Get Schooled

By Jeff

February 19, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

The people of Clayton County got themselves into this mess, they can get themselves out.

State government taking over a local school system sets a VERY dangerous precedent.

By Joy

February 19, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

yes it is a mess, and we voted them in, hoping they would do there jobs, we cant see the future in the people we vote in.All we can do is hope they do it. Just like some people voted for Bush, and look at the state of the country now because of it.So who do we blame for that!! The children should not have to suffer because of it. I have some wonderful students and parents, and i hope and pray they can clean up this mess. Thank you for your support!!

By j

February 19, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

cc aprents and voters,

You can’t even get 100 valid signatures to start a recall election in three days?

Come on, you as a county will have to do something besides whine and blame someone else for your self induced problems to fix them.

By GeezGuys

February 19, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

This is similar to the current morgage crisis. A lot of people made stupid decisions. Those decisions will now affect others in a negative way. I feel for the homeowners in Clayton who tried to elect decent board members, or otherwise head off this crisis. I feel for all of us who will be impacted by lazy parents of Clayton dumping their brats into other school systems.

But at a certain point you have to hold people responsible for their decisions. What lesson will we be teaching the kids in Clayton—-you don’t have to pay attention to voting, the government will come by and clean up your mess? Great. The residents of Clayton are 100% responsible, they had the ability to avoid this situation, they need to get themselves out of it.

By Mitch

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

A select few board members should step down, because there will be more of the same negative feeling toward one another after the problem has been solved. I do believe if Board Memebers do step down, 75% of the problems will leave with them. This Board that is in place now is not very friendly and can’t be trust now or later.

By Another County

February 19, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

I just hope they don’t bring their kids to Henry County. We don’t want gangs and other truancy problems to begin in our school system. I think they need to make sure that the kids stay in their own County!

By MrLiberty

February 19, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

Shut the doors and sell the property. A private school or two might step up to the plate. Then take the money, divide it proportionally and return it to the taxpayers based on the value of their homes.

Then let the parents be responsible for their kid’s education - the way it should always have been.

By Sherrie

February 19, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

As someone who graduated from a Clayton County school when it was a school of excellence (it wasn’t that long ago- I’m not 30 yet), and a current Clayton County homeowner, I have a vested interest in seeing the school system get back on track to properly serving our students.

I do not have children, but there is no way that I would choose to enroll them in the current system. I have friends who teach and have heard the “war stories”.

I think it goes without saying, if the current school board members have an ounce of credibility and respect for the students and taxpayers, they will all resign and help us move towards removing the stain on the system they have “served”.

Right now, the school board races are all about who the local preachers endorse, and who is in bed with the folks with the deepest pockets and can therefore afford the most yard signs, etc. It is not about who has the interest of the county and its students, and it is definitely not about who is most qualified. If we held town hall meetings (and the public wasn’t so apathetic and actually attended), it would tremendously level the playing field.

I have heard about the community meeting organized by (at least announced by Bob Hartley) in my area this weekend. If it were not for the organizer, I would believe it is a step in the right direction. Anyone that campaigns using the slogan “Put a brother in the house” is not concerned about qualifications and skills. I believe that this is nothing more than a potential campaign stop for him and I personally believe that regardless of what office he is voted into, we’d be in for more of the same.

I believe that on the administration side, we need administrators that support our teachers and address problems, not sugar-coat them for public consumption. We do not need them to send disruptive, disrespectful children back into the learning environment, showing the non-misbehaving students that there are no consequences for acting out. By doing this, not only are they undermining the teachers, but they are undermining the entire system. Whatever happened to “the buck stops here”. Our administration has a severe lack of sense of responsibility. They are not there only to collect a paycheck- they are there to assist in the education of the next generation.

I believe that Dr. Duncan is not the right person to be leading our system permanently and was flabbergasted that she was even appointed as the interim. Here is someone who was fired over a blatant ethics violation, and she is at the helm? No wonder we are in such disarray and our teachers have been leaving by the droves. This is indicative of the underlying problem throughout the system.

We need to clean house and we need to do it soon. We need a superintendent that has experience turning around systems and we need to be willing to pay extra to get the right person. We need someone that doesn’t put up with excuses for tolerating unethical conduct, poor performance by administration, and most of all, someone who realizes that education is perhaps the most important element in determining the ability of our society to support ourselves later on.

Furthermore, I believe that until the citizens of Clayton County hold responsible the people they elect, all of this will just be wasted breath. We need to look at the motives of our candidates- had we as a county looked at these earlier instead of voting blindly (what other reason could there have been?), these board members would not have been given the opportunity to derail our system so significantly.

By Southsidetoby

February 19, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

Who should do it? Obviously the citizens of Clayton County shoulder 100% of the responsibility for solving this problem. How should it be done? The nice thing about Clayton County hitting rock bottom is that they now have a lot of options available to them. There is no need to “save” a system that isn’t worth saving. In fact, sinking more effort and resources into Clayton Schools would be a terrible investment.

Here are some better ideas:

Clayton citizens have a lot of options, provided they do the hard work of building their communities. Don’t look to others to do the work for you. Don’t act like victims. Refuse to succumb to the divisive rhetoric of terribly unqualified people like the current school board and people like Victor Hill, Jewell Scott and Lee Scott.

Clayton County’s situation is far from hopeless.

By Brent

February 19, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

The same people who were thrown out of public housing in the 90’s when the Olympics came are the ones in Clayton County. Do you really expect these people to change and give a damn about their kids????

