Get Schooled

By melissa

August 9, 2005 11:33 AM | Link to this

Parents who cheat to get their kids to a good school are ridiculous! Instead of spending so much time driving trying to get the kids to and from a school where they can’t ride the bus, why don’t they spend the time in their school district volunteering and helping out making that school better? It’s not just the teachers and administration that make a school great, it’s parent and community involvement. And if you aren’t spending time in your own community trying to make it better, then why do you live there?

By Melody

August 9, 2005 12:12 PM | Link to this

Instead of lying to get your children into a better school, why not use that energy and effort to make your local schools better? Don’t sacrifice the education of other students that live in the area because of greed.

By t

August 9, 2005 12:27 PM | Link to this

About 8yrs ago when I was going through a divorce, situation made it necessary for me and my then elementary school age daughter to move more then we would have preferred. However, due to the lack of stability in her home life, I was determined to keep her in a stable educational background where she knew teachers, had friend etc.

So, I used my Mother’s address and kept her in one of the best schools in GA. We are now in the district, and I have no regrets about what I did.

I don’t think the kids should be penalized - - let them finish out the YEAR, don’t up root them mid year.

By t

August 9, 2005 12:32 PM | Link to this

About 8yrs ago when I was going through a divorce, situation made it necessary for me and my then elementary school age daughter to move more then we would have preferred. However, due to the lack of stability in her home life, I was determined to keep her in a stable educational background where she knew teachers, had friends etc.

So, I used my Mother’s address and kept her in one of the best schools in GA. We are now in the district, and I have no regrets about what I did.

I don’t think the kids should be penalized - - let them finish out the YEAR, don’t up root them mid year.

By Jack

August 9, 2005 01:17 PM | Link to this

Parents who are dishonest about their home address should have their children removed from the school. Then the school should fine the offending parents.

By Jennifer

August 9, 2005 01:23 PM | Link to this

Yep, I’ve done it. At the time we were living in a home in Midtown and my chidren were going to wonderful schools. But, the home we were renting was literally falling apart. The a/c didn’t work properly and the water lines were badly damaged but our landlady refused to fix any of it. She would send over her crack-addicted, alcoholic nephew to try to fix things but that didn’t go over well with us.

We were having difficulty finding another home in Midtown that was large enough for our family of five that we could afford so we moved to DeKalb County to an area that was very pretty and was supposed to have great schools. It didn’t take long to realize this wasn’t the case. The schools my children were attending in DeKalb were severely overpopulated and the teachers had their hands tied when it came to discipline issues. Some of the kids were outright violent and others were very disruptive. My middle daughter had started keeping undesirable company for friends. She is at that age where she will do anything she knows I won’t like and she was definitely testing me.

Although we moved to DeKalb I drove the children to and from school every day. One Friday morning I received a call from my youngest’s elementary school telling me they were aware we had moved and that Friday would be her last day. They literally sent her packing. She didn’t know what was happening and teachers were approaching her telling her how much they would miss her and they were sorry she had to go. She was confused. Why? Because of a decision I made. Over two years have passed now and every day I still feel just as bad as the first day she found out she couldn’t attend that school anymore.

We ended up breaking our lease by six months and moving back to Midtown. Now all of the kids are doing great and they all have decent grades. Plus, they all have good friends. I realize there are troubled kids everywhere but there seemed to be more of them in the school system we attended in DeKalb. Maybe I am wrong. Perhaps it just seems that way.

Lying to get your children into decent schools wouldn’t be an issue if all schools were properly funded. There shouldn’t be poor schools and well-to-do schools; they should all be the same as each child deserves to learn.

By Concerned Mom

August 9, 2005 01:29 PM | Link to this

I think it is harsh to call the parents ridiculous. I cheated when my daughter was in the kindergarten to get her in one of my area schools so that she would be with her cousins and going home with them after school. I worked in law enforcement and needed her to be with family. I cheated but was later told for that reason (my job) as long as there was room in the school my daughter could attend and I no longer had to cheat.

By Jake

August 9, 2005 01:34 PM | Link to this

Melissa and Melody, a parent can’t single-handedly improve those APS schools, better to haul your kid to Dunwoody where she’ll have a chance at a decent education. And come on Jack, lying about your address to get in a better school is an extremely valuable life lesson. A child that learns that lesson and really takes it to heart can grow up to be President, unlike you losers washing cars at fund raisers so the school can buy books.

By b

August 9, 2005 02:00 PM | Link to this

My mother cheated a little to keep my younger brother at his high school after my parents moved to a different county. He was happy at his school, that’s where his friends were. She was not about to make him change schools in his Senior year. He had to drive a little farther to get to school, but it was worth the small charade to let him graduate with all of his friends.

By vk

August 9, 2005 02:00 PM | Link to this

Concerned Mom: you didn’t have to feel like you were cheating, you are a prime example for a “hardship case” Hardship case is where it is necessary for you because of your job and your child need for after school care your child can be schooled at another school or even another county. There’s no cheating there. Communicate with the administration at your school and you will find answers that benifit you and your child.

By cheat to win

August 9, 2005 02:03 PM | Link to this

why is it bad to cheat for the betterment of your children’s future. when it comes to my kids education or ruffling the feathers of some local parents …. i pick my kids future …. frankly, i don’t care what anyone thinks as long as i know i am providing the best opportunites for my children … so to those whining … get used to the fact that there are a lot of us out there that will wlak all over you in order to make sure our kids are taken care of … sorry ( not really, but it sounds nice to say ) .

By Dan

August 9, 2005 02:04 PM | Link to this

I don’t blame parents for cheating, if their local school is poorly run and they can’t afford private, but regardless if they are caught the child should be expelled immediately if there are no repercusions people will continue to do it. and the children won’t be terribly effected they can learn from the mistake as well, besides kids are far more adaptable

By me

August 9, 2005 02:11 PM | Link to this

Jake, maybe one person can’t make a difference, but with the help of the community at large there can be improvements.

By dgr

August 9, 2005 02:38 PM | Link to this

I went to Sarah Smith on the M to M program, however there is no such program now so I had my daughter in private school. Now, I’m trying my community school Stonewall Tell, I’ve heard great things about this school however I’m so torn. I plan to invest my time in her new school to try to make it the very best for her. We need to really look at why it seems that schools on the north end are more equipped and seem to give their students a better advantage. I know it starts all with the parents and their involvement.

By The wrong BLAME GAME

August 9, 2005 03:04 PM | Link to this

It is possible for parents with the proper resources and time to manipulate the system for the benefit of their child’s education…but they are not to blame for trying to give their child educational opportunities not provided equally in the Atlanta Public School system. The real crime in this situation is the power of the individual principals in the schools you have mentioned. About 15 years ago, Sarah Smith and others, like Jackson and Brandon…(the “elite” in the APS “Buckhead” system)… needed to increase their enrollment numbers to save their neighborhood schools and teacher positions. Administrators in these schools (many of which are still there) often solicited parents from outside their own district (some did not live in the Atlanta city limits) to enroll in their desirable school. In addition, the “connected” African Americans within APS found out how to manipulate these “secret open slots” in northside schools. A proper investigation of records would show some parents were charged tuition by APS for the opportunity to attend these elite public schools! If a minority child could make the “Buckhead” image cut…with test scores and benefits to the principal…the administration of the school would turn a blind eye to the addresses they provided. Affluent white CEO families with benefits provided under the table to the principal would receive access to the APS Northside schools based on what they had to offer. Expensive gifts to the principal…deals on new cars, services and vacation homes are often the exchange made for the negotiated “selling” of an open slot. It is easy for northside administrators to manipulate the reported enrollment numbers so that the transfer system does not work in their desirable schools. That’s why “Leave no Child Behind” and “Open Transfers” (the mock interviews for transferring teaching positions within the APS system) are such a joke among the Buckhead seasoned teachers. Falsifying documents… is nothing new to the “Buckhead” administrators. It appears APS supports the Northside officials engaging in these tactics to manipulate their own system. Northside principals justify “getting more for their schools” in exchange to appease the unhappy northside “tax base” in the APS system. Experienced in the Buckhead way of doing business, these northside administrators use this tax base “scare” tactic with downtown APS officials as leverage to support their corrupt methods of leadership.

When Sarah Smith’s actual neighborhood numbers grew…(probably, due to the expense of neighborhood private school tuition)…it was time to expose those minorities living outside their neigborhood. I doubt the PTA officials knew the prior administration used minorities and out of district families when the enrollment numbers were low. It is not unusual for the school secretaries to use profiling to eliminate the outsiders, too. Unfortunately, for the Sarah Smith community, the underground system was exposed to the “average and below average” African American families. Word spread in the minority community as to “how to work the system”. Fear of lower test scores began blockbusting the neighborhood. Out of district numbers were out of control. Fake addresses and too many outsiders became the name of “who’s in the house” game. While Sarah Smith’s PTA was exposing this…Jackson Elementary was deep in the woods trying to hide their out of district children. In reality the “Buckhead” Northside APS schools have been using this system of profiling students with the help of the APS administration for some time now. Downtown APS officials are intimidated by the threats of “Buckhead School Leadership”.

Any seasoned experienced teacher within the northside schools could easily expose what, where and how this underground system works. The history of improper entrance in “Buckhead” schools is recorded in the past northside school directories. Individual experienced teachers at these schools have a yearly routine of “blocking” these corrupt procedures which often saved teaching positions at their schools.

While Sarah Smith has been tracking down their outsiders…a proper investigation of legal issues that involve allegations against Jackson Elementary’s discriminating method’s of operation… might expose some of the corruption surrounding the profit making system for “open slots” in the “Buckhead” schools.

