knows that he is radioactive (which he really doesn’t mind; in fact, I think it helps MACE that he is “radioactive,” and he is a businessman). MACE actually did a favor for Alieka. (She had been a loyal and enthusiastic member of MACE for years. Why hold her back? She had just told Dr. T. that she wanted to accomplish some big things in life and told him that she was in the process of owning a “dollar store.”) I don’t think that Dr. Trotter and Alieka Anderson have talked with since March of 2008. I hope that his clears up any angst that you, Bob, may have. No, Dr. T. does not control or influence Alieka Anderson. He did help her in her race for Commission. She was very active in MACE activities (her “MACE Associate” business cards are still at the MACE Office). She and her son would drop by the office quite regularly. (In fact, he also left his red sunglasses there. They are still at the office.) Hey, people change and establish other goals. Alieka did not receive any epiphany about JT being a “nutcase.” Heck, if she did not know by March of 2008 that he was a “nutcase,” then she is a very dimwitted person. And, she is not dimwitted. Bob, just tell the truth. Quit trying to spin things…like your spin on “Put a Brother in the House” as your campaign slog in 2002. For the record, Alieka Anderson is NOT a member of MACE now. JT has never met, been in the presence of, or has never communicated, directly or indirectly, with the Garrett lady. End of facts. Hey Gunny, this ought to stir things up for a day or two, but I have to run. Kenny the Squirrell and I are having to pick up too many acorns today. Had to call in Jeff the Squirrell on Friday because of Acorns Galore!

By WTF?

February 23, 2009 3:07 PM | Link to this

What the hell does Mike Glanton, Bob Hartley or anyother outsider have to do with the school board? Come on What’s up/briefely, you can do better than that. Stop trying to throw people off of whats important. The people elected to the school board who makes the decisions.

By Whats UP

February 23, 2009 4:07 PM | Link to this

Don’t be fooled. MG is always working to increase is power base. He helped get Alieka elected as board chair and now “advises” her on what her agenda should be. Thompson better watch out! She is turning on him and he will be out of job quicker than you can say “Bobs your uncle”. Now where does that leave BH? Out in the cold!! She has fallen under the Glanton knows best spell.

By 88 Power

February 23, 2009 4:35 PM | Link to this

Now that’s funny. Mike Glanton for Lt. Gov? A black Democrat from Clayton County getting elected to any statewide office is a long stretch of the imagination.

By What really matters

February 23, 2009 4:40 PM | Link to this

Nothing that anybody does or doesn’t do on the BOE really matters unless it has an impact on the day to day teaching and learning environment inside the classroom.

And nothing is going to change the substandard conditions inside the classroom until the BOE takes an honest look at student behaviors, and implements policies with real teeth in them to give teachers back control of their classrooms.

The BOE members with actual classroom experience know this first hand, yet they have shown zero leadership on the issue. Still, there is no excuse for any of the nine that all nine of them put up a wall of silence and refuse to address documented cases of gang violence against students, as well as threats and assaults made against staff.

Roberts Rules of Order at the BOE don’t matter worth spit, if the BOE isn’t willing to use them to craft policies that finally allow teachers to implement their own rules of order in the classroom and, most importantly, in the exact same way the BOE wants to do, remove those who consistently refuse to follow those rules of order.

Anything else is just window dressing and politics.

By Triple J

February 23, 2009 4:41 PM | Link to this

To - First Response If you knew the history of how Michael King operates you would know this delay tactic he has attempted with the court is a tactic he uses in every court case he is a party to. He is either stupid or incompetent or both. I vote for the latter. Today we will find out his dealing in court – this is gonna be a hoot. Beside, it is not really a point now whether he is out or not. The local paper reported that the Ethics Commission’s decision was that he is hereby off the board pending an appeal. It was not a recommendation to the board – but a notice to the board of the decision by the Ethics Committee.

To - JT many and constantly changing blog names We see now that John T. is trying again to co-op an idea to try to convince people that it was his in the first place. Remember “discipline in schools”, that was a primary concern and purpose of the group CCCQE , back when JT was teaching the 4 horsewomen how to run the CCPS, illegal tho that was. After that blew up in his face, he latched onto a sane idea, “discipline in schools”. Now, he wants you to think it is his idea to go after Sam King for Superintendent. Again John, you got an idea about a year behind everyone else. There are still no guarantees this could be accomplished. Hey JT – what will be your next great idea, the internet or maybe the iPhone. Good luck.

By Somebody needs to step up

February 23, 2009 4:56 PM | Link to this

I’d like to see someone, anyone for that matter, co-opt the idea of discipline in the schools. Who better than the BOE, since they are the ones who could actually craft the policies to finally, effective address it?

And as far as blaming one so called faction of the board more than another, I think it’s safe to say that all nine of them have failed when it comes to co-opting the discipline issue. Given that it’s such common sense to address it, and that no average citizen would oppose it, you have to wonder who’s co-opting them?

By Susu

February 23, 2009 5:11 PM | Link to this

Bob Hartley is telling Alieka what to do. Bob who knows nothing about the school system or how to run a $700 million organization. And, it is rumored that he has moved in with her!

By Right Reverend and Grand Poo-Bah Shauntelle Thuderclap

February 23, 2009 5:25 PM | Link to this

My goodness … you all remind me of nothing more than a bunch of kids playing “dress up,” pretending to be adults. Maybe you’ve SEEN adults acting responsibly and making good decisions … so you know, somewhat vaguely, that’s how you’re supposed to act … but no way do you grasp how to do it yourselves. Then again, that observation DOES pretty succinctly sum up the whole “Clayton County experience,” doesn’t it?

By Reverend Sveve Svenhali

February 23, 2009 5:49 PM | Link to this

Someone must have hit a nerve. It looks like Dr. Sam King is the man. Good. He is very competent. Finally, the school board is going to do something right. As far as discipline is concerned, it is not to be found in Clayton County now. Clayco is the New Atlanta. Hopefully, Dr. King will be able to restore discipine to a certain degree. John Trotter and MACE has been harping on the lack of discipline in the schools from the very beginning. Check out the website (www.theteachersadvocate.com). You don’t suppose that all of the old magazines (going back to 1995) in the Archive Section talking about a lack of discipline in the schools are fraudulent documents, do you? Yeah, if Greg Hecht couldn’t get elected as Lt. Gov., I don’t think that Mike Glanton has a snowball’s chance in Ecuador of getting elected. Is Glanton one of the “Bobsey” twins? Bully for Michael King if he takes the school board to Federal Court. An appointed, unelected commission declaring that someone who was elected by the people is now off the board because of O’Keefe & Company’s fiat doesn’t hardly sound right. But, who am I to say? Norreese Haynes was commandeered of the school board Eldrin Bell and his girl Ericka Davis. In Clayco, anything is possible. “Expect a miracle everyday. Expect a miracle when you pray.” — Rev. Oral Roberts. Oh by the way, Bob, if you want pictures of Alieka Anderson having fun at MACE functions posted on this blog, just let us know. Other pieces of documents could also be provided. But, who cares? She is no longer a member of MACE and so be it. John Trotter says that he hadn’t talked with Alieka Anderson since she used the F-bomb with him on the phone. He hung up on her. She is now a member of the Bob & Mike Show. She’ll be O. K. It is actually entertaining and comical watching all of this John Trotter Hysteria. It needs to be made into a reality show. It would be entertainingly boring. The fun stuff would be watching the hysterical phobia. Heck, he only knows five or six people on the board now. What can he do with five or six votes? Ohhhhhhhhhh…watch out! Here comes the Dollar General (no longer just “dime store”) Svenhali now! Hide and grab your survivor kits! The media says that he has “hypnotic powers.”

By TERRIBEL

February 23, 2009 6:02 PM | Link to this

SURELY BOB AIN’T MOVED IN WITH ALEEKA!!! IS THAT WHY HE DO DEFEND HER….ALWAYS!!! CONFLEICT..OF..INTEREST??? CALL LARRY O’K NOW!!!!! WILL LARRY PROSECUTE IF THIS IS TURE???? WHAT KIND OF EXAMPLE TO OUR KIDS IS THIS…IF IT IS TURE. ASK ELDRIN TO GET THE PO PO TO INVESTIGATE THIS ALLEGATION. SEND TI TO DEBORAH BENEFIELD AND SHE WILL RUN ALEEKA OFF THE SCHOOL BOARD AND REPLACE HER WITH THE WHITE MAN WHO CAME IN SECOND!!!!

By ,,,=^..^=,,,

February 23, 2009 6:08 PM | Link to this

CCBOE and the the Larry O’Keefe led so-called Ethics Commission need to remove Michael King from the BOE. Then King can go to the FEDS and tell how the WHITE MINORITY in Clayco along with the Gov is threaten these 50,000+ Little Black Kids Accreditation in a fight for Money and Power!

The whole accreditation issue have alwayWhite Folks, Money&Power. The FEDS will shine a Worldwide Spotlight on all this southern RACISM against the poor little Black Child which is 85%+ population in the school!!!!

By Is praise deserved?

February 23, 2009 6:11 PM | Link to this

I’d just like to know, if the people who are currently praising the board, would still praise them if, hypothetically, the ethics commission, the BOE, Elgart, Eldrin Bell and others have been communicating on using the opportunity to remove one board member as an excuse to bring back a member of the old board in some sort of back room deal?

More than ever, full disclosure is needed.