By the truth

February 19, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

Help? Are you kidding me? This is the same school board that fired all the white people because they were white. This is what happens when reverse racism goes unchecked. These people deserve what they get. The kids are the ones that will suffer when they start robbing banks and killing innocent people. I’m not saying that all the parents are to blame but the ones who can’t raise their own kids are. My kids will NEVER go to public schools. And you people want government socialist healthcare? Good luck with that.

By Vince

February 19, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

Recall the M E N ACE members on the school board.

By teach1

February 19, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

I don’t know how a “new” board will be the answer. These are the same types of problems the board from 4 years ago ran into. I think there is a a problem with any elected board in Clayton County.

Maybe someone should appoint a board. (Gee what does the board even do to support the schools? Can we live with out them?) It is a shame that students/children are involved in this and will ultimately suffer.

By Sherrie

February 19, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

Perhaps the hardest thing to address is going to be shifting the responsibility of being a parent back onto the parents. How do you effectively do this? Do you offer parenting classes? Do you make mandatory requirements that parents attend teacher conferences (and give them more options than just during the work day - and pay teachers extra to be there during non-work hours)?

There was a point in time where my family received assistance- I was one of the kinds that was getting free/ reduced lunches. However, my parents never questioned the importance of an education. There was no way I even dreamt of misbehaving in class. My parents believe in me and that I could accomplish great things and become whatever it was I wanted. They fostered a spirit of learning and valuing knowledge. How do you do that for children when the parents don’t? I think that we need educators that are above and beyond teachers- we need to recognize that they are mentors, they are encouragers, they have the ability to help students believe in themselves even when they don’t get that support elsewhere. But they can’t be expected to do that and also to deal with disciplinary problems, etc.

I don’t believe we can just give up on entire generations because the parents are not doing what they should be doing as parents.

By Jeff

February 19, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

Southside:

With regard to your first option:

I could be wrong (and I’m sure someone will correct me if I am), but I believe that the State Legislature controls how many school districts there are in the state, and furthermore that the only city school systems in existence are the ones that were grandfathered in and haven’t yet asked to be unified with their county system.

Now, whether or not that overall system of County specific schools is a good thing or not may be a good topic of discussion. But regardless, that discussion will have to happen at - or at least have the involvement of - the State Capitol (and, one would assume, a certain mansion on West Paces Ferry Road in Atlanta..).

By jim d

February 19, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

T1,

YES you can live without them.

START A CHARTER and tell em to kiss off.

By sherrie

February 19, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

The Truth

For clarification- there is no such thing as “reverse racism”. Racism is racism, regardless of what race is doing the discriminating and what race is being discriminated against. It is disgusting no matter what.

By jim d

February 19, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

Right you are Jeff,

However, let me point out that a charter school in Georgia is not required to be all on one campus. Charters could be granted that would place several campuses under one charter although it has yet to be done.

By This Village

February 19, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

I believe they’ve already gotten themselves into dangerous waters. Being an uninformed voter is treading dangerously as they all now know. In the worst case scenario, and this is the worst, it may not be a bad idea for the state to step in. If you’re a parent, start spreading the word if you’re a reader of these posts and let the UNINFORMED know what kind of efforts,(if any) are occurring to make sure this doesn’t happen again. What are you all doing right now to let your voices be heard? What kind of concierted efforts are being made to recall the entire board. Presently, there is only one member being recalled. It is factual that some of board members are innocent. It is my belief that if you stood by and allowed this debacle to take place, then you are just as guilty as the rest of them.

Keeping in tune with the board, let’s also do something about the schools. These problems are not exclusive to Clayton alone. Let’s start a joint effort to get uniforms in schools. Anything would be better than looking at your children’s underwear. There is documented evidence that uniform wear has improved school climate. Administrators, let’s start sending the behavior problems home until you’re able to get in contact with a parent. Many times the schools are unable to get in contact with the parents due to phone number challenges. Teachers, you have the right to demand a parent conference if a child is disruptive in your class. You have the right to deny entry until you see their parents. Parents, you do not have the right to antagonize or hold accountables the school if you haven’t properly prepared your child to be educated. If you’re willing to take some heat and say you’ve made mistakes, the school can work with you. The school is not a holding facility for your children to give you some “me time”. They have homework that should be checked daily. They have activities that require your presence at times. What about the parents who argue they have no money to dress their children appropriately for school functions and send them to school in $100 oversized jeans with sneakers that are easily worth $150? Let’s also thank the parents who daily drop their children off in the morning with the Ipods in their ears and no book bags. This is the norm now. Don’t let them forget their ipods. Forget about the pencil and paper—— gotta have my superman song…….. This happens a great deal. Go to any school and you can see for yourself.

If there will be changes, we all need to help fix the problem. If you know a parent who doesn’t know how to do better, take them under your wing and show them how to be better parents. We’re all responsible for this village. If one fails, we all fail. They stay in your community when they’re not doing well. They hurt your family and children when they don’t want to work for what they need. What are you going to do about it?

By jim d

February 19, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

JMHO, but it would seem the only clear path to resolve the issues in Clayton County now involve extensive community participation.

By the truth

February 19, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

Sherrie, You’re right. I just wanted to play the political correctness game.

By This Village

February 19, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

I believe they’ve already gotten themselves into dangerous waters. Being an uninformed voter is treading dangerously as they all now know. In the worst case scenario, and this is the worst, it may not be a bad idea for the state to step in. If you’re a parent, start spreading the word if you’re a reader of these posts and let the UNINFORMED know what kind of efforts,(if any) are occurring to make sure this doesn’t happen again. What are you all doing right now to let your voices be heard? What kind of concierted efforts are being made to recall the entire board. Presently, there is only one member being recalled. It is factual that some of board members are innocent. It is my belief that if you stood by and allowed this debacle to take place, then you are just as guilty as the rest of them.