Some of the families that sold their soul to the Buckhead School Master…are no longer under the corruption that gained them a less than honorable entrance into the northside school house door. It might be possible for official APS Board members to easily expose this underground system tucked away off Mt. Paran Road. Although, breaking the silence to expose this taboo subject would require the same bravery displayed by Rosa Parks… I am not sure if that determined spirit is still alive in the African American community.

Parents are not to blame for the false address problem…The individual corrupt leadership and management at these northside schools have fueled this money making underground system. A system that covers up the disgraceful attempts to keep the “separate, but equal” vision alive in Buckhead. Not much has changed since the Civil Rights Movement… Atlanta Public Schools continues to ignore its “Northside” schools because APS has failed in its attempt to provide equal opportunities to all of Atlanta’s minority children.

Atlanta’s “Buckhead” Public Schools…seem to be private and protected by the officials of APS and its Board Members. APS leaders refuse to properly investigate individual principals of these northside schools that continue to fuel the need for parents to provide false addresses to gain entrance into the discriminating northside public schools. A select group of principals have caused this corruption… and APS has the proper documents and communications within its legal department for Superintendent Beverly Hall to address this problem…

The truth is …APS is in need of a PR Department…

A P-roper R-eport of what is really going on in Atlanta Public Schools…

The teachers and parents know all the details to expose the real problems with false addresses in desirable schools. Once they’ve sold their soul to the school’s master they must play the “in the house game”…APS officials refuse to regulate the corrupt practices of its northside leadership…and so the beat goes on… with the wrong blame game.

By LISA

August 9, 2005 03:12 PM | Link to this

I don’t know what planet Melody living on but parents will do what they have to do to get the best for there child.It amaze me that people like Melody feel that way, when the school system is so badddddd.especially in Atlanta Public School.

By Jake

August 9, 2005 03:19 PM | Link to this

Hey Me - I thought my sarcastic comment might draw a little righteous indignation. How disappointing to see so many parents agreeing with it, saying they cheated and it’s okay. So I’ll provide the righteous indignation myself. Here’s a little Ethics 101 for all you lying, cheating lowlife scum. It’s not okay to lie and cheat and steal, even for the believed betterment of your children. What’s okay, and should be essential, is to teach them to always be honest, by example. You can move to the better district, or home school, or work a little harder and send them to private school. You can work within the system to make it better, to teach them that enriching their community also enrichs them. Make them read John Donne’s ‘Devotions upon Emergent Occasions’, better yet read it with them. Then perhaps you will all understand that no man is an island, that every man’s death or every school system’s failure, diminishes YOU. That you, and your children, should be involved in mankind and not just your lying, cheating, pitiful little selves.

By Another Single Mom

August 9, 2005 03:29 PM | Link to this

I moved back home to Atlanta from the West coast. We had school choice out there. It wasn’t defined by address. Instead, the schools were more competitive, and each offered a variety of activities, attitudes, and themes. You had alot of choices of good schools! When I moved home, I moved to my Mother’s in South Dekalb. It has really gone downhill over the years. I placed my child in the school there, and it was really horrible experience. 99% of the school was black, the studies were devoted to black history, the artwork on the walls was all black work (african heritage images, black history leaders, etc). When my kid (white) started, the teachers had alot of problems with the black children picking on him. They moved up their “cultural awareness” units. The school has a culture of tattling that defies all logic. The black kids would try to get my kid in trouble left and right. They had a “principal of discipline”, which I still can’t believe. His previous teachers (West coast) couldn’t believe all the trouble he was having at this school. They offered to write letters on his behalf, they just couldn’t believe it all.
He’s in gifted classes. Academic-wise, the teachers catered his studies for gifted kids. This school is a low performing school, and they teach to the level of the majority. This was unbelievably lower than what he needed. The teachers investigated alternatives for him, and they worked it all out. So, academically, due to some heavy modifications by the teachers, he was fine. It was like taking a kid from Alpharetta and planting him in South Dekalb. Good luck. It got to the point where I asked the school to suspend him. I ASKED them. I wanted him out of the school asap, and that badly. Kids would hit him, and if he responded, he would get in trouble. About that time, I got a job, moved away, and I removed him from the school a week earlier than necessary.
After another layoff, I refused to send my kid back to the school where the “principal of discipline” yells at kids and bangs her fists on desk. So, I lied. Sent my kid across town in the same county to a better school, not great. But better. He hasn’t had any problems at school since. I used a friend’s address. When I moved out again, I moved near the school and he’s been there ever since. Also, when I moved, I was about 1 mile outside of the school’s district. I asked the principal if he could stay, and the principal agreed that it was a good idea. And, since the middle school would be the same, we’re now completely legitimate with no principal permission required.
Due to my jobs and moving and such, he has been to 4 schools in GA, and only 1 in WA. It’s not right to base it all according to address. I would do it again if I had to, because you want what is best for your kid. And, the South Dekalb school, was definitely not anywhere near best, or even acceptable for my kid. The school he’s in now is just acceptable to good. (It is still in Dekalb.) It’s not great, but he’s happy there, and that means alot too.
Changes you fight for now will more than likely affect later classes, not your own kid or his class. In our case, when 99% of the school and parents don’t care (as one teacher told me since she too was leaving the school) about education, who are you fighting for? I’m more likely to “fight” in his current school, because I know there’s a large group of parents that care about the school and education of their kids.

By mom

August 9, 2005 03:33 PM | Link to this

I live in a small school district by choice. My issue is with parents who lie to get thier children in other school districts because of the quality of education. The people who live in those school districts choose to live there for the quality of education. Lying to send your child to my child’s school robs my child of resources. Unfortunately all schools do not offer the same quality of education, however studies have shown that lack of financial resources in a school can be overcome by parental involvement. I put time into my children’s schools to make them the best they can be.

By Another Single Mom

August 9, 2005 03:38 PM | Link to this

In my case, before the move I talked to the district office repeatedly. We were on the verge of requesting an exception to allow a move to school without crowding problems. Plus, one of his teachers recommended another Dekalb school and then got into trouble for it with her Principal. The problem with transfers in Dekalb is that new students can’t apply for special programs such as the high-achieving theme schools or any theme schools after the beginning of the school year. We moved here after the beginning, so all that was left was an optional transfer request with Dr. Crawford (before his promotion).
But, then I was able to move, and that resolved the matter until I moved back. And, no I wasn’t willing to spend my energy applying for a special exception request for temporary living arrangements (less than 6 months). Instead, I was spending my energy jobhunting! There was no way I could afford private school, no way at all. The experience wasn’t enriching at all, I worry more that he came away with a negative view of black folk. But, the school he’s in now is a good mix of all cultures and he loves it. His best friend is black, so I’m not worried about that anymore. And, we were honest, we honestly talked with teachers, administrators, and district administrators about the problems at the school. We openly discussed alternatives, but there’s a limit when you realize this school is “honestly” without hope.
Yes, I’d do it again.

By Kathy

August 9, 2005 03:41 PM | Link to this

Some people would probably be surprised how many parents cheat on addresses (using grandparent’s addresses, in-laws addresses, brother/sister’s addresses, divorced other-parent-who-never-sees-the-child addresses, AND how many “make up” hardship situations…(the last one, it’s sick, I know).
But if you really want to see some cheating, change the district lines. People will do ANYTHING to keep the child where they want them to go. And in Cobb County, THEY NEED TO. Our Board STINKS and will never stick up for you, so you better do it yourself, and NEXT TIME THERE’S AN ELECTION—GO VOTE FOR SOME ATTENTIVE BOARD MEMBERS!!!

By Another Single Mom

August 9, 2005 03:50 PM | Link to this

Nope, you need to get rid of the address based system altogether. Make the schools rise to the ocassion to stay open, keep their enrollments, and their teachers. Give the poor kids and parents more choices over their educations, and you just might be surpised. I generally live in better neighborhoods and pay that price because I want my kid going to a decent school. When I’m living in that ‘hood though, I don’t freak if someone from outside wants to attend the school. You should be proud of your school, and want to share it’s successes with other kids. If a kid outside the district grows with the school, benefiting each other, what’s the problem. A parent that doesn’t care about their kids education and has a troublesome kid isn’t going to be the one asking to go to the better schools. I don’t get the righteous indignation of the people that do live in the better neighborhoods.
It’s not like bringing in kids with poorer backgrounds is going to harm your kids. Jeez. If anything, your school is helping that kid overcome their poorer background.

By mom

August 9, 2005 03:58 PM | Link to this

My comment is not based upon income. it is based upon the resources available at any given school. rich or poor does not define a persons’s ability to succeed in a school. But if the school is only designed/has resources for 500 students and 50 students lie to get into that school, then that means that those 500 who are rightfully there are being forced to now attend class in trailors or have larger classes. neigborhood schools are an excellent idea when the WHOLE community is involved. additionally, many of us who are happy with our schools not only give time to them, but also volunteer at other schools where we don’t have a vested (our child attends) interest.

By Another Jake

August 9, 2005 03:58 PM | Link to this

How can so many on here not realize that by LYING to get your kid into a certain school, you are CHEATING the other kids already and properly in that school by taking resources and time away from them to be used to educate your child, and that you are STEALING from those children’s parents who pay the taxes for that school to function? You can blame the system for having a poorly performing school. Fine. You can blame corruption in the administration. Fine, but neither is a sufficient excuse. YOU are still cheating, lying, and stealing. As vigorously as you will fight for your kid’s education, others have the right to fight to kick him or her out. As for what to do to the kids, I am not sure, since very few will know that their parents are lying and cheating. Maybe let them finish the semester, then transfer them. However, a tax bill to the parents for the cost of educating their child would be a nice start, as well as notice to all other schools to be on the lookout for this child and to verify their address.

