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Time to check those ballots
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It is no secret that change is wanted and badly needed in Clayton County across the board.
Some of these incumbents are trying to bring out the best in Clayton, while others bring out the best residents to challenge them for their job.
Below are all of the positions up for reelection and their incumbents click here to find your district :
Clerk of Superior Court: Linda Miller
County Commissioner: District 2 (vacated by Virginia Burton Gray); Wole Ralph (District 3)
County Commissioner Chairman: Eldrin Bell
District Attorney: Jewel Scott
Judge of Superior Court: Deborah Benefield; Matthew Simmons
Magistrate Judge: Daphne Melinda Walker (running unopposed)
Probate Court Judge: Pamela Ferguson (running unopposed)
School Board: Lois Baines Hunter (District 2); District 3 (to be vacated by Yolanda Everett); District 4 (nonpartisan special election held to replace Ericka Davis); District 5 (to be vacated by Wendell “Rod” Johnson); District 6 (vacated by Eddie White); David Ashe (District 7); District 8 (nonpartisan special election held to replace Norresse Haynes)
Senate: Valencia Seay (District 34); Gail Davenport (District 44)
Sheriff: Victor Hill
Solicitor General: Leslie Miller Terry
State Court Judge: Harold Benefield; Morris Braswell; Linda Cowen
State Representative: Georganna Sinkfield (District 60); Joe Heckstall (District 62); Roberta Abdul-Salaam (District 74); Celeste Johnson (District 75); Mike Glanton (District 76); Darryl Jordan (District 77); District 78 (to be vacated by Wade Starr)
Tax Commissioner: Terry Baskin (running unopposed)
U.S. Representative: David Scott
Which of the elected officials listed above are doing their job well, and deserve to continue serving us?
Stay tuned to this blog for details regarding upcoming political forums to be hosted by various civic organizations in Clayton, so you can hear from incumbents and their competitors.
In order to vote on July 15, you must register to vote at the Board of Elections by June 16 (if mailed must be postmarked by midnight, or taken into their office by 5:00pm) is June 16. You can also find out your school district here as well.
On May 16, MayFest 2008 takes “Steps To A Healthier Clayton” at Clayton County International Park (The Beach). Open to seniors 55+, health and wellness information will be provided, along with lunch and a fitness walk. Register at J. Charley Griswell Center, Aging Center, Shelnutt Center or Frank Bailey Center.
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Time to rally around Clayton teachers
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I had a different blog written for this week, but instead I decided to give a shout out to those teachers who decided to stick with us.
The last time Clayton County Public Schools went on probation, we lost several experienced teachers. But according to Fox 5 News, nearly 91 percent of our teachers have signed on for another year.
Most who left CCPS were newer teachers. Thankfully, our children will have some continuity and recognize that everyone has not given up on them. One less thing for our kids to think about regarding the accreditation mess, as many worried about losing their favorite teacher(s).
What’s most important is having educators in place that care about and know our children, and that our kids who value their education get to work with teachers they are familiar with.
It is also crucial that parents and the community as a whole get involved (and stay involved) in CCPS, the PTA and the Board of Education so that we are never again shut out of decisions regarding our school system.
While many are trying to flee Clayton and those who have already fled (or never lived here in the first place) twist the knife and enjoy the show, it is a blessing that these teachers are staying to give our children some stability, especially if we do lose accreditation.
But educators can not accomplish this alone. We must do our part on July 15 by voting in five new school board members who will put the students first.
Clayton, let’s rally around our teachers! Whether accreditation is lost or not, CCPS needs all the parental and community support they can get to help rebuild the system from the inside out.
Permalink | Comments (121) | Post your comment | Categories: Kimberly Allen
Thompson: Will he help Clayton?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Despite opposing advice from SACS, Governor Perdue’s appointed liaisons and former attorney Glenn Brock, our board of education exerted their authority and hired Dr. John W. Thompson as Clayton County public schools’ corrective superintendent.