Keeping in tune with the board, let’s also do something about the schools. These problems are not exclusive to Clayton alone. Let’s start a joint effort to get uniforms in schools. Anything would be better than looking at your children’s underwear. There is documented evidence that uniform wear has improved school climate. Administrators, let’s start sending the behavior problems home until you’re able to get in contact with a parent. Many times the schools are unable to get in contact with the parents due to phone number challenges. Teachers, you have the right to demand a parent conference if a child is disruptive in your class. You have the right to deny entry until you see their parents. Parents, you do not have the right to antagonize or hold accountables the school if you haven’t properly prepared your child to be educated. If you’re willing to take some heat and say you’ve made mistakes, the school can work with you. The school is not a holding facility for your children to give you some “me time”. They have homework that should be checked daily. They have activities that require your presence at times. What about the parents who argue they have no money to dress their children appropriately for school functions and send them to school in $100 oversized jeans with sneakers that are easily worth $150? Let’s also thank the parents who daily drop their children off in the morning with the Ipods in their ears and no book bags. This is the norm now. Don’t let them forget their ipods. Forget about the pencil and paper—— gotta have my superman song…….. This happens a great deal. Go to any school and you can see for yourself.

If there will be changes, we all need to help fix the problem. If you know a parent who doesn’t know how to do better, take them under your wing and show them how to be better parents. We’re all responsible for this village. If one fails, we all fail. They stay in your community when they’re not doing well. They hurt your family and children when they don’t want to work for what they need. What are you going to do about it?

By Kym

February 19, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

No Sherrie you cant give up on the generation but at the same time you can not expect the school to educate and raise kids because their parents won’t. I honestly wish we went back to “alternative schools.” If you have children who cant function in the normal school environment and after numerous tries to interact with the parent then those children should be transfered to an alternative school. There you can have social workers, counselor, psychologist etc. Who can work with the kids and their “parents” to effective “save them”. I think to many public schools are focused more on displine and control than they are on education. If you put those children with displine problems in schools with officals trained to deal with them you may see better results.

By Southsidetoby

February 19, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

Jeff:

You make a good point and a practical one at that. Given the situation in Clayton County, however, perhaps the Gov., Lt. Gov. and certain legislators would be receptive considering such a change. After all, citizens would not be seeking a handout. Rather, they would be requesting the ability to have greater control over public education in their communities, which is a principle enshrined in Georgia’s Constitution and something that Gov. Perdue and Lt. Gov Cagle have speak of rather frequently.

By jim d

February 19, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

Out of curiousity, and because I’m just too lazy to look it up, does anyone know who if it is the local school system that grants accreditation to a charter, based on their accreditation, or if a charter must or may go through its own accreditation process?

By JustMe

February 19, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

It would seem that the Clayton Board members would be embarrassed enough to step down. If not, there is certainly some procedure in place to kick them out of office and have new elections.

Clayton Co needs to start with a fresh Board. Then, that Board needs to do whatever is needed to ensure accreditation.

I don’t like the idea of the State stepping in - Clayton voters created this mess and they should clean it up. No excuses.

By jim d

February 19, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

This Village,

What am I going to do?

Hey 59.5 school days left (but who is counting)—then I’m going to Disneyland.

By Jeff

February 19, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

wait a sec….

jim, JM, and Jeff are in agreement again today….

By Sherrie

February 19, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

I am completely in favor of alternative schools, believe school uniforms should be mandatory (the shirts could vary based on school colors), and feel strongly that parents should be held accountable. However, without the ability to institute repurcussive sanctions on parents who are “failing” at being parents (that is essentially what they are doing), we are left only with the first two options.

By Taxpayer in Clayton

February 19, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

Too many of the decisions in the county, both at election time by the voters and those elected officials, are now based on the race of the people involved and not what the best person or decision is for that situation. By the way, am I still required to pay my school property tax when I cannot send me children to school in Clayton Co?

By SAR

February 19, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

I usually do not like my tax dollars going to the mistakes that others have made but in this case I see an exception. Whatever it takes please keep the people that created this mess where they belong, in Clayton County. I do not want to see my property values drop like a rock when all the people of Clayton County move to DeKalb County with Section 8 vouchers in hand. It’s not just the schools in Clayton County that are in a mess, it’s the entire area from crime to the highest home foreclosure numbers in the metro area. If we have to build a dang wall around Clayton County and make them stay there until they settle this. All the news that comes from that area is bad news. We have enough issues here without compounding them with more residents who do not take a vested interest in their communities and who can’t even have a football game for high schoolers on a Friday night without extra police protection. The people of Clayton County got what they paid for, they made their bed and now they must sleep in it.

By GeezGuys

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

Anyone that campaigns using the slogan “Put a brother in the house” is not concerned about qualifications and skills.

I just had to re-post this quote from Sherrie. Until African-Americans stop voting racist, nothing will improve. When I hear crap like this, I think we shouldn’t spend a dime on fixing Clayton’s problems. Would we spend tax dollars to prop up the Klan?

By the truth

February 19, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

GeezGuys, You have just made the same point I made at the beginning of this blog. The famous Andy Young “vote black” slogan is racist. Look where voting black got all these idiots in Clayton County. Just shows that stupid people flock together.

By C.R.H.

February 19, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

You can only temporarily “fix” the schools in Clayton. You can’t “fix” bad parents, the poverty, the lack of respect & pride that exists within the county. As far as who should be responsible…they created the mess, they can live with it!

By Papa was a rolling stone

February 19, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

Funny how NO ONE has the guts to say that this is what (almost) inevitably happens when ignorant corrupt racist/bigoted power hungry blacks take over a community.