By NotMyProblem

August 9, 2005 04:02 PM | Link to this

I don’t blame you, Another Single Mom, for taking your son out of that South Dekalb school. Facts are facts, and the fact is that when a school is made up of all blacks, the standard of learning is lowered, if not totally destroyed. Not only that, but the violence found in public schools is in direct relation to the racial makeup of the student body. A school that is mostly white will always have much less violence, crime, and behavior problems than a school that is mostly or all black. If you don’t believe me, look at the numbers and tell me where I’m wrong. Tell me that Pope High School has the same number of thugs and criminals going there as any South Dekalb school. You can’t. If the black community cared as much about their children as they do about the $10,000 rims on their $500 cars, maybe their entire race wouldn’t be facing the moral and intellectual decline that it is. I’m just being a realist. I’m sure that offends some but I am going strictly by the facts and the numbers, neither of which lies.

By Kathy

August 9, 2005 04:10 PM | Link to this

I’m almost willing to bet that “Jake” either, A.) doesn’t have kids B.) is wealthy and lives in good district or C.)has kids in private school

By Jake

August 9, 2005 04:15 PM | Link to this

All concerned parents want their kids to go to the schools that are safer and/or get higher SAT scores, but everyone can’t go to Pope or wherever. I work in Dunwoody, but I can’t afford to live here, so my daughter goes to school in Paulding county. I don’t use my work address and send her to school here. I want her to value honesty and she will also improve the average SAT scores in her school by staying there. It’s more important that she learn to do the right thing, no matter where she goes to school.

By NotMyProblem

August 9, 2005 04:16 PM | Link to this

Your class envy is showing, Kathy. And if Jake is any of those things, GOOD FOR HIM! It’s sad when being successful becomes a bad thing in a country that is based on a capitalist model. I hope Jake is filthy rich and has all his children in exclusive and elite private schools. Maybe if more people weren’t afraid of hard work and getting a good education, we wouldn’t have so many parents who have to live in a crappy neighborhood and lie about where they live to keep their children in good schools. Lying is wrong. Period. No matter what the justification is. You have no right to expect your child to be the exception to the law. Especially when it comes at the expense of children who are legally and honestly attending that school. It makes you no better than a common criminal, and sets a horrible example for your children.

By Another Single Mom

August 9, 2005 04:19 PM | Link to this

Jake, Schools are responsible to meet the demands of their enrollment. If you’re slated for 500 at the beginning of the school year and it climbs to 550 in December, the school district is supposed to provide for those needs. Don’t blame it all on “illegal enrollments” because I will never believe the problem is that bad. And, if the school district isn’t upping the resources for their increasing enrollments, then deal with that.
This is the same type of crap that gets high-density housing builders in trouble. The school can’t cope with the increased enrollment, so they rebel and try to stop the building of affordable condos, for example. I believe that’s a much bigger source of trouble for these overcrowded than illegal enrollment. Nope, I’m not stealing. I pay taxes to the same county, the same community even, I volunteered, I paid my PTA fees, I bought class supplies. I’m very involved in my kid’s school. You’re assuming an awful lot, Jake, about the illegal enrollee parents. I would say the majority of them are middle class folks living in poor neighborhoods very temporarily, probably renting, and wanting to minimize the impact that poor and crime ridden ‘hood is going to have on their kids. Most of them aren’t going to be interested in driving their kids all across town (I would assume?) for the duration of their school years.
No kids were cheated by my actions, unless you count not having a innocent victim at the South Dekalb school. Those kids were cheated from having such an easy prey. The school we moved to was no overcrowded, the principal was receptive later when I was moving again (no bribe, jeez) due to my child’s behavior and grades, and the teachers were happy he wasn’t moving. The elitist attitudes of the folks that want to kick good students out of a working situation is the real problem.

By Kathy

August 9, 2005 04:26 PM | Link to this

For the record, I have not cheated and can’t imagine I ever would. I also live in a very good district, so I’m lucky. And, I do not mind if people here and there cheat to keep their kids where they want them…but then again, it’s not a huge problem around here because most of the schools are pretty good. However, I believe 100% in what “not my problem” said and if we were ever districted into a black school, I’d move (or cheat) :)

By The wrong BLAME GAME

August 9, 2005 04:34 PM | Link to this

Jake doesn’t have a clue as to the sacrifices made for the sake of children…Unfortunately, not all children have parents capable of negotiating “deals” on their behalf. Most people depend on an ethical public system of which we have all paid into…Our taxes paid a “public system” that has failed to provide a “fair and equal education for all”…Until parents demand more…people like Jake will continue damn the messanger…The officials responsible for the less than “equal” system should be held accountable.

By Another Single Mom

August 9, 2005 04:34 PM | Link to this

NotMyProblem, The example I set for my child was that I would stand up for him, and do what was necessary to protect him. He learned that school administration does not always have the kid’s best interest at home, that GA is a very bureaucratic state, but his mother will do what is necessary.
And, I do believe that the ends justifies the means in some cases. In our case, and others I’m sure faced with similar problems, it’s the same. Not everything is so clearly black and white, anywhere. Remember the bullying incident outside metroAtlanta (I think South GA). It escalated and escalated, the school was aware and the victim fought back permanently disfiguring his bully. At that point, the victim is on trial, and NOW allowed to switch schools. Wouldn’t it have been better for all if the kid illegally switched, earlier? Before he made national headlines for standing up to the bully?
With a little more common sense, the mother should have removed the kid from the school. Some arrangements cannot be worked out, no matter how hard you try.

By Another Single Mom

August 9, 2005 04:35 PM | Link to this

Best interests at heart, I meant.

By Al

August 9, 2005 04:37 PM | Link to this

I think the problem would be solved if we required school systems to compete for our children’s attendance. Rather than the school systems setting artificial boundaries, they should be doing their best to attract our children.

We should be able to use our tax dollars at the best school for our children, including private schools. Why should we be locked into our children being required to attend a sub-standard school just because of where we live? If this were the case, our schools would be anxious to improve or they would be without any students.

By Another Single Mom

August 9, 2005 04:42 PM | Link to this

Yes, Al. That’s one of my points, too. Come from a district with open enrollment, it made all the difference in the world. The poorer neighborhoods and richer ones didn’t have the extreme differences you see in GA.

By The wrong BLAME GAME

August 9, 2005 04:44 PM | Link to this

Responding to AL…because the rich, connected and influential would continue to pay their way into the door to fill up the available slots…That is exactly what is happening in most cases now…only it has been candy coated and is not so obvious.

By GAB

August 9, 2005 04:50 PM | Link to this

“The wrong blame game” seems to be blaming the wrong people himself. As the parent of two children in the “elite Buckhead schools,” I know that the principals in each of the schools s/he mentions have changed several times in the past 15 years. Our current principals are committed to the best interests of their students and their neighborhoods. Having been an active APS parent for 9 years now, I can assure you no principal at our school is guilty of taking bribes. Of course, the poster also fails to point out that it’s not the principals who create the situation s/he accuses them of — it’s lying parents trying to do an end run around established procedures for admission into a school.

As for the actual subject of this blog, parents who cheat to send their children to out-of-district schools, there is no excuse for such behavior except in very unusual and specific circumstances (like the parent of a high-school senior who moved midyear), and most of those circumstances could be made perfectly “legal” by a talk with the principal. Every high-performing school in the metro area, including the “elite Buckhead” schools, has a wide variety of housing options available in its district in all price ranges. It’s easy to ensure that your children will be able to go to a particular school for their entire educational careers — just move to the district. This plan has the added advantage of saving you the embarrassment of getting caught, as well as the shame of trying to explain to your children how they’re being kicked out because you lied. Finally, it gives you a chance to teach your children about all sorts of novel ideas like honesty, personal responsibility, and making sacrifices to do what’s right.

By Withheld

August 9, 2005 04:57 PM | Link to this

People who feel forced to do this have their reasons. Please resist the urge to judge others without a proper understanding of the many, many reasons that may be involved in not being able to move into a better district. Asking children to engage in this kind of deception must be weighed against the need to place them in a safe enviornment where they can flourish.

By Shoot to kill

August 9, 2005 05:08 PM | Link to this

All the do-gooders on this blog are killing me! Right, I’m sure none of you have ever lied or cheated or done anything remotely unethical…until it involved YOUR kid. The same parents who don’t want your kid in the BETTER systems are the same ones who bail their kids out of trouble their entire life. And Notmyproblem this is a capitalistic society - so i would think you would appreciate the aggressive ambition of parents to set their kids up for success. It’s my kid’s future at stake so your or anybody elses kid “losing resources” is NOT MY PROBLEM.

By Taxpayer

August 10, 2005 08:26 AM | Link to this

Any child who is attending school illegally in the district where I have worked hard for 20 years to pay outrageous property taxes should be removed immediately and the parents punished. If you want to live in my district, then pay up. There are many houses for rent if you can’t buy one. Why should my kid have to sit in an overcrowded class and have less access to resources because some dishonest parents decided to sneak their little darlings into my kid’s school? It’s a form of stealing, and it certainly is lying and cheating.

By Concerned Parent

August 10, 2005 08:41 AM | Link to this

If all schools were to provide the same quality of education through out ALL school districts, then parents would not have to cheat. To hell with “no child left behind”.

By Karen Armsby

August 10, 2005 08:41 AM | Link to this

Let’s see, what are the problems teachers have with students these days? Disregard for rules, arrogant and self-centered attitudes that challenge and disdain authority, aggressive actions, me first, forget the rest of you, yep, sounds just like all of you pitiful cheating parents who posted here.

Children learn from their parents’ examples, and it’s evident here that many of you have no sense of the difference between right and wrong, and no idea how to set a good example. As you cheat, so will your children. I am stunned and disgusted. What’s even worse is that y’all have no idea how much damage you have done to your kids with your sorry attitudes and cheating actions.