By Rabbi Rubenstein

February 23, 2009 6:42 PM | Link to this

Kids, kids, please lighten up…please. This uptightness (ala Little Stevie Wonder) is not always “out-of-sight.” Turn now to my brother Percy Sledge…”When a man loves a woman…” Please stop the finger-wagging. Such finger-pointed is simply indicative of the frustration of small-minded people. Let your mind expand (not ala Timothy O’Leary, though). Who cares who came up with Sam King’s name? He is a very noble choice. He should have been chosen before Chavis, Pulliam, or Thompson. Some folk were simply not listening to some folk. Figure that out, and you will be on your way to discovering one of Clayco’s finest riddles in years…like why did Superintendent Ed Edmonds bring Ernest Stroud to the Central Office in 1970? Or, why did Superintendent Stroud decide to not run for re-election in 1986? Or, why did Pete McQueen lose to Superintendent Joe Lovin that year? Or, why did Senator Terrell Starr and Representative Bill (not Bob to a recent blogger) Lee initially push for one of Dr. Bob Livingston’s potential opponents in the Democratic Primary in 1990? Or, who’s the only invited guest coming for dinner at Bob’s house the night after his victorious election? Oh, the lack of institutional knowledge. People acting in a vacuum. That’s what makes all the noise. A rock in an empty barrel makes all kinds of racket. That’s why we hear so much racket on the board. Pam and Jesse have some institutional knowledge and perhaps Ms. Burroughs. Michael tends to show some lack of judgment. Alieka is in a very responsible position, and I think that she wants to do right, but she has to be led by the hand (even has to have a man stand behind her during the board meetings, literally telling her what to say). Baker appears to be knowledgeable about some things. Flipping through the channels the other night found me stopping at Channel 24. I wanted to hide under the bed. It was laughable, if not so sad. Very embarrassing. And, I do believe that all of these people are independent and were elected all by themselves (or with a little help from Meddlin’ Bob and Saint Michael). There’s been some very pitiful individual board members (I will not name anyone’s names but I could if I wanted to be nasty) in the past (from my 30 years of personal observations), but this school board does indeed appear helpless and afraid to act. Does this Julie Lewis lady have to always lead them by the hand? Heck, why not just invite Mark Elgart to the board meeting and let him lead the way? That would be more efficient. Let me go now. Oh, I am running late. The school board meeting started at 6:30 PM, and I have to get on the recorder to speak into the ears of the board members. I am glad that the listening devices are so small and difficult to detect. Well, perhaps they can get through the invocation and recognition ceremonies before I have to dictate their every move. Just kiddin’. See, the good Rabbi was just trying to lighten the mood. I will borrow a phrase from my friend Wade. (I am helping him to take over the Commission. Did you hear that Deborah? It’s me behind all of that mess on the Commission. Alex is our puppet.) “Just chill.” Another phrase from Wade: “Somep’ins gotta be did.”

By Billy Gerkin

February 24, 2009 7:17 AM | Link to this

From looking at this mess, the answer is simple: No.

By out there-- somewhere

February 24, 2009 8:10 AM | Link to this

Does anyone wonder why John Trotter likes to use names that are associated with religious leaders- like Rev. and Rabbi? It’s just a little bit scary.

By Oh please

February 24, 2009 8:35 AM | Link to this

That’s because he believes that he is on a “mission from God.”

By WTF?

February 24, 2009 8:58 AM | Link to this

Does MACE pay Trotter to troll various blogs and spew hatred & trash? I’d be p** if my dues were being used so he could sit on his butt somewhere & play on the internet.

By I SUPPORT THE BOE

February 24, 2009 9:08 AM | Link to this

You know it is sad when people try to do the right thing and they have to take lied on and talked about for doing it. I have been attending all or most of the new boards meetings. As far as Alieka not knowing Roberts Rules of Order I thnk that she is doing a great job and is just making sure that she is doing everything right. Guess What folks that is what we need someone who is trying to do it right this time instead of fighting and helping us loose accreditation. I have watched other board meetings in other counties and they do not follow Roberts Rules of Order like this school board does. All boards have a parliamentarian that resides over their meetings and that they ask questions too. The last board barely followed Roberts Rules until the end when they were about to get booted out the door. This is a learning process for all of these board members. Michael King is an attorney and I have seen the pariamentarian have to advise him on some motions from the audience. We need to support our board of education because they will be the one’s who save accreditation. I am sorry but everyone who is speaking negatively on this blog needs to shut up. These board memebers ran for office to save accreditation and the sad part is that some of you act like you don’t want us to get accreditation back. However, we are going to get accreditation back and it will be beacuse Alieka, Pam, Jessie, Trinia, Charlton, Mary, Ophilia, Wanda, and maybe Michael King went forth and stepped into the Lion’s Den to work to do so. Board Members you have my support and I am fighting for you behind closed doors. Even, if I have to call Dr. Elgart personally myself and commend you all for stepping into this mess I will. So everyone else shut up and watch us get accreditation back then what will you all have to say next.

By WTF?>

February 24, 2009 9:32 AM | Link to this

Yes last night pretty much confirmed that it’s just a matter of time before accreditation is restored in some form and we’re going to need to thank these folks for working it out.

By John Stewart

February 24, 2009 10:31 AM | Link to this

Everyone prepare for the Trotter trolls to come on the blog protesting Kings removal last night.

Just prepare.

Kings removal was done according to the law in accordance to the Ethics Commissions directive. I am so happy that the board crossed its t’s and dotted its i’s by having DA Graham-Lawson at the board meeting last night.

By Key Questions

February 24, 2009 10:44 AM | Link to this

Questions no one seems to have considered. When King’s is finally removed, will the new board member be elected, or appointed?

If appointed, has there been any correspondance between the ethics commission, the BOE, Mark Elgart, Eldrin Bell, CCPS officials, indicating there may have been a backroom deal on the replacement?

Given that an unelected and unaccountable to voters board removed him, even if seems they had more than enough good reason to do so, it is vitally important that they did so strictly for King’s actions, and didn’t just use King’s actions as a convenient excuse to stack the board with another crony.

Full disclosure is needed. If everybody has been acting above reproach, what possible reason could they object to having full disclosure?

By Bigger picture

February 24, 2009 11:02 AM | Link to this

There is a bigger picture here, even if King’s actions are seemingly indefensible at best, and even if his justifications of his actions seem downright bizarre.

It should be troubling, on principle, to have an unelected and unaccountable commission removing people the citizens chose to represent them.

Even if the actions seem justifiable in this case, what’s to prevent the ethics commission from bullying legitimate dissenting points of view into silence in the future?

It’s called not being able to see the forest for the trees.

By Shirts don't grow on trees

February 24, 2009 11:32 AM | Link to this

The common mistake people seem to be making in this case is that because King’s actions seem inexcuseable, everybody else is acting honest and above board.

Another blogger pointed out a perfect example of this when they pointed out the school system paid $18,000.00 for 348 shirts which comes to $51.72 per shirt.

$51.72 a shirt? For a bus driver?

What next, CCPS claiming the shirts are made with Kevlar to protect the driver in case of terrorist attack?

Why is that vendor still being allowed to do business with CCPS, and why haven’t the people who hired them been reprimanded?

Could it be because those people are part of the status quo, and Michael King was not?

By SA

February 24, 2009 11:38 AM | Link to this

Actions seem bizarre? LOL. How about a better term - unethical. And no, I’m not troubled at all by the commission removing people. Probably because, oh I don’t know… it’s a reason why they were created?!

Here’s a thought - perhaps the people who elected him should have been more accountable to the process and their best interests when they voted for him. It’s funny how some don’t seem to get that when you elect a clown, the circus is probably pretty close to home.

By I stand by bizarre

February 24, 2009 12:05 PM | Link to this

It’s been stated the actions seem completely indefensible. Bizarre is also an appropriate term. There have been people on the board who have acted unethically, going back as far as the land deal and beyond, but at least they had the status quo behind them, and a reason to believe they could get away with it.

But this was just bizarre, that given the climate, and status as an outsider, he thought he could get away with it, not once, but twice. Unless there is some obscure case law that no one has thought of, it makes no sense.

It also makes no sense to not file an appeal, and then think you can be seated, unless he thinks he can somehow prove the entire commission is unconstitutional, so he did it deliberately to make his case. Not a case I’d bet on, that’s for sure.

To just leave it at unethical is to discount the fact that there is probably not enough bandwidth on the internet to document how the term unethical is just another way of saying business as usual in CCPS.

This was just bizarre.

As far as giving power to an unelected and unaccountable to voters commission, anytime power is one step farther removed from citizens, and placed in the hand of government bureaucracy, one should find that troubling.

No need to look farther than $51.72 for a bus driver’s shirt to see that.

By L. Adamson

February 24, 2009 12:09 PM | Link to this

Mr. Trotter

What is your obsession with Bob Hartley? Why do you harp on and on about the “Put a Brother in the House” episode? No one cares!

Bob is a proven advocate for the citizens of Clayton County. He is one of the few people in the county who has shown character and conviction when it comes to the quality of life in Clayton County.

Give it a break John. People see you for what you are. Accept Jesus Christ into your heart and watch his love push the hate from you!

By Pope John IX

February 24, 2009 12:17 PM | Link to this

Now, now, Sir Gunny, don’t be cruel. Bless you, my son. For part of your monthly paycheck, I will cut off 300 years from you purgatorian experience. Luther? Who’s Luther? You mean that pot-bellied, over drinking, rebellious monk? Yes, I approve of the Clayco Inquisition. And, where were you yesterday? You actually worked? My son, I did not see you on this Confessional yesterday — or, at least not very much. The young ones must have been rowdy yesterday. Watch what you say, my son. People are taping you. Now, go thy way and try to be nice to Trotter. He’s so misguided.

By lovejoy

February 24, 2009 12:30 PM | Link to this

The bus drivers recieved uniforms…not shirts……$50 for a new uniform sounds about right.

Michael King is a screw up..he should have been removed a long time ago…he did this to himself..this is the same azzclown who tried to hold a meetign in a parking lot. He insists on doing somethign DUMB to undermide the board at every opportunity.

few people in CC vote..and the ones who do have little to chose from..what if Lee Scott and Victor Hill ran for the district 4 seat? The point is you often end up choosing the lesser of two evils.

By facts

February 24, 2009 12:39 PM | Link to this

To Key Question, Any replacement for District 4 must be selected by Special election as there are more than 180 days remaining in this term.

Senate Bill 374 By: Senators Seay of the 34th and Starr of the 44th AS PASSED AN ACT

To amend an Act relating to the composition and manner of selecting members of the Board of Education of Clayton County, approved April 12, 1982 (Ga. L. 1982, p. 4431), as amended, particularly by an Act approved March 28, 1990 (Ga. L. 1990, p. 4635), so as to provide for vacancies; to provide for certain submissions; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

SECTION 1. An Act relating to the composition of and manner of selecting members of the Board of Education of Clayton County, approved April 12, 1982 (Ga. L. 1982, p. 4431), as amended, particularly by an Act approved March 28,1990 (Ga. L. 1990, p. 4635), is amended by striking paragraph (6) of subsection (b) of Section 1 thereof in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following: “(6)(A) Any vacancy on the board which occurs with 180 or more days remaining in the term of office at the time of the vacancy shall be filled by special election for the remainder of the unexpired term of office. Upon the occurrence of the vacancy the county school superintendent shall notify the county election superintendent who shall call and conduct such special election as provided in Chapter 2 of Title 21 of the O.C.G.A., the ‘Georgia Election Code.’ (B) Any vacancy on the board which occurs with less than 180 days remaining in the term of office shall be filled by the remaining members of the board appointing a person to serve for the remainder of the unexpired term of office.”