Pussyfooting around by tinkering with the school board and electing another bunch of black losers/incompetents who have already unbelievably wasted at least FIVE YEARS since the original ‘academic’ warnings were issued is utterly pointless and will just further delay competent management/

The black racist Clayton County sheriff is a proven anti-white bigot. Black criminality and yoof thuggery in the county keeps increasing. And NO ONE really says anything about it because its overwhelmingly blacks doing it and many sullen bigoted blacks get very nasty when AWKWARD undeniable facts about their culture/behaviour are pointed out!!

Its freaking hilarious!!! And its rather sad. And as ever its the ordinary folks who end up losing out and suffering because of the useless self appointed/elected black morons who have by their deliberate actions brought this on the community they have worthlessly served. No wonder so many white folks have left the county in recent years.

The City of Atlanta is almost as poorly run … now after incompetent greedy management 25% budget cuts are suddenly being sought to find at least a $70 million budgetary shortfall.

Watching all these sullen black leaders try and BS their way out of their incompetence is priceless entertainment!!

By Joy in Teaching

February 19, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

I know this is going to sound harsh, but I think the state BOE needs to temporarily step in and take over the Clayton county school system. The current board needs to be fired and an interim board needs to be appointed to govern while some seriously hard work is made on the behalf of the teachers, administrators, and citizens of the county.

Meanwhile, each school should appoint or elect a teacher, an administrator, and a parent to serve on a county wide commitee and an administrator to serve on a steering committee dedicated to formulating a long term plan that will work the best for the students, parents, and teachers of Clayton County.

Schools and systems must go through SACS accrediation every few years anyways, so most educator types already know what needs to be done in order to not only get through this crisis, but to sail far beyond it.

By Nancy

February 19, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

Whatever you do, make sure that you are NOT voting in people set up by John Trotter and MACE. There is the biggest problem that exists in Clayton County! Ask the teachers and administrators who to vote for.

By the truth

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

Papa was a rolling stone, You should actually READ other blogs before you throw out your opinions. I amd two other people have pointed out the racist blacks of Clayton County.

By Momin Clayton

February 19, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

If congress can waste tax payers money on deciding whether Roger Clemens is on steroids I don’t see the problem in the state if need be taking an initiative in settling the problems in the Clayton County School System. But of course since a large portion of the County are Minority students this just shows proof that nobody cares. For all of you people with your negative point off views and ignorant attitudes where your kids are in private school or other county school systems, just remember always treat people the way you want to be treated. Just because this is not happening in your town amongst your elected officials doesn’t mean that there won’t be something else that brings your county to the spot light. And believe the parents that do care and are involved in their child’s education in Clayton County will need a place for their graduating seniors in 2009 if Clayton County looses their accreditations and if you oppose this by thinking your child’s school or your counties school systems are too good for them too go to once again proves how ignorant you are.

By My My My

February 19, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

Clayton County now, city of Atlanta soon to follow. What’s the common denominator???

By Eddie

February 19, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

Face the facts, negroes can’t run anything but a race.

By Lillie

February 19, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

Whatever you do, don’t bring Colwell and his redneck gang back. This is really what many of the bloggers want. This whole controversy in Clayton County is racially tinged, and many of the white people are stilled mad as heck at Trotter for his helping to organize the black vote in Clayton County a few years back. I suffered through those early days. I remember when Eddie White was an assistant principal and the only person of color to hold an administrative post in the entire Clayton County School System, and there were many who were qualified but overlooked. Keep Colwell and Gang in the Clayton County Refugee Camps of Peachtree City and Pickens County. He and Mark Elgart can keep playing golf together.

By mona

February 19, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

Wow, I see a lot of peple voicing their opinion about clayton county voters cleaning up there own mess. Well, Who knew that the board members elected would turn out to be corrupt. If it was that easy i would just look in my crystal ball and tell you who the next President should be. One of my children will be a senior next year and she has never been a problems student so to hear people from the surrounding counties say that we need to keep our brats in clayton county need to put themselves in the shoes of parent like me. My child has worked hard. Her senior year should be spent with the friends she’s been in school with for 12 plus years celebrating the fact that they’ve fianlly made it to there year. She shouldn’t have to tranfer to a school where she doesn’t know any one. I don’t want to transfer her and she doesn’t want to go, but what are our choices going into her senior year. I don’t feel there is a immediate solution that will help the class of 2009 other then to transfer to another county.

By Lovejoy

February 19, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

I would like to point out that all residents, parents, teachers and adminstrators of Clayton County are not poorly educated or apathetic. In addition, many of the students are excelling in the classroom and they deserve some positive attention. I have seen many negative comments from those who do not live inside the county boundaries. Please allow me to eliminate some of these myths. I voted for some of the current board members who primarily ran without an alternative candidate in some cases or the candidates may not have reached out to the community. I never voted based on their race but hoped they would do an effective job as promised. I live in a home, we are a two-parent household, with a son who is going to college on scholarship. As are many of the students at Lovejoy High School. I along with many of the parents in my area remain active at the school and plan to take steps to hopefully save our school system. I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all the teachers who have stayed in Clayton County to make a difference. There are MANY in Clayton County who do CARE!!

By j

February 19, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

momin clayton,

Your county voted for and elected dishonest, unethical, selfserving idiots just because they were black, and we’re ignorant? Get a grip and take some responsibility.

I want to be treated like an adult, and being treated like an adult means taking responsibility for your actions. You as a county, screwed up your county all by youselves. I didn’t run down there and vote for theese people, a majority of your fellow citizens did.

I have no problem with the state taking over your school system as long as you in cc pay for it. I already pay for my counties school system, actually go to the school for things other than football and basketball and expect my school system to function. perhaps not perfectly, but function.