Shoot to kill, you have a problem with the ‘do-gooders’ in this blog? YOU have the problem, not the do-gooders.

Jake, you have it right, but I am afraid that your words have fallen on many deaf ears in this blog.

By dgr

August 10, 2005 08:48 AM | Link to this

Wow, NotMyProblem, you did hit a nerve, while as an African American woman and teacher I agree with some, BUT let’s not generalize please. The entire black community is not spinning on 10000.00 rims and not upholding the images that media portrays them as. Yes, black people need to get it together; however there are black schools that are successful and parents who want the best for their children. I know nothing about Dekalb, but I happen to teach in Rockdale County where the majority of our gun and drug arrests were with white students. There are bad seeds in every bunch. I went to the “Buckhead Elite” schools as they call them now -where back in the late 80’s my rich white friends had so much time, money and little supervision that they were constantly in and out of jail BUT daddy took care of that because he was well connected and it was brushed under the rug. So, all schools have issues, North Atlanta, Sutton, Sarah Smith have their issues it is just of a different sort. What looks good is not always good for you.

By be involved

August 10, 2005 08:48 AM | Link to this

I feel that the public school system in Georgia, no matter what district you reside in could all make changes for the better. Lying about my address would be a last resort for me, but I will not say that I would not do it to ensure that my child is exposed to a quality education. I strongly believe that as a parent, you have to make sacrifices for your children, in terms of time, money etc. What my husband and I have chosen to do is send our child to a private school. Our sacrifices are having to work extra hours, wake up early to drop her off, etc., but my child is worth that and more. I am an African-American woman, and I live in Newton County, where the schools makeup are predominantly white. And NONE of them were good enough for my child. So it is not just about the students race makeup of a school for me that determines whether my child would attend or not. It is what they have to offer my child. As parents, we all love our children and want what is best for them, as you have got to invest in your children. My mother has always said to me that she and my father would never lose sleep if we did not turn out like expected, because they know they did an excellent job in raising us, and they did. We are not wealthy, but we work hard, and education is extremely important to us. Across the country the public school has eroded period, but as parents NO MATTER where your child attends, you have got to be involved. Just by changing an address and enrolling your child in a better school, does not mean that they are going to be successful. So before even thinking about lying about an address each parent should ask themselves that question. If you are not going to be involved you might as well leave your child where they are at, and leave the spot open for a child whose parent would be.

By South Deklab Mom

August 10, 2005 09:48 AM | Link to this

To: Not my Problem, Sweetie, you need a serious reality check. If I’m not mistaken any school that was ever shot up in this country was done by “white”students. In addition to that, do you not remember the syphilis outbreak in I believe Rockdale county? Do not be so quick to insist that the “black” schools are so very bad and that the “white” schools are so very good. Race has nothing to do with it. It is about the individuals and the community. As for the South Dekalb schools, there are good ones as there are bad ones, just like everywhere else. All of my children go to excellent South Dekalb schools and are Straight A students. In addition, the “black” schools are not behind in learning. Take a good look at our test scores, and our graduates who are going to 4 year colleges. Perhaps you should take a trip out of the trailer park one afternoon and take a good look around South Dekalb, which is predominantly African-American, and the $300,000 houses that we own. Which we can afford because we are educated and we work everyday. You don’t know what you are talking about because you are ignorant, but I think there is still hope for you.

By me

August 10, 2005 09:57 AM | Link to this

Jake: I said nothing about condoning cheating and I never said I had lied to get my children into another school. I simply stated that one person might not be able to make a difference, but as a community we can bring about change. My children are in a fairly good school system and I am very active at that school and together our parents make our school a better place for all the children who attend.

I think cheating is a horrible example to set for your children. I try to set a good example for my children. I understand your passion about the school systems, but at the same time I can only account for myself.

I can also understand you have a long commute so your anger is quite understandable, however, I can also assume you have a day job in Dunwoody and you use your work time and your bosses time to surf the internet and join in bolgs to bash others when you yourself are a cheater. You cheat you bosses out of valuable work time. Sounds as though you might want to reconsider some of your righteous indignation and your Ethics 101 for your own faults.

By Lisa

August 10, 2005 10:24 AM | Link to this

“Lying to get your children into decent schools wouldn’t be an issue if all schools were properly funded.”

Give me a break. Ga spends enough already on education………It is not about the money. It is about parents getting involved. Period. Get a group of active parents and any school will do great.

By Martha

August 10, 2005 10:34 AM | Link to this

“Lying is wrong. Period. No matter what the justification is. You have no right to expect your child to be the exception to the law”

Ditto

By Shoot to Kill

August 10, 2005 10:43 AM | Link to this

Wow. Where do we get the notion that all super wealthy or successful people are hard-working individuals who earned it and those in the middle-class just don’t work hard enough? Paris Hilton earned every dime of her family fortune, she’s so hard working as is every other third or fourth generation rich kid. Oh and ethics? Richard Scrushy, Ken Lay, President Clinton, President Bush, Martha Stewart, Rafael Palmeiro, Barry Bonds, etc. etc. All very succesful, wealthy individuals with questionable ethics - some would say their down right liars and cheats. All still doing very well, even after their questionable behaviors (some still beloved) Martha’s company’s stock even went up - so tell me again how in our country the end doesn’t justify the means? I bet all their kids go to private schools and get the very best education.

By Shoot to Kill

August 10, 2005 10:52 AM | Link to this

Right. And everyone complaining about people who violate the LAW - I’m sure you drive the posted speed limit and have never gone through a yellow or red light.If all you people are really about the “spirit” of the law, then you wouldn’t drive over the speed limit beacause it is morally and ethically wrong. No, you drive over the limit - if you get caught you pay the fine. So’ I’ll send my kid to a better school and if I get caught I’ll accept the consequences.

By JES

August 10, 2005 10:58 AM | Link to this

When we bought our house in 1986, one of the specific requirements was that it be located within a certain school district. Three months after we moved in the county redrew the lines and placed us in a school district we did not want our children attending. Obviously, we couldn’t move again so soon; therefore, we applied for and were granted out-of-district transfers. We did not cheat but instead used the existing system that allowed us to take that action.

By Shoot to Kill

August 10, 2005 11:02 AM | Link to this

BTW - I personally know many well-off, “good christians” who had no problems using somebody elses address to get themselves or their children in-state tuition at colleges. I’m sure nobody on this blog would think of such a thing! Let’s say if your child wanted to attend the university of Alabama and their grandparents lived in Alabama - I’m sure you all would pay the out-of-state tuition for all four years - because it would be unethical for you not to.

By Amazed (Independent Woman)

August 10, 2005 11:29 AM | Link to this

It’s wrong to cheat and I believe every school system should make it a priority to ensure that all children attending school live in the district. I have a child; I own a home and I DO NOT want my schools over crowded.

Not My Problem – you are a very ignorant person. I’m glad that someone pointed out the violence in the majority white schools, because you don’t want to open your eyes to the problem. I’m African American and I also live in a majority white school district. The things the school district “will do� to cover up a problem, in a majority white school are unbelievable. The Theme is, “If it doesn’t get out, it didn’t happen�. I also grew up in the same type of district, so I know what happens as a student and a parent.

Don’t get me wrong “Not My Problem�, there are problems in the black community and “believe me� we know about the problems. However, don’t paint those schools with a broad paintbrush, because you might not have a true picture of the problems.

Picture this, if you will. My sister and I were the black dots in a white ocean. My schools had the best of everything: teachers, books, desk, computers, etc…. My cousins who lived on the “other side of town� were the black pearls with a few white specks. Their schools were completely ruined down, the library was a destruction, the (books, desk and computers were old) – but they had the best band and football teams. We all lived in the same “County� and had the same school system. I graduated from high school in 1990 and went off to college. There were 6 kids from my family (cousins) who lived in my school district and attended the same majority white schools. Out of the six, four went off to college by choice – the other two choose the military. Out of the 20 plus who lived on the other side of town, only 1 went off to college. I come from a large family and we all care about the education of our children. Many complaints were brought to the attention of the school system, but when I home for visits, I see the exact same thing.

Let’s fix the problems at the schools; there should not be a need to cheat. The priority of the school system was very clear in this case.

By The wrong BLAME GAME

August 10, 2005 11:31 AM | Link to this

To GAB…I hate to bring you this bad news…but the person capable of such is still employed at the little school house sitting back in the woods. Why do you think they teach the children to say…”Put on a Jackson SMILE”? With your 9 years of experience in the neighborhood…you obviously have not made the proper connections to those who have insider information on how all this works…So, I doubt you have ever chosen your child’s teacher??? Attending some of those PTA Kindergarten TEAS and an Art Auction would help to keep you updated on the latest deal available to benefit your child’s education. And of course, you will need to have a gracious offering…above and beyond the ability of your neighbor. Maybe then, you will have the opportunity to participate in the selling of your soul for…all in the name of the children. I should not have to tell you this…since you are the one living in “Buckhead” …Smiles and appearences are not always what they seem…

By you don't know

August 10, 2005 11:35 AM | Link to this

I went through the “so called” system to get my child transferred out of a low performing, dangerous (in my opinion) school. I did everything to the letter; wrote a request for transfer, spoke to the principal of the incoming school and got him to write a letter, provided proof that my child was being harassed by the school “bully” and that the school administration was not helpful in arbitrating the situation. I was refused the transfer because the DeKalb county administrators who know nothing about what is going on in the school, deemed that i should give it another year. My child is a straight “A” student who was constantly being teased for acting and sounding “white” by other children. We just moved to Ga, and she spoke proper english unlike some of the children around. She was not alone…she had friends who also were chastized for “acting white.”