By And?

February 24, 2009 12:40 PM | Link to this

I see all these people praising the board, for their ethics in the King case, for their adherance to Robert’s Rules of Order, and for being so much more civil.

And?

Can anybody point out a specific policy that this board has implemented that actually empowers teachers in dealing with the day to day realities in the classroom?

They can follow Robert’s Rules of Order. They can have high tea with the Queen of England for all I care. But if they aren’t enacting policies that empower teaching and learning in the classroom, and worse, are throwing up a wall of silence when issues of staff and student safety are raised that destroy the chance for quality teaching and learning to take place, what are they accomplishing?

A dog and pony show for Elgart and SACS?

My but the bar is set low for progress in CCPS.

By Rector Nature Boy Ned

February 24, 2009 12:47 PM | Link to this

Good speech, Bob (aka “I SUPPORT THE BOE”). Accreditation is a done deal. That decision was made a long time ago. Please don’t be so naive on this matter — or at least don’t show it. Yes, it’s over. It’s coming back. Do you think that Sonny and others would allow an urban school system (where the busiest airport in the world is located) to languish without accreditation? It never would have been lost to begin with if the school board had not done the unthinkable…hiring John Thoompson. Sonny and the Boys had no choice at that point. Come on, Bob. You are smarter than that. Accreditation is a game. It is all about control. Do you really think that all of the other school systems in the country — Newark, Detroit, Compton — are in better shape than Clayco’s school system. Now, with no thought for discipline, Clayco’s school system is getting there. It starts with a completely cavalier attitude toward classroom discipline. John Thompson has shown the same weaknesses of most urban superintendents…just ignore the disciplinary problems, sweep them under the proverbial rug, act as though they do not exist, and punish any employee who shines the light on the problem. Bob, I must admire your defense of Alieka. I like Alieka. She is funny, and she’s got some spunk in her — and it will come out sooner or later. It’s in her. It’s just bottled up right now. Oh, it’s there. It’s like shaking up a Pepsi…once that top comes off, watch out! She will be spewing from Jonesboro to Conley! Now, what my name, Bob, what my name? What my name? Let’s see: Rector Nature Boy Ned. Yes, I am a Rector now, not a Rectum. A Rector, I said! Huh, people call me an “a—” all the time; I will NOT stand for them calling me a “rectum.” Oh, Sir Guuny, don’t be jealous of my writing. We have to accept the talents that the Good Lord gives to us and not bury them. My stuff is just for pure entainment. There are a few people — even the good folk in the Riverdale Po Po Dept. — who look forward to getting on this blog each day to keep up with the bit drama. A “shout out” to the Po Po in Riverdale and in the other municipalities! Now, I’m probably going to have a run-in with the Po Po today on a picket line. But, that’s why I carry my Constitution in my pocket and have a videographer with me at all godly pickets! Somebody’s gotta stand up for the downtrodden! Not everyone should bow to the Statue of Baal. Hasn’t any one read about the “fast” which the Lord desires? Check out Isaiah, baby!

By Thanks for the fact, facts

February 24, 2009 12:48 PM | Link to this

I for one am glad it will be decided by special election, and not appointment. Even if the various power brokers have their agenda, at least it will be up to the voters to accept or reject.

By Is Megan wrong lovejoy?

February 24, 2009 12:51 PM | Link to this

Megan in the AJC says it’s $18k for the shirts, not the uniforms. Is she wrong?

By joe

February 24, 2009 12:56 PM | Link to this

The people of CC don’t care..Many don’t own any property and some are poorly educated…This leaves them with o real vested interest in ANYTHING!

Thats why these morons can get elected in some districts. All you need is a few hundred people to vote for you and you’re in.

CC needs a better class of people to live here..then you will see better things from the government, BOE etc.

By Hope

February 24, 2009 1:10 PM | Link to this

Hey everyone, look what I found on another site about King and the School Board and also about Riverdale City Council Meeting on what happened last night.

http://www.give-em-the-boot.com/smf/index.php/topic,2815.msg26040.html#new

http://www.give-em-the-boot.com/smf/index.php/topic,2864.msg26024.html#new

By Hopeless

February 24, 2009 1:51 PM | Link to this

Hey Hope, why do you have to come onto this blog to keep pushing your pitiful blog? No one wants to go there. Plain and simple. The dogs just don’t like it.

By Hope

February 24, 2009 2:17 PM | Link to this

Dear Hopeless, I guess you do not care about this County our School System, or us as Citizens or our Children, as with your lovely post that proves it. We bloggers do goto other sites to keep everyone informed on what is going on, so please Hopeless your seem not to care so why are you on this blog or any other blog then.

By Triple J

February 24, 2009 3:45 PM | Link to this

Hey JT - how did your confab with Michael King in the foyer of the BOE go. You know - maybe you should tell him to check out ” Legal Zoom. com”. Maybe then, it would not take him so long to write up an appeal for the court to consider - if he used advise from real lawyers and not depending on his ill-informed self or pseudo-law people such as you.

By Does CCPS even know where the track is?

February 24, 2009 4:48 PM | Link to this

We are asking if CCPS is on the right track, when CCPS wouln’t recognize the right track if Sidney Whiplash tied them to it.

Teachers report student behaviors are worse than ever, the media is reporting the open presence of gangs in the schools, and all this BOE has done is put up a wall of silence around the issue, while patting themselves on the back for the great work they have done.

Not one policy has been put forth, much less put in place, that would actually empower teachers in performing their daily duties in the classroom. So ultimately, on the one thing that really matters, they’ve done nothing.

But the news is not all bad. Where the BOE has failed on staff and student saftey, CCPS has picked up the slack. Yes, bus drivers have nice new shirts guaranteed to protect them in case of terrorist attack.

So I guess we are on the right track after all. If SACS doesn’t restore accreditation, I’m sure Giorgio Armani will.

By Gee Megan thanks!

February 24, 2009 5:14 PM | Link to this

Thank God for Megan at the AJC for giving us the vital information informed citizens need. Yes, another dance team story!

Yep, we all know there is a direct correlation between dance teams and terrorist attacks on school buses, so thank God Megan is keeping us our democratic way of life safe.

I guess some people wonder where the report is on the open gang presence in Clayton County schools, but since the BOE has thrown a wall of silence up around that subject, I guess Megan and the AJC just assumed the gangs don’t exists. Or more to the point, that the people really don’t need to know about any safety issues that pertain to their children in the schools. Gang beatdowns? Perfectly acceptable. Dancing? Oh God no!

But hey, why worry whether students are learning, or even if they are safe, when the most important thing is to protect us from terrorist attacks by dance teams!

By The Holy Man

February 24, 2009 5:20 PM | Link to this

Beware the pork man, swine cave dweller. For his nature is evil. He feeds on disunity, confusion and mayhem. For it is written in the holy text that his name shall be like dung in the grass. For his name is Trotter. He can summon legions of demons known as MACE-A-RITES. They are incapable of organized language so they yell like the king of all beast…THE LION. Yet the savior will descend upon earth from the heavens waving his sword of justice mounted on a golden horse and his name shall be known in all corners of the world. Truth shall prevail to see another day. For he is the lion slayer known as yahwee ben Bob Yahwee or Billy Bob for you rebels.

Have mercy Bob, for they know not what they do.

By DD

February 24, 2009 5:26 PM | Link to this

The Board will only be on the right track when they figure out WHAT THEIR PROPER ROLE IS - which they obviously cannot do based on their motion last night to place a freeze on all hiring, terminations, contracts, etc. and when King, Goree and a few otheres are REMOVED FROM THE BOARD b/c they are hopeless.

By Helpless

February 24, 2009 5:41 PM | Link to this

I was at the meeting last night. The school system’s attorney, Lewis, offered for King to file the notice of appeal before the meeting because the Chair of the Ethics Commission and the School Board Chair were both at the meeting. If King had done that, he could have participated in the meeting and prevented the spectacle from occurring - the one that HE CAUSED! He is unbelieveable! He did it on purpose so he could sue!

By Forest speaks

February 24, 2009 5:52 PM | Link to this

Well, even if a board member thinks the ethic commission has overstepped its bounds, and even if a board member thought a spectacle was needed in order to sue, you’d hope that they’d sue for something more important than having a constitutional right to have a conflict of interest.

And that’s all I got to say about that.

By To Forest Speaks

February 24, 2009 5:54 PM | Link to this

Besides which, he clearly has no interest in doing anything for the school system, the children or to help get accreditation back. It is all about him. Clearly, he just needs the $1000 per month board members get paid b/c he is such a lousy attorney!

By Forest speaks

February 24, 2009 6:01 PM | Link to this

The one thing you can say is that if somehow, after all this, he manages to pull off a win in court and get his seat back, nobody will be able to say he’s a lousy attorney. I wouldn’t be holding my breath though.

And that’s all I got to say about that.

By Does King have a point?

February 24, 2009 6:16 PM | Link to this

This quote was in the News Daily.

King, however, argued he could not be denied his seat, citing a passage in the legislation which created the ethics commission. The legislation says, “No disciplinary action shall occur until all appeals have been exhausted, and the accused member shall remain a voting member of the board until that time.”

I’ve yet to see anyone put forth a reason to think he can win his seat back permanently, but on the very narrow legal point of being allowed to sit in last night’s meeting, does he have a case?

By Get Real

February 24, 2009 6:18 PM | Link to this

King should just take it like a man and walk away gracefully and quit causing the school system and the children so much grief. But, he doesn’t have enough decency to do that - no - he has to stick around and act like a total a$$. Heaven help us!

By We could have saved thousands

February 24, 2009 6:29 PM | Link to this

If CCPS had only spent $51.72 for a shirt for each member of the dance team, school bus drivers would be safe from terrorist attacks today.