Is he everyone’s ideal choice? No. But it is a done deal, so let’s focus on the positives, and where we can go from here:
Thompson has experience working with school boards from hell that specialize in in-house fighting. Also has a reputation for being abrasive, a characteristic he will probably need with our BOE. Doesn’t appear to be a “yes” man.
Turned a $40 million deficit into a $50 million surplus, albeit via raised taxes. CCPS can certainly use someone who will bring money into the system instead of consistently spending and mismanaging our tax dollars.
Tightened stance on truancy by tracking student attendance using an electronic database that automatically issued citations.
Created a student advisory council and parent help centers. Thompson’s ability to get parents and the community as a whole involved in their school system was one of his best attributes.
One consistent opinion I found (even from his critics) while researching Thompson is that he cares about children, which is most important. According to the Clayton News-Daily, his plan to improve CCPS includes:
“• Establishing a transition advisory committee, made up of educators from across Georgia, and the nation.
• Meeting with faith-based leaders, business leaders, students, parents, teachers, community leaders, and teachers’ union leaders to discuss ways to improve the school system. Metro Association of Classroom Educators (MACE) President John Trotter was the only person Thompson identified by name, however.
• Continuing to use the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council and the Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council.
• Using high performing students, such as Jonesboro High School’s Mock Trial team, Lovejoy High School’s Technology Student Association team, and E. W. Oliver Elementary School’s Stock Market Game teams as role models to encourage other Clayton County students to strive for success.
• Expanding the International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement (AP) programs.” Thompson also promises a “properly functioning [school] board”, although he declined to say how he’ll make that happen. Don’t worry Mr. Thompson, Clayton’s citizens will gladly assist you in fulfilling that promise come July 15.
Will any of the above save accreditation? Even Thompson cannot answer that, and those appointed to help have publicly written CCPS off. It definitely will not happen overnight nor without community involvement, but this could be the first step to making CCPS great again.
Permalink | Comments (162) | Post your comment | Categories: Kimberly Allen
BOE: Stop shutting out citizens
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The AJC recently filed a complaint against the Clayton County Board of Education alleging violation of the open meetings law.
Citizens were kept waiting for hours as the BOE privately discussed “personnel issues, disciplinary tribunal appeals, potential litigation or claims and real estate acquisitions,” according to news reports.
Based on the current state of Clayton County Public Schools, residents should be kept updated on ALL issues. Decisions made now will further affect our childrens’ future, property values and retaining accreditation.
According to my Q&A with Mark Elgart of SACS, “… parents and the community will need to intervene to ensure that the nine recommendations are addressed in a substantive and effective manner.
The challenges facing [CCPS] are not solely vested in the [BOE]. As the report indicates there are issues that must be addressed beyond the scope of the board. The system needs to rebuild its infrastructure. In doing so, it must fully engage the community so that the beliefs, values, and expectations of the community are embedded in the mission, goals, and purposes of the school system. It will take time to rebuild but the process must begin now.”
CCBOE members, you can not expect blind trust from Clayton citizens anymore. Your recent actions make us wonder what other secrets are being buried in the back rooms of 1058 Fifth Avenue.
Will we agree with everything our BOE does? Of course not. School boards in the best districts with good reputations do not enjoy such privilege.
But leaving us out of the process is unacceptable and inexcusable, especially since there are residents who want to be involved. Seems like our BOE is practicing the same politics that got us to this point in time.
With at least five seats (including chairperson) up for reelection in July and all of the anxiety and animosity felt throughout the community, one would think our BOE would show us more respect.
It should not take a lawsuit for the BOE to keep us informed considering all that is currently at stake.
Or is this just one more way to let us know you don’t give a __ (fill in appropriate expletive) what Clayton citizens think?
The next BOE meeting is scheduled for April 28 (work session), and the next regular meeting is on May 5.
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Help Wanted: Fix Clayton County
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There are several community organizations working to make Clayton a better place to live, work, attend school and play.
Each group has their own approach to bringing about change, but share a desire to make Clayton the best it can be. They all could also use help and support from residents.
“Clayton County Council of PTAs” (“CCCPTA”): According to council President Cyd Cox, “The CCCPTA is composed of representatives from each of the local PTAs/PTSAs located in Clayton County.