No child should be afraid to be themselves because of fear of retribution. I would cheat to get my child out of that situation, but i didn’t. My solution was to apply to get her into one of the magnet schools as soon as I could. She was fortunate and she got in, however, that also is not guaranteed. There are only a few slots available and a lot of deserving students do not get in.

Don’t sit back and talk about what you would do and wouldn’t do because until your child is in a situation, you don’t know. I agree with the blogger who stated that you will do whtaever it takes to protect your child ad gdt the best education for your child, because that’ all it is about

By Donald

August 10, 2005 11:41 AM | Link to this

Parents who lie in order to place their children in schools outside their districts are wrong to lie and are again wrong in breaking the law. The best solution then is not to spend more money but to allow parents the option of choosing the public school in which they wish to enroll their children. School choice already exists for the more affluent, while many children whose parents have more modest means are trapped in schools that are unresponsive and failing to educate.
Public education officials always raise the cry that they must have more money, a dubious claim. I suggest that any increase in funding for public schools within individual districts and state-wide be contingent on the willingess of well-paid educrats to allow full and unfettered intra-district school choice. Parents are not fools. They will vote with their feet, and it will become readily clear which schools are failing to make the grade and serve their students, especially those who come from families without the financial means to allow them the choice of attending private schools or out of district public schools that do a better job of educating these students.

By Mike R.

August 10, 2005 11:43 AM | Link to this

Public education in Georgia is awful. Anyone not in favor of a voucher system is crazy. By the time you get in and volunteer to create a better school, your children are already victims and left behind.
Teachers are being forced to teach children that do not speak English. I would recommend small satellite schools for children that do not speak English. Once they have a good understanding of the language then phase them back into the school system. You are kidding yourself thinking that children can grow in middle school when they can not understand the language. Other children are not getting the most of the experience because the teacher is drawn in two different directions.

My children will remain in private school because without a complete overhaul of the school boards, then it will be business as usual.

Atlanta public schools spend 14k per year to educate one student. For 14k, your child could be attending the most elite private schools in the state. If you think vouchers will deplete the current education system, you are nuts. How much worse could it be? Take a chance Georgia are open more fast food restaurants to insure that all of our public high school graduates have a job.

By Bob Crawford

August 10, 2005 11:44 AM | Link to this

We raised our two sons in DeKalb County. The county schools in our district were a joke. My kids would never open a book and had great grades. There was alot of racial tension in the school and some of the friends our kids associated worried us. We wound up paying tuition & sending our kids to Decatur City Schools for their last 5 years in school. Excellent school system that actually challenged our boys. We could have lied & probably gotten away without paying tuition, but what would that have taught our kids? Plus I would have problems sleeping at night knowing that I stole money from the taxpayers of the City of Decatur.

By Amazed (Independent Woman)

August 10, 2005 11:56 AM | Link to this

By you don’t know:

The problem you stated about the bullying and being called “acting white” occurs in other schools as well. My child attends an excellent school, in a majority white district and has the same experience as your child. She has had to deal with bullies and being called “white” - as I did as a child. The past two years she has been labeled a “Nerd”. I tell her to say, “That’s right and one day you will work for me.” It works the same for the being white comments.

One of the boys, who teased her the most, failed 4th grade this year. They are really good friends and she will be tutoring him this year. I spoke with his mother; she had no idea about the comments he made last year about my daughter. He’s a changed young man, sitting in the 4th grade this school year.

The problem seems to be a lack of control by the teacher and principal at the school. Magnet schools are great, but it’s not going to solve all the problems. Some of those “same” kids are smart enough to get into the same magnet schools and can seek transfers as well.

By Bill

August 10, 2005 12:08 PM | Link to this

I attended a school district on the southside of Atlanta that has two high schools, an “upper class” high school and a “lower class” high school. The lines were gerrymandered so that more affluent children could all attend one school. However, the city’s country club was located less than a mile from the “lower class” high school. To avoid lawsuits (from NAACP, etc.), the system made the children from the country club attend the “lower class” school. Many wanted to attend another school, and my parents offered to move if necessary but not to cheat the system. I decided against this and learned a lesson that helped to make me into who I am today - that school is what you make it. You may not have all the opportunities, you may have to deal with more violence, etc., but that is life. School should prepare you for the real world. In the real world I have to deal with idiots like ya’ll that cheat and lie to gain an unfair advantage for yourselves. That’s okay, I can look at myself in the mirror each evening and know that I did the best that I could. I learned to deal with poor people, dumb people, and others. I learned that some people do drugs, some people seel drugs, some people carry guns, and some people have no ambition in life other than live off of others. That’s a good lesson for anyone to learn, and was worth a whole lot more than going to the more affluent school where I could have been sheltered from the realities of the world. In the end, the lessons in life and in ethics I recieved more than made up for any possible academic edge I could have gained.

To the people that cheat and lie, go ahead, just this about what message you are sending to your children and your neighbors.

By decatur city parent

August 10, 2005 12:23 PM | Link to this

as a parent who budgeted for several years to afford a home in the decatur city school district, i agree with many on this blog that children who lie and cheat to attend out of district schools should be asked to leave immediately. the taxes we pay in this district are astronomical and a large percent funds schools…it is unfair for those who don’t pay the price, but reap the benefits. the district does, however allow students to buy-in and pay tuition, hence my child’s education (from a financial standpoint) is not compromised. i understand the importance of giving your child the best educational experience possible, but that sometimes means sucking it up and making other decisions that you don’t necessarily want to do (cutting back expenses, getting a smaller home, etc…)
on a slightly different note, many thanks to dgr and south dekalb mom for getting not my problem straight. as a statistical analyst, the fact is that numbers say what you want them to say…all schools have problems, they are just displayed differently. and as dgr said, there is no doubt that the black community has pitfalls, but don’t generalize. my car and its $60 hubcaps get me from my house to my child’s school…in the neighborhood i sacrificed for…and shoot to kill, that same car does exceed the speed limit at times, but c’mon, let’s stick to the issue. i’m not a holy roller, nor am i the most ethical person in GA, but i worked hard to get zoned for the city schools of decatur and won’t accept that no one else can do the same to get into the district they’d like for their children. and if for some reason you just can’t…parent participation is ALWAYS the key! how do you think i maintained while my daughter was not zoned for decatur city.

By Sad that we have to discuss this

August 10, 2005 12:37 PM | Link to this

Ignorant parents raise ignorant kids. How can one or 20 parents who care change the views of the majority when they don’t give a s##t. Lie to change schools if needed. The extra burden on the better funded schools will not lower the standards enough to make a difference. I live in a wealthy district and if the parent and student care enough to lie then let them in. They will probable be a good addition to the school. Let the parents who don’t care about their child’s education stay where they are. The system is not fair but that does not mean you have to sit down and take it. Voting and volunteering is great but unless you start when the child is conceived their will be no change while the kid is in the school system. Anyone who says that participating in their school helped was probable at a good school anyways. We are not in the movie “Lean on Meâ€? this is reality. Change takes time. I have yet to hear anyone say my kid goes to a crappie school and changing you address is cheating in the same paragraph. Any volunteers

By debbie

August 10, 2005 12:38 PM | Link to this

I agree with some of the other responses. Even though we live in a racist society, it still doesn’t excuse the fact that minorities do not place value in education. I am a black person and want the best for my kids. I made a decision to move near the best schools in the county which I live. The reason schools in this county are doing so well is because of parent involvement in the schools. The schools that are having the problem are mostly made up of minorities and the parents are too busy with their own personal issues and expect someone else to teach and raise their kids. I see this all too much in the minority communities. The sad thing is that it doesn’t seam to be an end to this situation. It is continually passed down generation after generation.

By Philip Herold

August 10, 2005 12:40 PM | Link to this

So, you cheat to get your kid into a better school, saying, “I’d do anything for my kid”, but don’t understand why someone would break the law to come the US to get a better life for thier kids?

By dgr

August 10, 2005 12:41 PM | Link to this

I agree parent participation is always the key. Even if your rich or poor if the parents are not involved you have problems just with different magnitudes. For example, some of my more affluent white students are spoiled and have everything but appreciate nothing, they like poor students crave attention, so they speed in their brand new BMW’s and kill themselves and others. My poor black students want stability and attention and want the teachers to be on their side and encourage them to succeed, even if it means handling attitudes and behavior problems.

By GAB

August 10, 2005 12:43 PM | Link to this

The only “gracious offering” we have ever made is to the seller of the home we bought, in our preferred school district, three years before our oldest started kindergarten. We make less “gracious” offerings to pay our obscenely high property tax bills every year in order to stay in the district. And we both work fulltime in order to pay those taxes so we don’t have to cheat, lie or do anything else to ensure that our children get to stay at their school. You, and every other parent in Atlanta, have the exact same opportunity to move to your favored school district if it matters enough to you where your children go to school — it’s just a matter of priorities.

I’m not sure what attending teas has to do with your accusations of conspiracy and corruption, but for your information I have not only attended many such events, I have also volunteered long hours to make those events happen, including chairing the committees. Dozens of parents like me who care and who are willing to make the extra effort are one reason why your “elite” schools, and all high-performing schools across the city, are so good.

And no, I’ve never chosen my children’s teachers, but I do take advantage of the opportunity I have every Spring to discuss each child’s personality and learning style with the school administration so they can make the best teacher choice for us. Then I visit the classroom, stay in regular, close contact with other parents and with the teachers by phone and email, and work as part of the team to handle any concerns which might arise. Personal contact apparently works even better than your bribes, since we have been very happy with our assigned teachers and our children have excelled.

“The wrong blame game,” the lesson here is that there may be a small number of parents doing an end run around the rules, although I have never seen it happen and strongly doubt that it is a real problem in the current system. But you don’t have to resort to any of the tricks or payoffs you seem to think are so common, because there is one absolutely, positively foolproof way for your children to go to any school you desire. Just move to the school district!