By Separate But Unequal

February 24, 2009 6:33 PM | Link to this

Clayton County still have a Segregated School System. Look at the Demographics Ethnic breakdown of the student population to be 72.54 percent black; 14.74 percent Hispanic; 4.46 percent Asian or Pacific Islander; 4.39 percent white; 3.75 percent multi-racial, and 0.09 percent American Indian or Alaska Native.

The white people in the county even had to give away the accreditation to get two White Female integrated on the school board. This New School Board have not done anything; and won’t do anything, but pay a Old White Man Parliamentarian over $100,000 to regulate the Negro. This money can be used on the poor little black children that’s suffering in the Segregated School System Yet all the BOE have to do is Run Thompson Off, a black man!

By Don't make a mockery of the process

February 24, 2009 6:41 PM | Link to this

Why didn’t they just hire one of the members of the Mock Trial championship team to be the Parliamentarian? I’m sure any one of them could explain Robert’s Rules of Order to the BOE for a heck of a lot less than $100,000 a year.

By For Real

February 24, 2009 6:47 PM | Link to this

To Blogger, Get Real, can you see the Clayton minority white folks dictating what can and can’t happen on the BOE?

By DD

February 24, 2009 6:48 PM | Link to this

LOL! The parliamentarian does not make $100,000! That is funny. He makes like $100 per hour. SACS required the district to have a certified Parliamentarian. Where do you people get this information.

By the facts

February 24, 2009 6:51 PM | Link to this

There are two key items that pertain to Mr. King’s rights under HB1302.

First, The accused board member shall have the right to appeal the commission´s decision to the board by filing a notice of appeal with the chairperson of the commission and the chairperson of the board within 15 days of the decision. If such a notice of appeal is filed, the commission shall transmit to the board all transcripts and evidence from the hearing.

The right to appeal does not itself constitute an appeal. The appeal process does not commence until an appeal is filed. This is implicit in the wording of the following statement that “If such a notice of appeal is filed, the commission shall transmit to the board all transcripts and evidence from the hearing”

The only automatic appeal I know of concerns the death penalty and that is not an option for the commission.

Second, No disciplinary action shall occur until all appeals have been exhausted, and the accused member shall remain a voting member of the board until that time.

There is no appeal to exhaust until it is filed.

By For Real

February 24, 2009 6:58 PM | Link to this

DD Why is Clayton the ONLY County BOE in the NATION with a Parliamentarian.

Blogger GET REAL, you say a man and walk away gracefully and quit causing the school system and the children so much grief. You white folk can’t walk away and leave the BLACK SCHOOL SYSTEM and it’s money alone!

By catlady

February 24, 2009 7:00 PM | Link to this

That is SNIDELEY WHIPLASH.

Clayton Co sure has a lot of money to throw around for a “poor” county ($50 bus driver shirts(think how much the pants and jackets would cost!), multiple attorneys, very expensive temporary superintendent with incredible perks, throwing away diplomas) WHAT ABOUT EDUCATING THE CHILDREN?

I don’t think CC will get back accreditation this decade! They have truly shown no ability to get back on track!

By DD

February 24, 2009 7:03 PM | Link to this

For Real - first of all, many boards have a parliamentarian - do your homework. Second of all, if SACS requires the Board to have a mime at every board meeting to get accreditation back, then they have to do it. Get over it.

By DD

February 24, 2009 7:08 PM | Link to this

P.S. For Real - I am black! Clearly, CCPS is run by a black dominated board - what are you talking about?

By ,,,=^..^=,,,

February 24, 2009 7:09 PM | Link to this

Yep, these white folks don’t give a damn about these little black kids. They only give a damn about Hartfield Airport Money to the school system. that the main reason for accreditation loss (dollars come from the Airport).

By Clear Thinking

February 25, 2009 9:28 AM | Link to this

Clayton County Residents you are being shafted again. It is not about Michael King at all. Again your attention is being diverted to keep your eyes off the prize. The question for this board is, who do you serve? A more pressing question would be, how many minortity contracts were awarded last year and how many will be awarded this year?

By Hope

February 25, 2009 9:41 AM | Link to this

Clayton County Residents you are being shafted by Michael King like always right along with Michael King close friends John Trotter, Lee and Jewel Scott, Rick Scoggin, Wayne Hall, Ben Davis, State Rep. Roberta Abdul Salaam, State Rep. Jordan, Victor Hill, Leslie Miller Terry, and not lest us all forget that Dummy Clown Ex-Riverdale Mayor Graham, and the Whole Clayton County Democratic Party, as this is the short list as I am sure there could be more that can be added.

They all have been a serious problem for Clayton County since 2002.

By martin

February 25, 2009 10:27 AM | Link to this

I hope this doesnt sound racist but has anybody else noticed that african american women cant drive very well?

oh wait, this isnt the vent is it…hard to tell the difference from some of the postings

By Chill

February 25, 2009 11:26 AM | Link to this

Hope (aka Riverdale Michelle): Chill. It will be alright. A handful of people (perhaps Gunny, Bob) will visit your Boot site one day.

By MICROSCOPE

February 25, 2009 11:52 AM | Link to this

CCBOE and the the L. O’Keefe led white hand picked so-called Ethics Commission need to remove Michael King from the BOE. Then King can go to the FEDS and tell how the WHITE MINORITY in Clayco along with SACS Elgart and the Gov is threaten these 50,000+ Little Black Kids Accreditation in a fight for Money and Power!

The whole accreditation issue have always been about White Folks, Money & Power. The FEDS will shine a Worldwide Spotlight on all this Southern RACISM against the poor little Black Child which is now 85%+ population in the school! Segregation in deed. The whites are STEALING the Money.

Examples: Hire a ole “White Man” “Parliamentarian $80,000 per year, Hire another School System Attorney “ole White Man “Brock”, Bosched Bus Uniform Deal= No-Bid Contract to the White Boys! Now how can you tell me this isn’t about White Folks, Money&Power.

BLANTANT RACISM with a Black BOE with it hand tied worried about the least of these Accreditation, not quality education!

By Clayton County Plantation

February 25, 2009 12:14 PM | Link to this

To Venterwho said, “Laws are being set into motion that will stop any school in Georgia from going thru what Clayton County has went thru. With the passage of these new laws the govenor of Georgia can remove members of the school board, finally a law with teeth.” That the reason we don’t have accreditation now. All you white folks have been running to Elgart and Sonny crying about your perception of being shut out of contracts in CCPS.

By whatever.

February 25, 2009 12:29 PM | Link to this

I see people are already rewriting history to suit their own agenda the reason we lost accreditation is not because of the whites it is because of the incopentence and crooked dealings by the former school board. and the person who ran to SACS to tattle was black . You must be a pathological liar who believes their own lies. Bet you are great fun at that part of one you always have with your multiple personalities.

By Clayton County Plantation Worker

February 25, 2009 12:31 PM | Link to this

On the white Give-em the-Boot Website, the white folk now want to get rid of the ENTIRE BOE again!! This threat comes because some BOE members wants Job Cuts, Freeze on all hiring, renewals, transfers or any additional positions starting in the Majority White Top Heavy CCPS Administration Building. Another Effort by the whites to Foil the Black Children chance of getting accreditation back!!!

By Rev. Jimmy Jack Bourbon

February 25, 2009 12:39 PM | Link to this

I met with Alieka Anderson, Julie Lewis, and John Thompson yesterday for lunch at Nicolai’s Roof. They asked me if I would come up with some suggestions about naming the new high school off of Upper Riverdale Road. I understand that they had asked the community for input, but they got virtually no responses. So, I thought that I would bounce off some possible names with our church-at-large. What about Norreese Haynes High School (Home of the Land Deals or Mobile Candidates); Land Deal High School (Home of the Back Room Dealers or Moneychangers); Rock Quarry High School (Home of the Stonemen or Rocks); John D. Stephens High School (Home of the Gwinnettians or the Donators or the Developers; “Go Developers, Go, Go Go!”); The Strange, No Superintendent’s Signature High School (Home of the Erickas); Eldrin & Ericka High School (Home of the Partners); Wade Starr High School (Home of the Schemers or the Smart…well, we’ll let Wade tell you about this; “Let’s go, Smarties!”); Alex Cohilas High School (Home of the Useds or Fall Guys or Tokens); Glenn Dowell High School (Home of the Bow Ties); Alieka Anderson High School (Home of the Clueless or Roses); Sir Gunny High School (Home of the Interlopers or Blogoholics); Frank Bailey High School (Home of the Letter Writers); Michelle Bruce High School (Home of the One Hit Wonders or Boots); John Thompson High School (Home of the Mandingos or Jokers); Eldrin Bell High School (Home of the Pink Ponies or Incompetents or Meddlers); Terrell Starr High School (Home of the School System Insurers); Truett Cathy High School (Home of the Closed-on-Sundays or Sweet Waitresses); Victor Hill High School (Home of the Loud Loiterers); Fincher & Denmark High School (Home of the Legal Moochers); Annie Bright High School (Home of the Grudges); Michael King High School (Home of the Wisemen); Deborah Benefield High School (Home of the Homecookers or Demon Judges); Ron Dotson High School (Home of the Hospital Losers; this is logical since the new high school could take over this land); Maureen Downey High School (Home of the Chickens; she can criticize ole Clayco but she is afraid to traverse the beautiful Tara Boulevard); Larry O’Keefe High School (Home of the Pony Tails or Dali Lamas); Bob Hartley High School (Home of the AliekaLikers or Wannabes); Morris Braswell High School (Home of the Nervous); Matt Simmons High School (Home of the Hand-offs; “Deborahhhhhhhh…I have another one for you!”); Michelle Strong High School (Home of the Jackanapes); Lee Scott High School (Home of the Runners; “Yes, Jewell, I’m running again”); Jim Wood High School (Home of the Takers…eh, not Lakers, but Takers); and, of course, John Trotter High School (Home of the Troublemakers [like the Cairo Syrupmakers], Controllers [since he controls the whole county…even orchestrated Wade’s Takeover and King’s Debacle], or, the best, I believe would be the Hypnotists, the Dimestore Demogogues or, better yet, the Svenghalis; “Go, Crazies, Go!”).