I actually know where my school board meets. How many in cc can say the same thing?

If you want us to care, you as a county need to start to care too. To be unable to collect 100 valid signatures for a recall petition in three days is a disgrace. It doesn’t make me think that your county really cares.

By j

February 19, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

momin clayton,

Your county voted for and elected dishonest, unethical, selfserving idiots just because they were black, and we’re ignorant? Get a grip and take some responsibility.

I want to be treated like an adult, and being treated like an adult means taking responsibility for your actions. You as a county, screwed up your county all by youselves. I didn’t run down there and vote for theese people, a majority of your fellow citizens did.

I have no problem with the state taking over your school system as long as you in cc pay for it. I already pay for my counties school system, actually go to the school for things other than football and basketball and expect my school system to function. perhaps not perfectly, but function.

I actually know where my school board meets. How many in cc can say the same thing?

If you want us to care, you as a county need to start to care too. To be unable to collect 100 valid signatures for a recall petition in three days is a disgrace. It doesn’t make me think that your county really cares.

By Papa was a rolling stone

February 19, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

@ the truth

by NO ONE I (implicitly) meant no one in political power or the media etc. Obviously I saw the comments on here you allude to before I posted. Quite a small minded response I have to say by you!!

Its people like Mona and her kids who are the real (ongoing) victims of arrogant black corruption and pathetic incompetence.

Its amusing to see that the snouts deep in the racial spoils trough bruthas of concerned micky mouse black clergy aren’t noisily racebaiting the huge hippety hop problems in Clayton. These scum can only blame whitey - when blacks are responsible these hypocritical race pimps keep their sullen gobs quiet!!

By Camille

February 19, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

Does everyone really think that the people actually causing the “problems” in Clayton County would even be bothered to move themselves and their children to another county? Since I don’t think that would be the case, I think that the arguments being presented against Clayton County residents moving to the surrounding counties void. More than likely, only those people that could afford to move and who are actually interested in the education of their children would move to a county that meets their needs.

By Rick

February 19, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

Why would anyone want to be on the clayton county board? It has be tribal warfare for the nearly thirty years since I have lived here. (Yes, I am white.) The only difference is that not one of the white board members ever called SACS on other board members. Boy, that was real smart, Rod Johnson (dancin’ rod, from what i saw in tv). But, we all know that Ericka Davis put him up to this because she can get Mark Elgart to do anything for her. Davis was so very, very close to Colwell adn his boys.

By jim d

February 19, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

Mona,

Sonny has indicated the state will step in if y’all don’t get someone in there to clean up the mess.

By the truth

February 19, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

Papa was a rolling stone, Small minded? What crack are you smoking? I was agreeing with you but pointed out that people had already said what you were saying. Mona and her kids have their own brain. They should be using it. The victim card is as old as the race card. Blacks are nothing but pawns in the liberal world. Nothing more than communism.

By Vince

February 19, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

How To Fix This Mess

By Rjones

February 19, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

Clayton County schools are the worst in the state. Fayette County schools are the best in the state .Hire Fayette County to run Clayton County’s school system!

By AMBER ALERT

February 19, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

Papa you are right. Where is Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, the NAACP? All strangely quiet on this matter.

If the school board were majority white you can bet they would all be in Clayton leading marches.

Along with the power comes accountability and responsibility.

Where are they?

By Truth Filter

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

The state CAN’T step in … ready your State Constitutions and State Statutes. The Governor can intervene in VERY specific cases.

Clayton would have to ASK the state to step in — and methinks that ain’t gonna happen.

By Truth Filter

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

The state CAN’T step in … read your State Constitutions and State Statutes. The Governor can intervene in VERY specific cases.

Clayton would have to ASK the state to step in — and methinks that ain’t gonna happen.

By Manny

February 19, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

There needs to be an initiative to disband the current board and give temporary oversight to a committee until a special election of new board members are in place.

That oversight committee should put in place initiatives that enforces not only basic academic standards, but also special standards that promotes mandatory parental involvement. Sort of like a contract between parents, students, and faculty.

Speaking of faculty, that oversight committee should meet with faculty only to address their needs from their perspective, and the executive board member and superintendent of schools should be more visible in schools across the system.

And lastly, there should be an open door policy in which ANY parent can go to ANY class and observe classroom activities.

By Educator

February 19, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

After reading all of the post for today I realized that no one has posted a solution that involves the unification of this county. We would all love for the board members to resign, but what if they don’t. Are you willing to get from behind your computers and make a change in your community? It will take the voices of parents, teachers, community leaders and residents to make a change. You have to make sure your voice is heard at board meetings. Log on to the county website and find the dates for board meetings. Talk to your children’s teachers about how you can help make a difference. This issue is not about race!!!!!!!! It’s about the lack of leadership and commitment to the mission of providing a quality education to students in this county. Charter and private schools are not always the correct solution. Do research about the pros and cons of both types of schools. Don’t give up on the mission!!!! Make your presence known. Let the county members know that you care about this county and the education of our students. Also think how many students have read this blog today? How have your words changed how a child now perceives their future? Words are powerful things use them wisely.

By C.R.H.

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

Fayette county couldn’t run Claytin county. There are several reasons why Fayette has good schools…most of it has to do with people who have money, brains and actually give a crap about their kids education. You can’t fix Clayton until you fix all the other problems first.