By oldteacher

August 10, 2005 12:48 PM | Link to this

So, what I am hearing after reading all the comments is that it is somebody else’s fault you have to lie to get your kids in a school that they are not suppose to attend. I am surprised that you ever question why your child thinks that whatever they want to do is ok.

By o

August 10, 2005 12:50 PM | Link to this

By O Hey Jake so you think all lies are wrong? How about when your son or daughter comes to u and tell u they want to work at your place of employment. Would u give a call to HR or maybe your boss. No need to comment because I’m pretty sure in that case u will find a way to make it happen if u could. That’s all these parents are saying they want an “equal” fighting chance for their kids.

By be involved

August 10, 2005 12:56 PM | Link to this

As I stated before, lying would be my last resort to get my child into a better school, (we have choosen private) but reading some posts where children are bullied or threaten, Not that it is right, but to save a child that is a hard call to make. I work for the media, and you guys don’t see all of the stories about children who are beaten up, threaten, and even killed while trying to obtain an education. I do not feel that you should totally shelter a child from the real world, but I do feel that in the formative years, that child has got to have a ‘strong and positive foundation’. Of the children who witness excessive drugs and violence in their schools, some may come away with it as a life lesson learned, but how many don’t, and get sucked into the life style. I was lucky I was’nt teased or bullied, but I was asked why do you talk so proper, and I thought what a stupid question to ask!!! Especially since I came down with so many extra credits from my NY highschool to graduate from Redan Highschool in ‘92’ that was over crowded even back then.

Anyway, Like Mike R stated for 14k, you could send your child to the best private schools in Georgia, but the same money is being spent in public schools, where too many children graduate hardly being able to read and write, if they graduate at all. Again, parent involvement is crucial. It is not the teachers responsibility to raise our children and teach them their ABC’s. I feel that teachers are there to present and explain the material, but it is up to the parents to make sure your child masters it.

By Andy

August 10, 2005 12:59 PM | Link to this

Cheating parents? My dad used to cheat on my Mom all the time, and when I would cry about it (like a baby) my Dad would say, “Son, a mans got to do what he’s got to do to spread his seed. One day you’ll understand.” Now I’m grown up my own self (40 years old!) and I sure do understand. I’ve got 5 kids already, and I can’t wait to have more!

By SingleMomWhoCheated

August 10, 2005 01:15 PM | Link to this

My son is a senior this year; and he goes to school now on a majority to minority transfer, so I cheat no more. However, when he was in elementary school, I lied about my address to get him into a better school. Why did I do it? Simply put; I could not afford to live in the school district that I wanted him to go to. I have seen statements that there is affordable housing…etc. Ahh yes, at that time I could have rented a studio apartment for the two of us. But instead had a two bedroom apartment with an area for him to play in a different area. I now live in a 3 bedroom home in an area that I can afford & he takes a bus an hour each way for a better education. “Public education” is Not equal and even if the school district spends the same amount per student at every school, the PTA & Booster Associations all contribute to more $spent. As well as the fact that many teachers stay longer in the “better schools” They have more tenure, higher degrees, etc. So yes, I would do it again & will help parents that desire to have a better education for their children too. “By any means necessary” for education.

By Shoot to Kill

August 10, 2005 01:17 PM | Link to this

THe problem with a alot of the do-gooders on this blog is they don’t understand what nuances are. Everything is in absolute terms LIE bad, HONESTY good. And if THEY have to do something that contradicts it they rationalize it in their head. Decatur City Parent - you state your not the most ethical person, but believe everyone should be ethical concerning this particular subject? Why? because you’ve played it straight on this one everyone else should? Of course my driving comparison matters, because if you believe in the “spirit” of law - that laws should be followed because their laws, then its applicable to all laws - not ones you pick and choose. If everyone drives 55 and you do 75 your cheating the good folks who are obeying the law! And Philip - I do understand why illegal immigrants sneak into this country - and most of the people in this country -if the roles were reversed (and they were dirt poor living in a shack) would do the same.

By The wrong BLAME GAME

August 10, 2005 01:28 PM | Link to this

GAB…reality check…obviously you think everyone has the same opportunities you have…

Not “all” folks have a two incomes to produce such a familiy…nor can they afford a house in your neighborhood…

The next time they rezone the area so the minority children in the neighboring apartment complexes are out…maybe… you can mention how much you pay in taxes to keep your children “inside” the plantation house.

Yes, you pay the taxes…but a proper public education should be available to everyone…not just the ones that can afford the affluent neighborhoods.

The real issue is…unethical administrators using the power of their position in an affluent neighoborhood to offer select families an open slot is disgraceful. And a system that supports this type of behavior does not have the best interest of students in mind…The system needs to investigate why parents resort to playing these games to obtain a fair and equal education for their children.

Hold the system accountable…instead you are blaming the parents for something the public system should be providing.

If it is public education…(and those of you in Buckhead have the habit of saying…

“Why our school is just as good as the private ones in the neighborhood”…that is until you get to the middle school…Have the deals been cut for your private school application process yet??? You better get started!)

…it should be the same throughout the public system. You need to stand back and ask yourself why someone would be given a free pass into your school if they were not part of the neighborhood.

Your old directories will paint a pretty picture of what has been going on…and the established teachers within your school will squirm if you ask any questions. That’s why your school is filled with “little debbie snack cakes”…teachers fresh out of college that have not a clue.

By AG

August 10, 2005 01:42 PM | Link to this

If Georgia would compensate teachers appropriately, a lot of the problems with school systems would disappear. I recently graduated from Gatech with a degree in engineering and seriously considered teaching as a career…until I realized I can make 3 times as much for doing a job that takes a quarter of the brain power and has half the responsibility. My mom teaches the 2nd grade in a good school district. She is at school at 7 in the morning, comes home at 6:30, and works for another 2-3 hours after dinner. Maybe I’m lazy, but the compensation for that kind time and effort is not adequate. Teaching is more than showing up and writing on the board. Lets not forget that on top of 20 kids, they have to deal with 40 parents, and the school board. God Bless anyone who teaches.

By Amazed (Independent Woman)

August 10, 2005 01:46 PM | Link to this

The wrong BLAME GAME - thanks for pointing out what happends when districts are drawn.

I do believe that kids should NOT be pushed out of the district, because they live in apartments or a duplex. However, there should be a limit to the number of apartments being built in a school district.

But, to cut out an existing apartment complex is just plain wrong and hateful. I think GAB might be able to agree with that statement. Because the city and county are both getting taxes from the owner of the apartment complex. It’s up to them to make sure the school districts is getting a piece of the pie.

By jessie

August 10, 2005 01:47 PM | Link to this

We all want our children to attend a school where they can get the best education! No, lying is not right, but when you have a parent willing to give time to help in the classes and teachers and school administrators with nasty, unprofessional attitudes, it’s impossible!!! Children as well as parents are treated like crap! Start teaching and less attitude will surely help. Please dont get me started, because I can name schools and personnel. No wonder a parent would like to get their child in a safe and professional surrounding. However, the child should not be punished!

By HLJ

August 10, 2005 01:49 PM | Link to this

Reading this blog helped me understand the deplorable state of the current education system and the lack of character in children and young adults that is so pervasive in society.

The “by whatever means necessary” and “ends justify the means” mentality offered here as reasons to beat the system ironically seem not to apply to the parents trying to legitimitely earn the means to live within desireable districts or send their children to private schools.

Everyone parent in the US has school choice! You choose which school your child may attend when you choose where you live, how hard you work and how you are going to allocate your resources. If you choose to live in public housing, then you choose for your kids to go to the corresponding schools.

To those who are cheating, have cheated and will cheat: Your kids will be far more greatly influenced by the environement in which you raise them than by being in quality schools. After all, they still have to come home to you and the home you are providing, don’t they?

Why not spend your time and energy showing your kids the importance of making the best of your current circumstances while doing your best to change those circumstances for the better? Stop sucking from the teat of the achievers and show your kids how to live without handouts and deception.

By South Dekalb Mom

August 10, 2005 01:56 PM | Link to this

To: Debbie Apparently you were born and raised in the projects, or you would not have made such an uneducated, ignorant blanket statement that “minorities do not place value in educationâ€?. When the fact of the matter is that there are also non-minorities that do the same thing. This is not about color. It is eluding me why you would think that it is. There is plenty of parent involvement in the majority African-American schools. As a matter of fact it’s mandatory in some of them. Don’t say the schools having all of the problems are made up of mostly minorities because the schools that are having the problems are made up of children who’s parents have the same twisted mentality that you are exhibiting here. Maybe where you are from some minorities don’t care about the educattion of their children but the community I live in we care and it shows in our test scores. If you chose to send your children to a school that you think is the best, I’m assuming that would be a school with very few minorities, then good for you. I would like to hear from you when it comes time for College preparation and you let me know if that majority white administration in your majority white school gives a dâ€â€?n about your BLACK child.

By debra

August 10, 2005 01:58 PM | Link to this

No, apparently some parents won’t do ANYTHING to get their kids a good education, because they won’t move INTO the county where the good school is, and pay their taxes in that county. All counties have a variety of housing costs - there is no excuse for living in a cheap area of one county, and expecting the citizens of another county to pay for your kid’s education. Before you say you’re doing all you can, think again.

By GAB

August 10, 2005 02:03 PM | Link to this

“The wrong blame game,” you’re a good example of the old saying about “lies, ** lies, and statistics.” In the past two years, with the support of the parents, our district has actually been rezoned to INCLUDE many of those apartment complexes. Further, our teachers are not “little debbies” — over half have masters degrees or higher, and 65% have been at the school five years or more. A previous poster even pointed out that teachers tend to stay longer at the high-performing schools. Finally, my older child enters eighth grade at our local middle school next week, and we are among its strongest boosters.