Now, these suggestions ought to help Alieka, Julie, and JohnBoy. We know that they have little institutional knowledge…but someone may want to let them know what happens when their little administration keeps dilly-dallying around on such matters of processing a grievance filed by a teacher. Call down to Griffin and check out what happened yesterday. Yours truly, the good ole Rev. and his pastoral posse had to take a trek down 19-41. Shock & Awe, baby! Had to have a little Constitutional Law Class…on the street, of course…with cameras and videos running (the most effective way to stave off the Po Po because they don’t always like the Constitution and when the media shows up, they run like roaches when the lights turn on). Oh, how we have to baptize these interlopin’ superintendents. We have to do it Baptist-style. No sprinkling at my church, baby! We dunk’em all the way under the wa-wa.

By Layed Off County Plantation Worker

February 25, 2009 1:13 PM | Link to this

It’s 2009! Let’s name the New High School, waittt for it! Barack Obama High School! Yes, and let’s call him to come down to Clayton “Dedicate” this new unaccredited High School in his name. I bet you that one way to get accreditation back!!!!HaHaHaHaHa!!! I will submit it Today.

By Earl of Ft. Liquordale

February 25, 2009 1:59 PM | Link to this

Hey, Rev., I was reading your list. The Mrs. has me on lock-down down here in Liquordale. I’m very bored now. I hate shuffle-boarding. You left off Lois Baines-Hunter High School (Home of the Cheezecakes). Is that a good suggestion? I would also like to see a high school named after my superintendent, Mr. Stroud. Ernest Stroud High School (Home of the Benevolent Dictators). He was indeed dictatorial, and everyone knew not to cross him (except that crazy John Trotter). He was benevolent, though, if you were on his team. And, I can tell you that he never met anyone down at Nicolai’s Roof. Heck, that’s why the budget is out of whack. All that expensive dining and trip-taking, and, of course, those humongous salaries (and hidden perks and benefits) that John Thompson and Julie Lewis draw. No, Mr. Stroud and Pete and Emmett met in the back room of Butch’s. Of course, Pete liked to steer them to Pilgreen’s in Morrow. (I heard it closed. What a shame. Butch’s is still open, I’m sure.) Those were the days. Mr. Stroud decided not to run again (he couldn’t have won), and Pete was his chosen one. But, Pete lost to Joe in 1986 (46% to 54%). Joe lost in his own GOP Primary in * in the Fall election. Huge win. The board refused to re-appoint *Bob when the state went to appointed superintendents in I995. Hairston came her in March of 1995 was ushered out (allowed to formally resign) in January of 2000, right before the qualifiying for elections. Colwell was appointed as Interim (although he took this off his business cards) Superintendent, and he lasted until January of 2003 when Nedra Ware & Gang fired him. Chavis was appointed Interim Superintendent. Lasted for one year when Ericka’s choice, Barbara Pulliam, came to town. Barbara was essentially forced to resign in July of 2007, and Duncan was installed, although Ericka was pushing for Ms. Jackson. I think Gloria was removed in April when this Thompson fellow showed up — mysteriously, I must say. He’ll be gone too. Clayton County is a graveyard for superintendents. None whom I know ever left or resigned because they truly want to go. It’s just heck on a superintendent. They haven’t figured out the secret formula yet. It’s a riddle. We used to talk about this secret in the Hunting Club down in Talbot. None of the folk can figure it.

Rev., I’m glad to see you back on here. They got mad at me for my antics out in California at the Strong Tithing in Recessionary Times Conference. Cousin Elvis hasn’t talked to me since. But, Rev., I know that you don’t hold grudges. I can’t stand dealing with folks who hold grudges.

I hope that the Clayco School System will get its stuff together. Yeah, that Sam King guy is the right choice. They couldn’t do any better than King. He’s smart, reasonable, and has some understanding of the secret formula.

Gotta go. Another trip with the Mrs. to the Pompano Flea Market.

By Black Eye

February 25, 2009 2:59 PM | Link to this

The Secret Formula is waittttt for it! Black Folk give the Whites Folk all the School System’s Money & Shut the hell Up!!!!

By Y2K?

February 25, 2009 3:28 PM | Link to this

I don’t know of any white folk in Clayco. They all moved out. All I know is about he inept and clueless black folk who are elected to serve.

By The historian

February 25, 2009 3:28 PM | Link to this

The race baiting hate postings on this blog are offensive to anyone that actually lived through and participated in the civil rights movement. These are the comments of someone that whishes to use racial divisiveness to promote his own agenda at the expense of the community. Clayton County needs harmony and cooperation if we are to overcome the very real challenges we face. The demographics quoted in this individual’s posts are true. They contend that as Clayton County is majority African American the minority ethnic population should not have a voice in the government. For someone that lived through the violence and hate filled era of the 50’s and 60’s this rhetoric has a familiar ring. This same majority to minority ratio argument was used by many of the staunchest segregationists in their objections to African Americans being elected to public office. These segregationists used the very same tactics to divide the then majority White European Americans. Many of these White European Americans were proponents of civil rights legislation. They recognized the basic wrong that the Jim Crow laws represented and many of them supported and marched with Dr. King and others. The segregationists used hate and fear tactics in their attempts to dissuade these right thinking open minded individuals from promoting and participating in the civil rights movement.

In what is really an ironic twist, the individual suspected of promulgating this racially divisive rhetoric is himself white. This individual is using these race bating tactics to promote and enlarge his own organization’s membership by instilling a sense of fear and hate in the majority African American population that is his membership recruitment base. This individual is attempting to manipulate the majority of good open minded right thinking community members using hate and race so as to further his own enterprise. He accuses the white minority of only being interested in money and power, while all along money and power are his true motivation.

Those of you that are old enough to remember will find these tactics reminiscent in style of one of the staunchest and most vile self styled white supremacist segregationists Georgia has ever seen. He also was a self proclaimed lawyer. He was convicted of fire bombing Bethel Baptist Church in Birmingham Alabama in 1958. I will not call his name but many older citizens will remember his penchant for wearing a bow tie.

Citizens of Clayton County do not be hoodwinked and manipulated by this race baiting hate monger. See him for what he truly is, a self serving power hungry money grubber. If we don’t see this for what it is then we are just as stupid as he implies in his posts.

By Wondering

February 25, 2009 3:37 PM | Link to this

Can’t someone find John Trotter a school to picket so he will stop all this race mess on these blogs. Kimberly can’t you block this man?? Everyone remember that Trotter is a white man that loves to get blacks beleiving that all whites are out to get them. When that happens he can get his hands in thier pockets. Trotter has been a cancer in Clayton County and its schools for years.

By Kim White

February 25, 2009 4:04 PM | Link to this

Bob Hartley? Who is this man? What is his background and why is his name popping up so much? Info please!

By Smoove B

February 25, 2009 4:08 PM | Link to this

Man, one of the posters way back on the list had it right. As evidenced by this board, the majority of Clayton County residents are just like argumentative, petulant little children, pretending to be adults (but having no idea how). I’m socially very liberal, and have kept warning my friends to “give Clayton a chance, they’ll figure it out.” I was wrong. You people have no idea how to govern your own school board, not to mention your County government, not to mention your own financial situations, not to mention your own children … . In fact, the only “talent” I see from this blog is the ability to “creatively” (I’m being nice) use diction and grammar.

By Believe Me I'm Black

February 25, 2009 4:13 PM | Link to this

To Blogger the Histrian.

I don’t know why you white folk think Trotter is the only person that can see through your Staunchest Segregationists Tatics and call a spade a spade or should I say a KLAN a KLAN! All Blacks in the metro see this MEDIA ONSLAUGHT SPONSORED and PAID FOR by you whites.

All aimed to belittle our Black Elected Officials, Stevie Wonder can see that! Answer me this: “What Black Persons in Clayton will spend the kind of money being spent to belittle our own in the Media? Black Folk in Clayton don’t have that kind of Money. You simple-minded whites on this blog thinks we Negroes are stupid. Swine it’s a different day but your KLAN Tatics don’t change!

By The analyzer

February 25, 2009 5:11 PM | Link to this

To Believe Me I’m Black I don’t believe you

By Ebonic Diction

February 25, 2009 5:13 PM | Link to this

To blogger Smoove B

You sound like the TYPICAL Republican Swine! You talk about overseeing local governments. Yet you didn’t cry when the local government was white run and stealing, you were fine with that. You sound like the TYPICAL Republican Swine! They’re crying about Obama’s Spending but was silent when Bush ran up a “Three Trillion Dollar Debit”.

Now you Swine want to talk. Even your Governor is crying about taking Billions of Dollars from the FEDS, when he have run the State in a $2.6 billion hole. He’ll rather Starve his own people! I’ll tell you what you sound like – A Simple-Minded Silly Swine!!!!

Now here you are crying about creative use diction and grammar; instead of the little black child’s accreditation! Yeh, simple-minded CLOWN.

By Ebonic Diction

February 25, 2009 5:18 PM | Link to this

To the blogger: The analyzer, bend over I show you!

By Ebonic Diction II

February 25, 2009 5:20 PM | Link to this

To the blogger: The analyzer, bend over and I’ll show you! Again,again and again!!!

By The analyzer

February 25, 2009 5:21 PM | Link to this

To Ebonic Diction

Why not use a name to match the quality of your post. Ivory MORON

By Still waiting

February 25, 2009 5:24 PM | Link to this

For all the people who want to elevate the BOE to Founding Father status for being able to follow directions when an $80,000 a year babysitter tells them what to do, we’re still waiting for you to show us the first policy, either proposed or implemented, that actually has a real impact on empowering teachers in the day to day instruction of the students of CCPS.

After all, what is the purpose of the BOE, to perform Kabuki theater for Mark Elgart’s amusement, or to help impact teaching and learning in tangible, positive ways?

That those who praise the board can’t point to a single accomplishment that has a direct, positve impact on the classroom shows clearly, that while critical thinking skills are being taught inside the classroom, they obviously aren’t being applied outside the classroom.

It’s a dog and pony show, with the citizens being left with the poop after the parade has passed.

By Smoove B

February 25, 2009 5:44 PM | Link to this

Quod erat demonstrandum.

By Modus Operandi

February 25, 2009 6:04 PM | Link to this

All this board has demonstrated is an canine and equine circus maximus.

And when it comes to the day to day instruction of the students, all we have is excrement to show for it.