By Damrius Jackson

February 19, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

Alls us aint need no techrs or educatin to be gangin and bangin in ta clay co. The zion reps here ta 1941 be ours

By Diane

February 19, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

Lillie, when Clayton County was a tad whiter or as you say redneck you didn’t have to have extra police protection at football games nor was the crimes rates anywhere near what they are today there. Nor was Clayton County the leader in home forclosures and home invasions in the area. No, when I grew up there we had a sense of pride in our community and we were not full of gangs, single parents and students who are eighteen and in the tenth grade who continute to read and write on a sixth grade level who are socially promoted year after year. Nor did we bring down the SAT scores for the entire state. You wanted blacks only elected, well my dear you got what you wished for. Enjoy it! I thank God there are no affordable living homes for sell in my neighborhood now so all the Section 8’ers will come here with a government check and five gangbanger kids to cause hell here.

By Homer

February 19, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

Look what a bunch of Obama supporters do when in charge.

By Vette

February 19, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

The “awful”state of the Clayton County School Board and the entire system is the reason why I chose not to lived there after I decided to move out of Dekalb County. If the Board truly cared about the students, faculty and the overall well-being of the county, they would resign. A new board, new superintendent and the parents (who care about the future of the students) is the solution. It would be great if they could obtain someone of the caliber of Dr. Beverly Hall, who along with the Atlanta Publice School board has turned the APS around. I am an African American woman and this stuff, plays so well into the stereotypes that African Americans have-“Black people cannot, will not, and do not work together. Crabs in the bucket is alive and well in Clayton County to the demise of students caught in the middle this unforunate crap.

By C.R.H.

February 19, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

“And lastly, there should be an open door policy in which ANY parent can go to ANY class and observe classroom activities.”

Oh yeah…that’ll solve all the problems! Just what teachers need, someone else thinking they know how the job should be done. Everyone is an expert. Better yet…why don’t those parents really put their money where their mouth is and run for the school board or become a teacher.

By Vince

February 19, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

Educator Read my 12:05 post. I think I listed a solution that, as SACS requires, involves all stakeholders.

By Rjones

February 19, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

Of course you are right about Fayette CO. school system. Whatever the solution is, DICIPLINE must come first. Kick out the drugs , gangs, and concentrate on students being at school every day, prepared to learn!

By Damrius Jackson

February 19, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

Alls us aint need no techrs or educatin to be gangin and bangin in ta clay co. The zion reps here ta 1941 be ours

By jim d

February 19, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

So Educator,

What’s this? Chopped liver?

By jim d

February 19, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

JMHO, but it would seem the only clear path to resolve the issues in Clayton County now involve extensive community participation.

By Henry county parent

February 19, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

I cant believe some of the comments that iam reading. I thought we surpose to commenting about how to save the schools and the children, not stomping own them. commenting own how Henry county dont want the kids to come because of gangs and Dekalb dont want section 8 homes in there county. Henry county you already have gangs!!! and the test scores are not that great!! Dekalb please!! you had two school shooting in the past week, and your test scores are poor already. The last time i looked Georgia was at the bottom, help not hurt.

By Papa was a rolling stone

February 19, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

@ the truth

My original point - obviously implicitly made because I rather foolishly expected I didn’t need to -was NOT explicitly spelled out for some of the much dimmer bloggers on here about the general black/liberal/media silence on Clayton’s problems was an obvious one. Retrospectively I now see that your own rampant petty ignorance obtusely ‘personalised’ an obviously much wider point. Thus your snotty post to me got a slightly snotty response. I naturally assume you frequently use your own heavily used crackpipe as a suppository - hence your chitterlings for brains response!!

No can really reasonably say (from one blog post) that the likes of Mona is “playing the victim” here. Making sure your kids diligently attend school and study etc without causing problems is pretty much ALL a responsible parent should be expected to do. Most ordinary folks reasonably expect their elected local council officials to be competent. Obviously in Clayton that is clearly not the case. So responsible decent parents and their normal/law abiding kids get caught in the thuggish hippety hop anti-education afterwash that seems to dominate so many black areas in the USA.

Your doltish use of “communism” is hilariously brainlessly inept and typical of countless smug stupid right wing Americans who often equate anything (liberal) they disapprove of as being “communist”. If you actually knew what communism meant you wouldn’t moronically use it here in such a puerile, utterly inappropriate context.

By Graduate 2007

February 19, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

My child recently graduated from a Clayton County school. I bought a home in Clayton (which was not my preference)so my child could have stability and enjoy high school years with friends. My child participated in extracurricular activities and you would be amazed at how many parents would show up and volunteer - a handful. I believe some felt we were babysitters - drop the child off and pick the child up. Some parents do not have a clue what’s going on with their child at school and don’t care - but we have a parents that do. When I placed my vote for the school board, I had no idea of what we were getting. You have no way of knowing one’s background or if they are doing this for the children or for their own personal gain. In this predominantly selfish society, it’s seems as if these folks were looking out for themselves and not the most important reason for being on the board, our children. And what if we get rid of the current school board, whose to say the next would be better? How do we know that we won’t get another bunch of selfish, self-serving individuals? And I am disappointed that a “reverend” on the school board would not only stand by for such activity but be a participant. What Good Book does he read from? My child is off to college but I have concern for the students yet to graduate. Maybe the children of the board members who are about to graduate should be held back or not allowed to transfer to other counties and be subject to this craziness their parents have started!

By Time for a change!!

February 19, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

I feel for those students and their parents who see the need and value of an education as a way forward to contribute to, and not depend on society (and the government) as a generational way of life!!

I’m not familiar with Clayton County public school; however, if they are anything like the DeKalb County public schools (with very few exceptions) the way out of this mess may not be achievable.