The Clayton County Council is linked to the Georgia and national PTA organizations, creating a network of people working to improve the experience and performance of children and youth in the public schools.
The local PTAs/PTSAs and its members are the grassroots of the council and, in addition to creating a sense of community, can have a major influence on the policies and practices (and laws) related to school functioning.”
CCCPTA will conduct political forums in May and June. Check with your local school PTA/PTSA for next meeting date. Call 678.908.8933 or email CCCouncilPTAs@bellsouth.net; http://www.claytoncollab.org/PTSA.html “
Clayton County Wide Homeowners Association” (“CCWHOA”).
Says co-founder Synamon Baldwin: “It is through the convening of regular town hall meetings, public forums and debates that we will educate and engage the citizenry of our county. We are committed to supporting and developing our Homeowner Associations by providing information and resources necessary to preserve the value of our property and the safety of our community.”
CCWHOA meets on the second Saturday of every month at Morrow’s National Archives. Meetings are open to members only unless otherwise stated. Call 404.396.2706 or email CCWHOA@aol.com.
The “Concerned Citizens Coalition” “…mission is to educate, plan and execute voter awareness initiatives within the county, to inspire civic involvement so as to create a sense of accountability among those we the citizens elect, to preserve accreditation and to bring needed political reform to Clayton County,” says Chairman Bob Hartley. Get the latest updates and action plans at www.socialnetwork.meetup.com/981 or call 866-257-0395.
“Concerned Citizens of Clayton County (“C4”) is a group of Clayton residents “who care about the community and the way in which the leaders in public office conduct the citizens’ business, particularly those whom are Clayton County Board of Education members,” according to Co-Chair Anthony Williams. On Saturday at 4 p.m. C4 will conduct a Mega Town Hall with topics ranging from SACS status, alternatives and options, candidate selection process and more. Go to http://groups.google.com/group/concernedcitizensofclaytoncounty or call 770.374.2144.
“Save Clayton County Schools” is a group of business leaders and elected officials who want to: 1) support the Clayton County Public School system in accomplishing the nine criteria set forth by SACS, 2) recruit and vet qualified candidates for the nine seats on the Clayton County Board for Education, and 3) support with our time, talent and money a qualified candidate for each of the nine seats of the CCBOE. Meetings held as needed. Call 770.692.2043 or email info@saveclaytoncountyschools.org. “
www.give-em-the-boot.com”.
According to website administrator Sgt. Rock, “The purpose is to be a conduit of information concerning the crisis in Clayton County, expose political connections and discuss potential and alleged corruption in government and those that are part and party to the uncivil discourse.
Because the site is personal opinion and individual reporting, there is no implied guarantee of accuracy and the site takes no responsibility for the opinion of others. It is merely a community tool for residents of Clayton County to share information.” The site boasts 162 members and hundreds of guests weekly. Guests may view the site’s content, but not post.
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Eldrin Bell and Terry Baskin. Given the circumstances and knowing that they are not the only ones making decisions, it’s a jpint decision, I think they have done a great job.... read the full comment by Red | Comment on Time to check those ballots Read Time to check those ballots
The Master Mole was undergound in getting information and found out this out as the mole army has bugs,cameras, nothing stops us no passwords or key cards or pads and no cameras. But really low life for the wesel to show up at a disaster area to... read the full comment by The Master Mole | Comment on Time to check those ballots Read Time to check those ballots
I (and my many other personalities, viz., DB, WFC, jim d [well, that’s the one I am using now], Lee, thomas, t williams, GAEfer, Nan, BABY, DJR, Jeff, lovelyliz, Mad_russian, V for Vendetta, HS Teacher Too, Catlady, Cactus, Mom3Boys, momtoAlex&Max,... read the full comment by jim d | Comment on Time to rally around Clayton teachers Read Time to rally around Clayton teachers
Save the Date for Upcoming POLITICAL FORUMS! The East Point/College Park Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and The Clayton County Wide Homeowners Association will partner to host two political forums. On... read the full comment by Kimberly Allen | Comment on Time to check those ballots Read Time to check those ballots