By Hope

February 25, 2009 6:05 PM | Link to this

What’s Up there Chill

I am not Michelle from Riverdale as you so put it thank you, as I live down here in the good ole Panhandle of Clayton County, as far as my post everyone here in the County knows I

By Hope

February 25, 2009 6:08 PM | Link to this

What’s Up there Chill

I am not Michelle from Riverdale as you so put it thank you, as I live down here in the good ole Panhandle of Clayton County, as far as my prior post everyone here in the County knows I am Right that is NO secret.

As everyone on here in the past has been trying to find out who everyone is on here and of course some can by the way they type ,but you can not always go with that either because I will type like anyone’s pattern just to confuse people.

By Still waiting

February 25, 2009 6:22 PM | Link to this

With all the back and forth, still no one has been able to point to one specific policy, that this board has implemented, that has a tangible, positive effect on the day to day instruction in the classroom.

What good are Robert’s Rules of Order, if you have no accomplishments to show for it?

By Does it ever end?

February 25, 2009 6:30 PM | Link to this

So now the school system attorney has had a complaint filed against her, for her alleged actions at a board meeting? Does it ever end in ClayCo?

By Rev billy bob

February 25, 2009 6:31 PM | Link to this

Earl is John Trotter. 100% Earl (from Fla) blogs about events concerning JT in first person on the same day he says he is in FLA. Earl says he is a retired teacher - JT was let go. You can call that (forced) retirement, I guess.

AS for Earl’s penchant for dropping names of people and places in Clayton. It is just a reminder of the many years we citizens have had to put up with his BS and race-baiting.

Nedra Ware did not fire Colwell - they bought out his contract for 300k - when they could have voided his contract extension and he would have been gone in less than 6 months for no money. Not one of your finer moments - except it did cause the subject of your displeasure(the CCPS)to spend money it need not have.

Besides JT (Earl) you should know most of the good eating places - you and Noreese spent alot of your time and MACE (teachers) money stuffing your pieholes. Nothing else to do - unless you go for that Marietta situation.

Beside Earl (JT) Sam King knows your history and you will not get any farther with bullying him that you have with Thompson. He intimidates you don’t he. You standing beside Thompson really does bring to mind - well - let’s just say you would look good in a green suit holding a 4 leaf clover and a long pipe.

By House

February 25, 2009 6:36 PM | Link to this

Everyone know Michelle of Riverdale moon light as Virus Data on the Boot and Hope on the AJC. No secret.

By Hope

February 25, 2009 6:49 PM | Link to this

House, well your totally wrong there LOL, ok then one could say you House is John Trotter or better yet Lee Scott and that is ” NO SECRET “

By Snow

February 25, 2009 6:55 PM | Link to this

I know for fact VirusData over on the Boot is not Michelle from Riverdale, VirusData does not even live in RIverdale but in Rex Ga and works for IBM up in Atlanta, as VirusData helped me and my kids out with problems with our computers.

You all on here are just throwing names out and not know the true facts wow.

By Still waiting

February 25, 2009 6:57 PM | Link to this

For all the people who want to blame outside influences, not one of them have pointed to a single specific accomplishment of this BOE that has had a positive, tangible effect on the day to day instruction in the classroom.

In fact the only accomplishment that people can point to is the fact that the board can follow directions when an $80,000 dollar a year babysitting tells them what to do.

What good is order in the boardroom, when the BOE throws up a wall of silence, and takes no action concerning the chaos in the classroom?

By Snow

February 25, 2009 7:00 PM | Link to this

I know for fact VirusData over on the Boot is not Michelle from Riverdale, VirusData does not even live in RIverdale but in Rex Ga and works for IBM up in Atlanta, as VirusData helped me and my kids out with problems with our computers.

You all on here are just throwing names out and not know the true facts wow.

By thno3@yahoo.com

February 25, 2009 7:10 PM | Link to this

The only IBM I see here is what each board member says to themselves anytime the subject of actually addressing discipline in the schools is brought up.

By Apathy and hatred

February 26, 2009 8:40 AM | Link to this

With few exceptions, this board shows that it is the people of Clayton County that continue to turn against EACH OTHER, spew racist hatred, instead of uniting for a common good - THE CHILDREN and the school system. You come on here and complain but what are you really doing to try to improve anything? The voter turnout was pathetic in the school board races and we ended up with the same ol’ same ol’ because of it. WE MUST demand better for our children.

STOP turning against each other and pointing fingers and saying horrible, untrue things about each other. Act like the adult you would hope the children in our school system would grow up to be one day. Be proactive. Do something positive.

By Oh please

February 26, 2009 8:55 AM | Link to this

Alright, so it occurs to me that maybe Trotter has had very little to do with the politcial maneuvering in this county. Of course, being a narcissist and self-centered, he just loves the attention he gets when we accuse him on this blog. I propose that we just stop talking about him and stop talking to him, and maybe he will just go away. I say, it’s worth a shot.

By HLS

February 26, 2009 9:00 AM | Link to this

The board sets policy - they do not run the classrooms. You should blame those, whose job it is - the Superintendent, asst, superintendents, the principals , asst. principals and the teachers for the fact that they do not support nor adhere to the rules and regulations that are already in place.

By Honestly...

February 26, 2009 9:04 AM | Link to this

Regardless of how high voter turn-out had been, regardless of who got elected to the school board, the new school board would still have been under close scrutiny and over-blown criticism. That’s why I say we should give them a chance to prove themselves. If we get accreditation back, then all those attacking them will have to stick their feet in their mouths. If we don’t get it back, then we don’t get it back. Another round of elections will come around, and we will get to start all over again.

By Black Rain

February 26, 2009 9:08 AM | Link to this

Not talking about JT - he is, as you said, narcissist and self-centered. He would blog all day just by himself. He has plenty of personalities on this blog, all of his own making - with whom to have conversations with. It would be a Trotter lovefest.

By To Honestly ...

February 26, 2009 10:21 AM | Link to this

I do attend board meetings and the new Board has done nothing to help get accreditation back. It is the staff that has been working and doing everything to get it back. If they do get it back, it won’t be because of the new board!

By Mr Charlie

February 26, 2009 10:45 AM | Link to this

I have always maintained the greater % of blacks involved, the worse crime is, the worse living conditions are, more inefficient services are.

Be it Somolia, or Dekalb and Clayton counties. Can anyone prove me wrong?

Our new attorney general says we really need to talk about race, so lets start with this fact.

By Still waiting

February 26, 2009 10:55 AM | Link to this

HLS is right. The board doesn’t run the classroom. And neither do the teachers, administrators or Thompson. The students run the classroom. That’s because they know, and will even tell you to your face, that the teacher doesn’t get support.

Many of them might not be able to tell the difference between a real Rolex and a $20 knockoff, but when students can witness a student, or even a teacher, being physically assaulted, and administration letting it go with a slap on the wrist, they all, every last one of them, know what time it is.

There are enough board members with actual teaching experience to know this is a reality. But we have yet to see the first policy put in place that will have a direct, tangible benefit on the day to day instruction of the classroom. Nor have we seen the first policy put in place that will hold administrators accountable for the policies that are in place, and are currently being ignored. Maybe those on the board who were administrators don’t want to offend their friends, I don’t know.

All I do know is that when organized gang violence reared its ugly head, the only reaction of the board was to throw up a complete wall of silence, and pretend the incident never happened, while at the same time mulitple board members, multiple spokespersons, and Thompson all commented on the dance team story, in the hopes of driving the gang violence story out of the headlines. And give them credit it did work, because the average citizen wouldn’t allow themselves to see the forest for the thigh high socks and short shorts, but did allow themselves to have their one moment of moral outrage, before they went back to ignoring what’s really going on in their schools.

Why is there such a willingness to make excuses for this board, given the current state of teaching and learning conditions in the county, when they’ve done nothing to address them, and the only accomplishment the board can point to is the ability to follow directions when an $80,000 a year babysitter tells them what to do?

Still waiting.

By Lewis loses credibility

February 26, 2009 11:15 AM | Link to this

I don’t know if this Granger complaint has any merit at all, but when Attorney Lewis’ response is to accuse Granger of violating school board policy you lose a lot of credibility.

It would be one thing if Lewis was defending a teacher, or other staff member Granger made comments about, but when Granger made comments about Lewis herself, it simply looks like Lewis doesn’t want to be accountable for her actions concerning the Open Records request that Granger was referencing.

Maybe Lewis is totally in the right here, but when a main thrust of her response is to accuse Granger of speaking out about her in violation of board policy, it comes across as someone trying to silence a legitimate complaint.

Once again the BOE distinguishes themselves.

By Lewis MAINTAINS credibility

February 26, 2009 11:29 AM | Link to this

Lewis did not silence Granger at all, but merely pointed out that Granger was referencing several employees during another pointless rant during her public comments - in violation of Board policy; a board policy that the BOARD CHAIR should have been enforcing. As a long standing member of this community, I can tell you that Granger is no advocate for the children. She regularly shuts down the school system by filing ridiculous complaints against school officials and other public officials and filing other ridiculous requests that keep people from doing their jobs. GRANGER IS A NUISANCE plain and simple!

By Melanie Lee

February 26, 2009 2:04 PM | Link to this

Somebody please go and tell King and Granger to go and sit down somewhere. And take Thompson and Lewis with you too. Harump!

What part of: “The Clayton County BOE does not need any more negative attention” don’t ya’ll understand?

By Honestly...

February 26, 2009 2:28 PM | Link to this

I never accused anyone of not attending board meetings. All I am saying is that crying about it isn’t going to change anything. Those people stepped onto the Titanic.

By citizen

February 26, 2009 2:54 PM | Link to this

The community will come out in support of Linda Granger. Do not underestimate the woman. Lewis is disrespectful to the community. You should see her in action at the meetings. Thompson brought her in here.

By Oooh

February 26, 2009 3:00 PM | Link to this

Is Lewis that skinny, blonde lady? I think I know who you are talking about. She is very nasty and hateful.

By uh huh

February 26, 2009 3:22 PM | Link to this

Linda Granger is a nut case just like half of the other Clayton NAACP folks who think it’s still the 1960’s. Go to any of the school and commission board meetings and see for yourself. If Dorsey Hopson was still here, there would be no complaint. Granger only made a complaint because Lewis is white. It’s not about respect, it’s about skin color.