In Dekalb County their downfall likely resulted/results from - neighborhood schools which ceased many years ago to only draw from and serve the neighborhood in which they were built; classroom instruction reduced to the lowest common denominator student(s); neither the students nor their parents being held accountable for their performance or behavior in school; an administration which will not hold students nor their parents accountable; and, a teacher’s union so powerful (and self serving) that poor performing teachers cannot be fired.

In spite of the cost, we decided early on that private school/education is our best way forward to avoid this “mess” and provide for our children’s education!!

By Luther

February 19, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

Mark Elgart Mark Elgart Mark Elgart and Ericka Davis Ericka Davis Ericka Davis and Dan Colwell Dan Colwell Dan Colwell Maybe some of you can discern what is going on. Most cannot. Moooooooooooooooooo! Eat more chicken. Mooooooooooooooooo! Just tell me that Bob Hartley has the answers. Bob Hartley…Demogogue…Bob Hartley Mooooooooooooooo! Tell me anything, and I will believe it. We want a scapegoat. Please, Bob Hartley, give us a scapegoat, and we will vote you into any office that you want. Thou art our Messianic Demogogue. Thou are our messenger from Mark (Zeus) Elgart and his princess, Ericka (Control Freakin’ Big Liar) Davis who apparently could not even stay in good standing with the Jills of Jack & Jill, Inc. Bob, save us, please. We need a scapegoat now.

By long time Clayton County Resident

February 19, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

To quote comedian Ron White: “YOU CAN’T FIX STUPID!!!!!!!”

By Mrs. Morton

February 19, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

I would like to say thank you so much to all the negative, sterotypical people who have posted on this blog! It just goes to show how racism is still alive and well! The problem with Clayton County schools goes way beyond all that-we are talking about CHILDREN!We need to start focusing on how to clean up this mess, and put the focus where it should be-the teachers,residents and CHILDREN, of Clayton County. Regardless of what some might think there are hard working, everyday people, with goal oriented kids in this county who cant afford to move or private schooling. It’s time to stop the finger-pointing, the blame-game, and put in effect a comprehensive and effective plan, AND remove any persons or issues in the way of that!

By Mrs. Morton

February 19, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

I would like to say thank you so much to all the negative, sterotypical people who have posted on this blog! It just goes to show how racism is still alive and well! The problem with Clayton County schools goes way beyond all that-we are talking about CHILDREN!We need to start focusing on how to clean up this mess, and put the focus where it should be-the teachers,residents and CHILDREN, of Clayton County. Regardless of what some might think there are hard working, everyday people, with goal oriented kids in this county who cant afford to move or private schooling. It’s time to stop the finger-pointing, the blame-game, and put in effect a comprehensive and effective plan, AND remove any persons or issues in the way of that!

By Rjones

February 19, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

Over the last 20 years , we have seen the rise of Afro-centric studies in Black schools. Culture is great , don’t get me wrong, but there are other avenues to retain your roots and culture. Is there an Afro-centric Law Degree? AN Afro-centric Engineering Degree? Do you want your Doctor or Realtor speaking to you in Ebonics? Educate your children the correct way and let them retain their Blackness too!

By NICK

February 19, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

Hey Clayton County,

Do what you folks have been doing for the past 40 years…Blame it on the white folks!

You do not need to accept responsibilty for your decisions and actions, if white folks hadn’t “kept ya down” for so many years, maybe, somehow, you all could have gotten a better skool system.

How? Only you folks can imagine (and believe) that crap up.

Call in Rev. Al or Jesse, they haven’t had any “white hating press” lately, so I’m sure they can find something to “pin it on the man”.

Can you people ever do anything right?

By The truth

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

Papa was a rolling stone, My chitterlings for brains? The stars and bars do exist in brain dead mind. As for communism I can see that you yourself would serve well under Lenin and Castro.

By London

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

I really hate what is going on with our educational systems here in Georgia, Not just Clayton. School shootings, a child beat up a teacher in north georgia, and one county have to seperate the girls from the boys because teen pregnancy. And Georgia is always last with test scores, we need to cometogether and help our children no matter where you live. We need to help not hate, because this can happend to anyone, i teach in Dekalb, and we are barely holding own. I also live in Dekalb and crime is the highest in the state right now.Stop pointing fingers,we as a state is in trouble.

By Mrs. Morton

February 19, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

THIS IS NOT A RACE ISSUE PEOPLE!! THERE ARE WHITE PEOPLE IN CLAYTON COUNTY TOO!! SO STOP THE MADNESS! YOUR JUST CONTINUING TO SUPPORT STUPIDNESS!WHAT IS THE REAL ISSUE AT HAND HERE? IT DOESN’T MATTER IF THE CHILD IS BLACK OR WHITE, WHAT MATTERS IS THE EDUCATION OF THIS CHILDREN. THE CHILDREN OF CLAYTON COUNTY DESERVE EVERY CHANCE OF EDUCATION AS ANY OTHER CHILD IN ANY OTHER COUNTY-REGARDLESS!IF THESE WERE YOUR CHILDREN-THESE TYPES OF COMMENTS WOULD NOT BE ON THIS BLOG! IF YOUR NOT PART OF THE SOLUTION, THAN YOUR PART OF THE PROBLEM!!

By Rjones

February 19, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

Quit with the Communist remarks, they are not part of this discussion. Actually, Communism done correctly is a perfect system. Everyone works, and everyone benefits. It’s weak point is PEOPLE! No, I am not a Communist.

By Steve Boswell

February 19, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

Mrs.Morton is dumb and worthless Mrs.Morton should use her stupid mouth to service Mr.Morton more Mrs.Mortons mother should have used a rusty coat hanger years ago Mrs.Morton should tell us all where her daddy touched her and ruined her self esteem

By Papa was a rolling stone

February 19, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

@ the truth

goading snivelling leftist mental midgets like yourself is too much fun!! I note you gutlessly cut and run like a typical cut and run leftist surrender monkey from your PIG ignorant (emphasis naturally on the PIG) use of communist.