We can agree on one point, however: “Why someone would be given a free pass into (any) school if they were not part of the neighborhood.” Public schools are and should be neighborhood schools. Which takes me back to my original point: if you want to be part of a school, be part of the neighborhood!

By decatur city parent

August 10, 2005 02:13 PM | Link to this

shoot to kill, point taken…and i hope everyone participating understands what a nuance is. my comment, however, was made to keep to the specific issue at hand. but if talking in general about the spirit of the law, my thought is that everyone bends the rules at some point in time to get what they want—even the “do gooders” as you call us, but on this particular issue, my opinion is that i prefer no one to attend a school in the district i’m pouring my hard earned dollars into, unless they are doing the same. why, because there are other options and lying about your address should not be the first. if i exceed the speed limit because i’m late for work does not mean i have to accept every other lie or broken rule out there. that’s part of me not being the most ethical person out there… i’m sure there are issues you or any other person on this blog feels just as adamant about -as they refer to laws, guidelines and breaking the rules.

By Amazed (Independent Woman)

August 10, 2005 02:16 PM | Link to this

Debra,

I think you missed the point. There are lot’s of majority african american schools where there is active parent participation. No one should have to move to get a quality education. Yes, taxes should be paid, but as GAB pointed out, some school districts are deliberately creating districts that would eliminate some apartment complexes. That is wrong… no way around it. I’m african american and I do not like to be generalized about or grouped because of any onething. Blacks do care about educations, even poor black people. Whites care about education and so do poor whites. The same goes for hispanics….. we assume they can’t read or write, because they do not speak english. I feel pretty dumb when speaking conversational spanish with hispanics.

By Shoot to Kill

August 10, 2005 02:45 PM | Link to this

Debra - Hello? Moving into a county doesn’t solve the problem. If I move into cobb county and want to go to Walton or Pope I’ve got to by an expensive home or I can go to Campbell or Osborne and live in an apartment- THE SAME COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEMS HAVE VERY GOOD AND NOTORIOUSLY BAD SCHOOLS. So how does moving into cobb county help me?

By Tia

August 10, 2005 02:53 PM | Link to this

I live in an area that the homes and yards are spacious, the neighborhoods are clean and the schools are overpopulated and draw from a number of areas (some I would not live in). My daughter attends a school outside of our home school district. It was either that, or private school which I no longer could afford (did that for 4 years). However, my daughter attends an excellent school in my county due to the Optional Transfer Program. I have to provide transportation, but it is worth it to have her in a school in which education is a focus because discipline and over crowdedness isn’t a factor. And it is nice to be surrounded by parents whose objectives and values are alike. I cannot say that about the school that is my home school. I do work with the local PTA (trying to obtain sponserships they don’t have, which at my daughter’s school there is an abundance) because I hate that this is what it takes to get an education (a worthwhile one). In the meantime, I am absolutely not willing to cheat my daughter because of it. As a parent, you do the things you must do to give your child the best. I don’t think lying should be the first choice. But I do understand why it is done.

By Bill

August 10, 2005 02:53 PM | Link to this

“Teachers are being forced to teach children that do not speak English”

AMEN to that.

I used to live in Dalton for the great schools. I left two years ago because the schools are now 90% Hispanic, many illegals, who can not speak English. There are great paying jobs in Dalton. Anyone that wants to work can. YET, 90% of the children get free and reduced breakfast and lunches. Can anyone tell me why this is so.

Our school are the PITS.

By In Atlanta

August 10, 2005 02:59 PM | Link to this

Thank you to Amazed (Independant Woman) - you are a voice of reason. Most parents, regardless of race, ethnic background, and socio-economic class care about their children’s education. And let me just say to some of you that just because people are poor, doesn’t mean they are lazy or don’t work hard enough. It’s not always easy to just pick up and move so that your kids can be in a better school district and it is a sad fact of life that so often good school districts are in affluent neighborhoods. I realize that it is so easy to look at things in absolutes, right or wrong, black or white, but there are so many shades of grey that we might all want to consider. The fact of the matter is that this is an extremely complicated issue and it is going to take all of us to help solve the problems of bad schools. And by the way, yes we should strive to set a good example for our children and do what is right, but really is name-calling some of you have engaged in a good example for your children? I personally don’t think so.

By Amazed (Independent Woman)

August 10, 2005 03:03 PM | Link to this

Bill,

What amount do you consider a great paying job? Anything under 25,000 will pretty much put a family of 4 in the Free meal category.

By Take Action

August 10, 2005 03:08 PM | Link to this

17 teen years old and pregnant, white, broken (more like shattered family), middle class, drop out with a 9th grade education and turned away by mother and step monster when they found out I was going to make them grandparents. Living with my boyfriend and his mother who was the perfect example of what kind of environment NOT to raise your child in. Working at Taco Bell for $5.00 an hour saving my money for my first car and barley making enough to pay for my prenatal and doctor visits - Medicare turned me down for any kind of aide because I HAD A JOB!!! I truly believe that all of the woman in that government building without jobs came out with – Medicare, probably Wick too. They work the system and the system REWARDS them for doing a great job at it!!!

Sooooooooooooooooooooooo I say WAH,WAH,WAH,WAH to all you CRYBABIES that complain that your child goes to a bad school system. If you spent more time working to make your life better then you spent trying to figure out how to work the system YOU WOULD be in a better school district by now. You would not have to be a liar and cheat for your child. That’s a great example you set for them – work the system no matter what you have to do even if it means to LIE, STEAL and CHEAT!!!

If I can over come cocaine and abuse and being a 17teen year old pregnant statistic then so can the rest of you crybabies! Get a job, save money, Pay your bills, and Buy a house that is in a school district you like. Stop pointing fingers at everyone else. YOU ARE THE PARENT! You are the person responsible for your life and your child’s life. Your past is not responsible, your parents are no longer responsible, the government is not responsible, and YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE for your choices in this life!!! SUCK IT UP and Stop Crying.

I am now in my 30’s with a 13-year-old teenager who goes to a wonderful middle school. I have live in a neighborhood and drive a SUV to my job. I am an assistant buyer for an enormous company. I did not LIE or CHEAT to get where I am today. The best thing I can do is set an example for my son and be HONEST with him. Life is not fair and we went without for years while I saved and saved but with determination and laughter we came out all right!!!!!!

By Jan

August 10, 2005 03:21 PM | Link to this

Just do what I had to do. My child has health problems and Cobb Co Schools couldn’t address. He was getting 3 1/2 hours per week homeboud education. I quit my job and am homeschooling. It hurts financially, but my child scored extremely high on his SAT. He was a gifted student who just happend to get an incurable illness. I was told Fulton Co accomodates the ill children better than Cobb be we had no means to move. Do what’s best for your kids!

By Shoot to Kill

August 10, 2005 03:23 PM | Link to this

ATTA GIRL, TAKE ACTION! Tell me, does your arm hurt from PATTING YOURSELF ON THE BACK SO MUCH?

By dgr

August 10, 2005 03:26 PM | Link to this

If you wonder why we have problems with discipline - look right here. Children learn by example. I hope that when you are lying and cheating you are investing the same effort into your child; just dropping your child off isn’t enough. You made them, please raise them. If you wonder why we have problems with discipline - look right here. Children learn by example. I hope that when you are lying and cheating you are investing the same effort into your child; just dropping your child off isn’t enough. You made them, please raise them.

By Shoot to Kill

August 10, 2005 03:32 PM | Link to this

I love the mentality of some on this blog! Like only “poor” people work the system. Yes, all the poor are lazy, manipulative, immoral people. Right, wealthy people don’t ever cheat the tax system! I’m pretty sure Martha Stewart was fairly well off when she illegally dumped stock on other buyers. But that can’t be because she had a JOB! And Ken Lay, by gosh, he had a job as one of dem CEO’S when he lied and scammed to enrich himself. Huh, I guess I’ll just never figure it out.

By FreeWoman

August 10, 2005 03:32 PM | Link to this

As a woman without any kids, this blog has opened my eyes to what I have already known. Education is a joke here in GA. Growing up education has always been a high priority in my family. Especially since my great-grandparents and grandparents weren’t fortunate enough to receive a full education. My entire family goes the extra distance to ensure that our children are provided the best education out there.

One of my problems is what’s already been addressed here. Affording homes in districts that provide the best eduation. With interest rates on the rise and homes being overpriced, it’s very hard for those low to middle income families to be able to send their kids to some of the best schools.

One of the things I looked into when I moved to Gwinnett County were the various schools. Once I have kids, I will probably have to move. But that’s something I will have to plan for when the time comes.

And to the bloggers that feel African Americans are not interested in education. Please do me a favor and turn off the TV, and radio. Look at the enrollment of the 117 HBCUs and other majority universities and see that we are still excelling at college entrances and matriculation. If nothing upsets me more it’s of my own people expecting less and commenting about what is a generalization. So many black homes push education. There are generations of families that attend colleges and promote education. You just don’t see them being glorified. I know they exist because they are my friends, family, collegues, and peers.

I went to a rural school in SC and believe me, problems were both black and white. Color is usually not the determining factor of a child that is not motivated to learn. Usually it’s social class, income, and the influence and involvement of the parent. And last time I checked, those lacking the above attributes come in EVERY COLOR.

By Chas

August 10, 2005 03:45 PM | Link to this

Well “if the no child left behind ” rhetoric being delivered were true we would not need to go to such measures to enusre a proper and quality education for our children. I see nothing wrong with a parent falsifying an address just so their child can get a excellent education. All that community involvement, being involved parent to imporve your school really has no weight as an argument. We all know a majority of funding for our public schools is based on property tax. The more affluent the neighborhood is the bigger the tax base is, therefore, more money for those schools. A single parent cannot afford to live in Buckhead, Midtown, or Dunwoody, so lets say they can afford to live in south fulton county where the tax base does not generate a lot of money, which leads to less funding going to the schools. Should a child be penalized because their family cannot afford a certain zip code? I live in Sandy Springs and I have let a single parent friend of mine use my address just so their children can have a better chance at a quality education. I have no shame in what I do becuase as far as I see it, I am helping a child have chance at a better future.