By DD

February 26, 2009 4:33 PM | Link to this

Lewis is not skinny and blonde. She is one of the only intelligent, credible, qualified employees in CCPS! She has amazing credentials, and she has been very helpful to the community. She is of average height and build. When I called her for help, she was incredibly kind and gracious. Thompson did not bring her in to Clayton. She didn’t even know him.

On the other hand, Granger is a NUT!

By uh huh

February 26, 2009 4:50 PM | Link to this

Linda Granger is a nut case just like half of the other Clayton NAACP folks who think it’s still the 1960’s. Go to any of the school and commission board meetings and see for yourself. If Dorsey Hopson was still here, there would be no complaint. Granger only made a complaint because Lewis is white. It’s not about respect, it’s about skin color.

By Still waiting

February 26, 2009 5:53 PM | Link to this

Four days of comments and still, none of those who praise the board can point out the first specific accomplishment of the board, that actually has a direct, positive impact on the day to day teaching and learning in Clayton County.

The only accomplishment that has been pointed out is that the BOE can say please, thank you, and I second the motion, when an $80,000 a year babysitter gives them directions.

Not exactly the stuff legends are made of.

By Once again Thompson abuses his power

February 26, 2009 6:08 PM | Link to this

Once again the Thompson regime tries to bully and intimidate a CCPS staff member, this time an administrator. This was in the News Daily in regard to Thompson trying to find a scapegoat for the dance team; all the while being silent of course on the documented gang violence at the same school.

“They said ‘Sign it, and you’ll be suspended for three days, and there will not be a tribunal, but if you don’t sign it, there will be a tribunal and it will be open to the public and media to attend,’” Martin said.

So here we have a clear cut case of attempting to intimidate.

She refused to sign. An additional two days were added to her suspension, Martin said. She has not yet served the suspension because it has been put on hold while she appeals her punishment to the tribunal, Martin said.

And now we have retaliation by Thompson when the employee refuses to be bullied.

The school system does not announce the dates of tribunal hearings for employees or students to the local media.

And now we see that Thompson has zero integrity, and resorts to outright lies, attempting to bully the employee with threats of a public spectacle, when it’s clear there is no real way for the public to even know when the hearing would be.

If it’s this bad for administrators, you can bet it’s even worse for teachers.

If people think restoring accreditation to CCPS is going to actually restore any sense of integrity to the system, then those people really have no idea of what CCPS is all about. None whatsoever.

By BB

February 26, 2009 6:24 PM | Link to this

Granger is inconsequential. Just go to any BOE meeting where she constantly addresses the BOE. To see her in action is a waste. The lady should have someone else talk before the BOE if she really wants her issues addressed. She is no public speaker; no one can understand her speech patterns, which harkens back to old stereotypes. Even black folk in the crowd look at each other in dismay and say, “What the hell did she just say?” People have a tendency to wait until she is done and go “next”. This is a pity – for surely, some of what she talks about does deserve to be considered, but since her speech is so bad – few will take the time. Now the local NAACP is giving her a position – good move. The AJC’s Megan really had to clean up the last quote attributed to this woman. Ms. Granger should thank her for not quoting her directly and phonetically. Megan’s computer undoubtedly has a very good spell checker and grammar checker. And since Granger is at so many meetings – she knows that she is not to name individuals in the public comment part of the BOE meeting. Just trying for more publicity, now that she is a NAACP official.

And the statement made by HLS stands – that if the students run the schools – and teachers are not supported – it is the fault of the school principals and asst principals and along with the fault of no support from the Superintendent and asst. superintendents. The board needs to make sure any prospective Superintendent will pledge to actively support the rules in place and provide punishment consequences for anyone in the chain of command who does not actively support the rules. The board makes policies for the school system and there are policies in place concerning the behavior of students and the safety of teachers. The BOE’s recourse is get rid of the Superintendent – for it is he that oversees the administrators in the system – not the BOE. It is the job of your local principal to handle disruptive or dangerous students and to send them to Alternative school if need be. But that may be hard to do – esp. in some high schools where the principal is one of the “CREW”. Sounds like we could use a bunch of new principals and superintendent.

This BOE has only been in place for 2 months so give them a little break. They have done work to help get the accreditation back - first and foremost - except for a few exceptions (Michael King) they have run the meetings well and with respect for one another. It is a far cry from the days of Norreese Haynes, Sandra Scott, Lois Baines-Hunter and Rod Johnson. Their antics were the prime reasons for our losing accreditation in the first place.

By Does the ethics chairman need to censure himself?

February 26, 2009 6:30 PM | Link to this

King has filed his appeal. Not sure the constitutional argument has much merit, and even so, sure doesn’t justify the questionable judgement.

Still the AJC reports the following.

“During the process, he should not serve as a board member,” said Robert Flournoy, chairman of the ethics commission.

Yet this is in direct contradiction to what the News Daily says.

The legislation says, “No disciplinary action shall occur until all appeals have been exhausted, and the accused member shall remain a voting member of the board until that time.”

Is the News Daily wrong, or did the head of the ethics commission not bother to even read the legislation, because the commission wasn’t created for ethics, it was created for politics?

By needs a good laugh

February 26, 2009 6:35 PM | Link to this

Hey, don’t bad mouth Granger. I have always considered her the comic of the board meetings. I look forward the her bit at each meeting. I think they should give her double time just to provide everyone with a good laugh.

By commenter

February 26, 2009 6:44 PM | Link to this

I’d like to censure a few people on this blog. Starting with you.

By Wall of silence = No breaks

February 26, 2009 6:50 PM | Link to this

It is simply not acceptable to allow the board to totally abdicate their responsibilities, just because the administrators are not doing their job when it comes to enforcing current policies on student behavior.

If administration isn’t enforcing policies, then it’s up to the board to take leadership and come up with policies that will compel administration to do the right thing. It’s up to the board to use their platform, in setting parameters for a new supt. search, to make sure the public is assured that this is a main, if not the main, priority of the new supt.

And the cut them some slack, it’s only been two months argument would have more merit, if in that two months, they hadn’t thrown up a complete wall of silence about the media reports that at least four gangs are operating openly at Jonesboro High.

It may not be fair to hold them accountable for not solving something in two months, but it is absolutely appropriate to hold them accountable for not at least addressing it, and worse, for throwing a wall of silence up around it.

It’s amazing that people want to heap praise on this board, when the only tangible thing they have done is said please and thank you and been able follow directions when an $80,000 a year babysitter tells ou what to do.

Not exactly setting the bar high as far as expectations.

By SNEEK PEEK

February 26, 2009 6:57 PM | Link to this

Saw this on “Give-em the-Boot Website,” the white folk now want to get rid of the ENTIRE BOE again!! This threat comes because some BOE members wants Job Cuts, Freeze on all hiring, renewals, transfers or any additional positions starting in the Majority White Top Heavy CCPS Administration Building. Then again, another reason this group of whites may want to get rid of the ENTIRE BOE is because the BOE may be trying to run off that (old should be already retired group of whites) called the 49ers), they make huge dollars and only work 49% of the time. I’m with the new BOE, it sounds like good economical sense to me! Just another Effort by the whites to Foil the Black Children chance of getting accreditation back! However, we know SACS Elgart only listens to the whites in Clayton anyway!

By Say it ain't so!

February 26, 2009 7:00 PM | Link to this

Oh No, ain’t one of those 49ers SACS Elgart’s Kinfolk?

By To BB

February 26, 2009 7:17 PM | Link to this

You are spot on! That is exactly what I thought - who sat as in interpreter between the illiterate and incomprehensible Grainger and Megan so she could write that article and how did Megan clean up her language!? Hysterical!! I have never understood a word that woman has uttered!!

By lovejoy

February 26, 2009 7:25 PM | Link to this

its funny..The people of Henry Co complain tha their BOE has no sense….I think peopel just like to complain reardless. I bet you people in North Fulton and Fayette complain about their BOE also….You people in Clay Co. are fighting a losing battle…The proble is the low class people in the county….not just the BOE or BOC…its a overall class of people that do ANYTHING right.

HA hA HA AHH AHA ….This blog is hilarious

By To Wall of Silence - a.ka. Trotter

February 26, 2009 8:33 PM | Link to this

How can the Board solve all gang problems!?!? How about the parents of Clayton County start disciplining their kids, set rules, make them do chores, keep an eye on them and who they are hanging out with? The school system and the board cannot solve the gang problems if parents do nothing to control these hellions and allow them to run rampant and then call the school screaming and yelling when teachers and principals try to discipline them.

It is out of control! When I was young, I knew that if I got caught chewing gum in class, my butt was going to be too sore to sit down when I got home, and I wasn’t going to get a chance to explain or “tell my side of the story.” Today, kids go home and trash their teachers and the parents call the school ready to sue! It is abominable. The Board sets policy, they have a policy against gangs and to discipline students. There is nothing else for them to do but enforce it when student tribunals get appealed to them.

GET REAL! Know where the problems start and where they exist. AT HOME!

By Mojo Mist

February 27, 2009 7:58 AM | Link to this

To Wall of Silence,

I agree with you. It starts at home and must be reinforced at home. However, it is not realistic to think all parents care as much as others (I believe the majority of parents care and monitor their kids). Blaming parents for those that don’t give a rip, have serious issues at home, and are doing their children a great diservice is fine. The blame is justified and it lies right where it belongs. But pointing fingers isn’t going to help what continues to go on in our schools. It allows unsafe environments, unproductive learning, and distractions to continue. A secondary entity must step in to protect the rights of others who are there to learn - the reason why we have education. Believe me, I completely agree with you that it’s on the heads of parents. But some just don’t care. In that case, the schools must step in and protect the interests and goals of others.

By Mr Charlie

February 27, 2009 8:54 AM | Link to this

This just shows racists are right. Blacks are too ignorant and incapable of forming a functioning anything without whites. All blacks know how to do is cause problems, and without whites fixing them, it spirals down. You can see it in Clayton, you can see it in Detroit, you can see it in just about any country in Africa you care to name. Blacks just cannot govern. Other than dunk a basket ball, or make up a rhyme, blacks can’t do much of anything right. All they do is blame blame blame, it is fun to watch thought.

By Manone

February 27, 2009 8:56 AM | Link to this

to Wall - JT You no the BOE can not do much or they will be accused of the same crap you convinced Nedra, Sandra, Noreese, Connie, and LAtoya to do. Interfere and micro-management. They can only go so far.

By Omama

February 27, 2009 9:10 AM | Link to this

Isn’t it a double standard ? To raise all kind of ruckus (rightfully so) about the dancers doing the Hoochie-Coochie in public, but say and do nothing about their 14 year old girls and younger having to witness the spectacle of supposed young men walking around with their pants at their knees, 12 inches of underwear exposed, and constantly holding their crotch. How would the board like to constantly be exposed to this during meetings? Maybe some parents should dress down and make the point at the next meeting.

By Mr. Magoo

February 27, 2009 9:18 AM | Link to this

I love Alieka, I love Alieka, I love Alieka,I love Alieka,I love Alieka, I love Alieka, I love Alieka,I love Alieka,I love Alieka, I love Alieka, I love Alieka,I love Alieka,I love Alieka, I love Alieka, I love Alieka,I love Alieka,I love Alieka, I love Alieka, I love AliekaI love Alieka, I love Alieka, I love Alieka,I love Alieka,,I love Alieka, I love Alieka, I love Alieka,I love Alieka,I love Alieka,I love Alieka, I love Alieka, I love Alieka,I love Alieka,I love Alieka, I love Alieka, I love Alieka,I love Alieka,

By SA

February 27, 2009 9:33 AM | Link to this

It’s not about color. It’s about culture. Many blacks raised with two parents who are educated, and believe in accountability and hard work contribute a ton to society. It’s just that black culture on the grand scale doesn’t advocate education, staying out of jail, the father being a man and raising his children, or denounce entitlement. Black culture is infested with attitudes that foster failure, materialism, and living off others. Until the expectations of that culture changes, things stay the same and problems get worse.

Leadership in Clayton has allowed for this place to become a magnet for many who have this way of thinking. One can see what it does on a grand scale. To change Clayton, we must change the types of people we attract. And it’s not black/white/hispanic, etc. It’s the culture they come from.

By raja

February 27, 2009 10:05 AM | Link to this

SA

I have to agree with you. My parents finish high school in 1960 and started a family. I remember my father talking how whites thought less of them, so he always wanted to prove he was just as good and didn’t need no welfare service doing for his kids. He felt that made him less of a Man if someone else took care of his family.

Now everybody wants to getover, think someone else should take care of their kids. This county is full of lazy people who’s looking to get something for free.

By Killroy

February 27, 2009 10:21 AM | Link to this

Poor People = Welfare Rich People = Subsidies

It’s all the same!

By Black Rain

February 27, 2009 12:19 PM | Link to this

Kimberly

Some things on this blog - HAVE to be TAKEN OFF. The above comment is inflammatory an should be removed.

By Oh please

February 27, 2009 12:23 PM | Link to this

Black Rain - I have already submitted my request. It will be gone by the end of the day.

By Kimbelry Allen

February 27, 2009 12:29 PM | Link to this

Black Rain - I just submitted that post for removal directly to the editor.

I know I say this all the time … and there is no guarantee that certain posts will be removed … but I encourage anyone who is offended by any post to please use the Comment Removal Request area in the upper left hand corner of this blog.

Unfortunately, there are some who like to troll this blog because it seems they have nothing better to do than spread negativity & nonsense, and they post along that very fine line that keeps their posts from being removed.

Kimberly Allen

By Kimberly Allen

February 27, 2009 12:35 PM | Link to this

I forgot to add - as always, thanks to those who post with intelligence and actually want to have civilized conversation. I know it’s not always easy to ignore the bloggers who write inflammatory nonsense solely to get a rise out of us and start online catfights.

Kimberly Allen

By It begins at home is no excuse for the wall of silence

February 27, 2009 1:13 PM | Link to this

Let me get this straight. You want to totally excuse the BOE’s inaction on the day to day conditions in CCPS because it all begins at home?

Cue the AFLAC duck.

Let me put this in terms everybody can understand.

Can you imagine Victor Hill saying he shouldn’t be held accountable for 19,000 warrants not being served, because criminal behavior begins at home?

I think now we can see how patently ridiculous it is to say the board bears no responsibility. At the very least, they can bring attention to the issue. At the very least, they can make those who are supposed to be implementing policy testify before the board about why policy isn’t being followed. At the very least, they can implement policies that protect staff from retaliation when they file legitimate complaints. These are specific, tangible steps the BOE can take, and as long as they are policy specific, they can’t be accused of micromanaging.

But what they’ve done instead is create a wall of silence, and that, no matter how many excuses you want to make for the BOE, didn’t begin at home.

By To the mad math teacher

February 27, 2009 2:26 PM | Link to this

Maybe the board is focused on fulfilling the nine mandates to get accreditation back. Changing disciplinary policy was not on SACS list of recommendations. The board members have to give their constituents what they want and everyone wants the accreditation issue dealt with now.

By Silence not always golden

February 27, 2009 2:54 PM | Link to this

If you have open gang presence in the schools, attacks on students, and attacks on staff, and a history of CCPS not following its own policies in regard to such incidents, and yet all that doesn’t make one of SACS nine mandates, that tells you an awful lot about SACS’ concern, or lack of concern, for the students of Clayton County.

Of course why should he care about the safety of students and their learning environment? It’s not like he has children involved with CCPS. Just political connections who needed to be taken care of.

By BB

February 27, 2009 3:07 PM | Link to this

Apparently Victor Hill did not feel responsible for serving the 19000 warrants. Because he did not serve them. Bad example.

By Please understand the analogy

February 27, 2009 3:29 PM | Link to this

If Victor Hill had said he didn’t serve 19,000 warrants because crimnal behavior begins at home, he would have been laughed at even more than he already was, if that’s possible.

So, people who want to make excuses for the school board’s total silence on student behavior, because student behavior begins at home look, at best, like public relations hacks for the board, and at worst, downright foolish.

There are specific, tangible steps this board can take, and instead they put up a wall of silence when the opportunity presents itself. That people are ok with this, and in fact go out of their way to praise the board, shows a shocking lack of critical thinking skills, and is a pretty good indicator as to why they are getting the CCPS they deserve.

By To the mad math teacher

February 27, 2009 3:30 PM | Link to this

Yes. You are right. I absolutely agree with you, but there is only so much that 8 or 9 people can do with so much time. Why don’t you speak to the board about your concerns? Maybe you can get them to give the issue more priority that way. After all, you know they are only mildly concerned with this blog.

By Maybe

February 27, 2009 3:57 PM | Link to this

Maybe if teachers could go before the board, and know there were real protections against retaliation, not just protections on paper, but real protections with a real resolve to enforce them, then the public would finally get the eye opener they obviously need as to what really takes place on a daily basis at CCPS.

But even without that, there are enough board members with actual classroom experience, to make their wall of silence inexcusable. And despite what people want to say about factions on the board, that’s a blame that can be equally shared by all nine of them.

By Blast from Past

February 27, 2009 4:38 PM | Link to this

Hey Dead Poet - how ya been. Long time no hear.

Here come the discipline discussions - time after time from the man - DP - who has a passion on the subject. It does need to be addressed - go tell your concerns to your principal and to the superintentdnet and the asst. superintendents. They need to hear it - the BOE knows this already. The parents are the power in the CCPS - if only they would use it. And ya know what - Criminal behavior does begin at home. No Daddy - Mama working - no time for good parenting or disipline. And a school system too scared to put 10% of its kids in Alternative School. Are you willing to pay the taxes to have that as a reality?

By NEGROID

February 27, 2009 6:54 PM | Link to this

Mr. Charlie is a Angry White Man, Angry White Man, Angry White Man, Angry White Man. We blacks know why ANGRY! You’re Dumb, Silly and Uneducated; that obvious you still live in Clayton. Come on man, you’re white you were born with a SILVER SPOON in your mouth! All whites whom parents invested wisely reaped great wealth statrting back in the 50s,60s and 70s.

However, we see you were dumb and didn’t improve your life situation. Now you’re stuck living in your old dead mother’s house in Clayton. When you had the opportunity improve yourself in your teens, you were out drinking Mushroom Tea and Smoking Weed!

Now you must suffer and wallow with us blacks in this Clayton County Cesspool. Here you go po boy, here a dollar, go get yourself some Snuff and a miniture Jack Daniel. You dirty tooth swine!

Charlie, you knew I was coming back! Ok, let have a racial dialogue!

By ,,,^..^,,,

February 27, 2009 7:01 PM | Link to this

Clayton County still have a segregated school system. Look at the Demographics “Ethnic breakdown of the student population to be 72.54 percent black; 14.74 percent Hispanic; 4.46 percent Asian or Pacific Islander; 4.39 percent white; 3.75 percent multi-racial, and 0.09 percent American Indian or Alaska Native. The white people in the county even had to give away the accreditation to get two White Female integrated on the school board. This New School Board have not done anything; and won’t do anything, but pay a Old White Man Parliamentarian over $100,000 to regulate the Negro Yet all they have to do is Run Thompson Off!

By The ten percent solution

February 27, 2009 7:21 PM | Link to this

Actually, you could afford, if need be, to place up to ten percent of students in alternative school, once you realized that ninety of what is spent on “reform” is spent trying to address the small number of chronically disruptive children who refuse to follow the school norms.

Case in point. The so called School Improvement Specialists. They cost literally millions in the budget, but ask any teacher what would be more helpful, the input from a school improvement specialist, or the removing of the single most disruptive child in class?

And yes, the BOE knows the answer to that.

There are too many current and former teachers on the board to not know. They have too much first hand experience to not know that the millions spent on the folly of “reform,” including positions such as the so called school improvement specialists, are millions wasted if you don’t address the behavior issues of the most disruptive students.

To put it in terms most people can relate to, what would you rather have your tax dollars spent on. A neighborhood beautification specialist, or a beefed up police presence, that was able to remove a small group of vandals that were constantly wrecking havoc in your subdivision?

You don’t have to be on the BOE to know the answer to that one. Heck, you don’t even have to know how to spell BOE to get that one right.

That’s why, even if the BOE isn’t soley responsible, their wall of silence is inexcusable. But because the public is willing to make excuses for them, even when no one can point to a single accomplishment that has a tangible, direct, positive impact on the day to day instruction in CCPS, leads to an inescapable conclusion that the people are getting excatly the school system they deserve.