By Martin

August 10, 2005 03:46 PM | Link to this

“However, my daughter attends an excellent school in my county due to the Optional Transfer Program. I have to provide transportation”

Tia…can you explain what this program is? Is it just for your county? Do you have to pay any type of fee? And what keeps others from transferring to this “better” school?

Bill…I agree with you. Illegals are ruining Gwin. schools

By Amazed (Independent Woman)

August 10, 2005 03:49 PM | Link to this

Take Action:

(1.) You have an advantage you can’t cure or get rid of - not even if you lived on the beach. (2.) You came from a middle class back ground, as stated. You knew where you wanted to be and how to get there. The only reason you were “at the bottom� is because of your personal mistakes. FYI… I’m not calling your child a mistake, so keep following me.

Many of the people you are preaching too, do not come from Middle Class backgrounds. They come from the same environment in which they currently live. I’m not saying that people can’t do what you did, because you are not unique - it happens everyday.

My message is not about “coming up� in life – however, that would be the best outcome. But, that even if you live in the projects, the schools should have similar qualities. I don’t see it, in my county or in most counties. You can see the difference in each county; it’s the North versus the South. I believe that parental involvement is utmost importance, but where there is more money there is always better funding. So, no matter how much money the South PTA tries to raise, it would be almost impossible to pull what the North PTA can raise.

So, “Take Action� – don’t ridicule, because of your advantages. I’m sure some of them would like to trade places with you.

By Karen

August 10, 2005 04:01 PM | Link to this

Like Jennifer’s experience, ours with the Dekalb schools became frightening and life endangering. We were in the system for 8 years before we realized we needed to do something more for our children. I too took my kids out of the high school there and put them in a more desirable one…but I did it leagally: I went in to the county met with the administrator, laid out our documentation and grievances, he agreed our children should not have to be put through what they had been through, even though some of them had already graduated. Sure I first thought who’s address can I use, but then I thought more rationally and confronted the adminstrators and got my desires met.

Also, yes a parents involvement is so key. I had always said as long as the PTA was strong, the school would be strong. I had served in various capacities in the PTA there in Dekalb, but over time, with the huge amount of transient families (the system we were in was in the middle of a number of apartment buildings and multi-family complexes), and soon, PTA almost became a one man band a small hand full trying to do it all. That was a huge red flag to get out completely. We are happy to say we are no longer in that county!!! It has been six years, and it still feels like the awe and wonder at Disney World, so to speak that we can send our kids to school and know they will be safe and taught well. To know that we can go out in the community and conduct business safely. It is true, if you are having to run from your own neighborhood school, it must not be a great place, either work to make it better if the potential is there, or buy some time and legally request permission to transfer your kids to a better school while you enable yourself to totally move out of the area that is bad.

By sharon

August 10, 2005 04:37 PM | Link to this

For those of you that are/have cheated..what have YOU taught your children….that it’s OK to cheat and lie for their betterment?

By in the country

August 10, 2005 04:42 PM | Link to this

I moved from Va to Dekalb County two years ago.I could not believe how segregated Ga counties are. My children attended DeKalb County Schools and it was the worst experience. Instead of cheating by giving a friends address, I bought a house in Henry County and my children love their school and teachers; therefore, they are learning. I was tired of fighting with Adm. and teachers, so we simply moved. The teachers are overworked and stressed. Discipline is out of control. My children did not feel safe in their Stone Mountain/ Redan school and the teachers are too hostile. Those children need structure and discipline with less yelling and sarcasm with so much attitude.

By o

August 10, 2005 05:12 PM | Link to this

By O Thank GOD that someone saw the need for “child left behind” and the “affirmative action” program because a lot of people would be left behind depending on some of you narrow minded people. So all you people that have an opionion on why parents should not be cheating for their kids, get over it!!!!

By Karen Armsby

August 11, 2005 08:32 AM | Link to this

o, Honesty is not a ‘narrow minded’ trait. Cheating is a dishonest act that is composed of lying and stealing. The children of these cheating parents are being a taught the lesson that when you face a situation where you can’t have what you want, then you lie and steal to get it. Did your parents cheat, too, so you think it’s OK?

By Parent

August 11, 2005 08:37 AM | Link to this

They should be kicked out! NO QUESTIONS ASKED!!!

By David

August 11, 2005 10:33 AM | Link to this

THough I can’t blame parents for cheating and sympathize with dilemma I do think that it definitely should be illegal. I suggest a hefty fine such as $1,000.00 per illegal child for first offense and $5,000 for subsequent offenses. If these parents cared so much their childrens education they would find that they are their own best teahcers.

By Casey Long

August 11, 2005 10:58 AM | Link to this

David….what about the police coming in and checking to see if a child is even in this country legally. Here in Whitfield county we have so many non U.S. citizens sending their children to school it is ridiculous. But when you complain no on listens.

Last year my child was to ride the bus on the first day. The bus pulled up to the end of our street where about 5 childen had gathered. The driver opened the door and said he was sorry but the bus was full and they were sending a second bus. The problem…the bus was packed with children from Mexico that the school system knew nothing about. The kids were never registered to attend school and the school system had no idea who these children were. The school system in Dalton and the surrounding area is in total ruin. What used to be one of the very best systems in the state is now the worst.

By francis

August 11, 2005 11:28 AM | Link to this

Fulton County has designated a pilot program in four schools that require notorized proof of residence. It will not be long for this to spread, so cheaters beware, your child is going to be pulled if they live outside of district lines.

By LilburnParent

August 11, 2005 12:35 PM | Link to this

I think the cheater’s children should be yanked immediately. The parents should be fined!

I noticed that the majority of the cheaters had some sob story or another. My children were in danger… they were running around with the “wrong kids.”

A lot of people started out in neighborhoods that were somewhat troubled. Take action… get involved in order to effect a change in your own neighborhood.

Save money and plan a move to a better neighborhood. Buy additional workbooks, to assist your child’s educational growth while you save. There are a lot of things that can be done. Lying, cheating… just because you feel your child is entitled. WRONG!

Read the response from “Take Action” Just because you did NOT plan to have a child, does not mean that after you have one you can’t change your lifestyle, and priorities. The Education of a child is a high priority for some. I applaud you “Take Action.”

Debbie: You are a bigot, and silly as hell!

Good schools are good because: - education is a priority to their parents. - the parents support the schools with “their” money, and “their” time. - the parents will hold fundraisers if necessary to get what they want. - the parents tend to volunteer to help. - the PTA is typically strong! Typically, the PTA meetings are PACKED.

Cheating to put your child in the school district of YOUR choice is wrong!

By Another Single Mom

August 11, 2005 02:25 PM | Link to this

Francis, Notary won’t stop it. Dekalb does that already. Not a big deal at all. LilburnParent, We (posters) did take action. We removed our kid from one school, and found a better solution. It’s an action. Some of us went through district process, others didn’t try that step. And, like I said before, in many cases it’s a temporary arrangement. Period. Why fix a neighborhood that doesn’t care about itself when you’re only going to be that neighborhood for 6 months? And, yep, I do believe my child (and every other child) is entitled to safety at school. I also believe that every child should be challenged and actively learning at school. TA’s comments were common sense, and since my situation was temporary it was pretty obvious that I moved to a better district. It’s funny though that you found it so enlightening, enough to practially repeat her whole post. I can happily say that my child was not an accident, and his education and well-being is a top priority for him, and as his parent, me. It’s sad that almost everyone posting is so judgemental as to assume that we, oh what was the word - “scumbags” have similar problems as TakeAction. You even assume that the transfers aren’t participating in their school with volunteer, fundraising, and PTA meetings. Come on, I specifically stated before that I did, and I know other “scumbag” parents and children that did the same. I can’t believe how judgmental some people can be. And, then you have the nerve to call Debbie a bigot? Debbie?! I think you, LilburnParent, are attempting to hide your own character behind a Georgia rule.
Amazed, Your response to TA is right on. But, I disagree with who the cheaters are. I don’t envision poor parents from poor backgrounds are the major contributors to this problem. In order to fight/lie/cheat your way to a better district or school, you would have to know what you were fighting for. I don’t mean to say that all poor folks don’t value education, but I just can’t understand why someone raised in S. Dekalb would focus on Buckhead as their goal. Now, if they had the middle class background where they expected more, it’s understandable. I still think the biggest contributors are middle-class folks in very temporary arrangements. Possibly living with a relative, a friend, a hotel, etc.

Another thing that’s really nagging at me. When I made the decision to not re-enroll my kid in hell, he knew it. We talked about the alternatives, consequences, etc. And, while he knows that rules are in place for a reason (albeit idiotic in this case), he also recognizes that nothing is ever so black and white. See our court system. We’re not people who just accept what the government tells us, or tells us to do. We are independent thinkers, and I value that much more than the “experience” he would receive in the school by following all of GA’s inane little rules. When GA had the anti-sodomy laws on the books for years (do they still?), do you really think folks avoided that particular sex act? Some rules are meant to be broken, and that is an important lesson for everyone to logic out at one point or another. When you feel really strongly about an issue, that’s an ideal time to grow some spine.

By LilburnParent

August 12, 2005 08:44 AM | Link to this

To Debbie: I AM SORRY… my comment was misdirected! I did not mean to call you a bigot!

To NotMyProblem: You are a bigot, and silly as hell!