I like Lenin - he’s dead

I like Stalin - he’s dead

I like Trostky - he’s dead

and I could get to like you bubbaturd!!

now go choke on a crystal meth moonpie!!

By mmm

February 19, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

Jim d, To your “Do charter schools get their own accreditation? question:

I believe that conversion charters (which generally are window dressing)hang with the district. Start-up charters (at least in DeKalb) must get their own accreditation. In general this takes some time—for example, the school my kids go to got GAC accreditation in it’s 2nd year, and has just got it’s accreditation as and IBO World school this January—the school’s 6th year of operation. IB accreditation is a two step multi-year process. However, our school does not yet have SACS accreditation. This is because we chose (and the district allowed us) to focus on the IB process first, since it is generally considered more difficult. We will probably go back and work on SACS next year. If you notice—there are very few start-up charter High schools. Generally I think that this is because it is only at the high school level that these issues that Clayton’s students are facing kick in. I think that if you did start a high school, you would need to roll it out in such a way that the school had SACS accreditation before it graduated it’s first class—-but it should be understood by parents that this is a “buyer beware” market if they choose to send their kids to a just-opened high school.

By posterchild

February 19, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

Time for a change:

What “teacher’s union” are you talking about? We don’t have unions that can do anything in Georgia (other than attempt to intimidate), so I wish people would stop throwing around that term. This isn’t like being in New York or Michigan. If anything, we have professional organizations/associations. Big difference.

By the truth

February 19, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

Mrs. Morton, Can please take the all caps off. Also, learn how to spell. It’s a race issue because the all black school board made it a race issue. You are the problem if you ignore the situation.

Rjones, Communism is not perfect because it was created by a human being. No human being is perfect. Blacks, in general, act like communist. Just look at what people like Al and Jesse have done. They said that Barak wasn’t black enough to be president. In their eyes you have to be a certain way. Liberals categorize blacks and don’t think that the individual has a mind of their own. Get it? And no, I wasn’t going to call you a communist. Just ignorant.

By jim d

February 19, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

MMM,

Thanks for clarification.

By the truth

February 19, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

Papa was a rolling stone, You’re too easy of a target. I love making people like you, angry.

By Rjones

February 19, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

NO, you are wrong. Communism is found in Nature. Ants and bees are 2 examples. The queen is not a ruler, just an egg layer. All the hive works equally at different jobs to benefit EVERYONE. NO welfare here, just a coomon goal. You’re welcome.

By Papa was a rolling stone

February 19, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

@ the truth

like I said bollock chops

goading snivelling leftist mental midgets like yourself is too much fun!!

By The truth

February 19, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

Rjones, I’m wrong? Ants and bees? They’re freaking insects! They don’t have brains and we do. Your argument is childish.

By Rjones

February 19, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

Youre Papa should have stayed at home and helped educate you.

By catlady

February 19, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

Mona, for goodness sake make a decision for your child’s future based on more than who her friends are! Think long term (more than a few months) and get her out of there! People with brains and aspirations have to make sacrifices. It will do her good to see you make some. In the long run, her missing her friends is VERY SMALL POTATOES.

By flipper

February 19, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

Hey folks.. here is a link to an AJC article which includes another link (on the left) to Norreese Haynes “statement” about this whole SACS thing. I think that his statement pretty much spells out the problems with Clayton County Schools.

My goodness… what a bunch of pathetic imbeciles on that board…. elected by the pathetic imbeciles that constitute most of the residents in Clayton. You couldn’t even make this up if you tried!

I think we just need to fence the whole area off, have it become its own state and let them all fend for themselves.

Here is the link…

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/clayton/stories/2008/02/19/claytonunion0220.html?cxntlid=homepagetabnewstab

By catlady

February 19, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

What is so sad is that “getting by” and getting SACS accreditation is so easy. SACS accreditation is like the CRCT—much about little. So it is funny that SACS is focusing on governance (which is important) over quality of education(even more important), which Clayton County kids do not have, given the rampant drugs, crime, violence, teacher turnover, low achievement, etc.

By GeezGuys

February 19, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

Mrs. Morton, if your reading skills are anything like your writing, I’ll help you out with a re-post from Sherrie:

Anyone that campaigns using the slogan “Put a brother in the house” is not concerned about qualifications and skills.

What obvious racist crap used in a political campaign. If there was one ounce of such glaring white racist behavior the black community would be calling CNN, ABC, and every media outlet for 24/7 coverage. They’d be moaning about “whitey”.

So, sit and stew in your little racist pot called Clayton County. And the kids can too, they have undoubtedly absorbed their parents’ twisted racial supremacy values. Maybe the shrimp sheriff can roll his new tank in if any white people dare intervene.

So, no, not everyone is concerned about Clayton County kids. If their own parents don’t give a damn, why should we? And why would anyone care about a bunch of racists? I’ve got no more sympathy for y’all than I do with those chinless white-robed cretins on Jerry Springer .

By Pedro

February 19, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

Zoiks! Having a hard time reading later comments. The bile seems to have melted my monitor!

By Pedro

February 19, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

Zoiks! Having a hard time reading later comments. The bile seems to have melted my monitor!

By JustMe

February 19, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

Come on guys…..

Why use race at all? The bottom line here is that the voters of Clayton County did elect those idiots - and it doesn’t matter what race they are. So, the voters in Clayton County now have to do something about it - namely kick those bums out and elect some decent folks with brains.

Getting SACS accreditation isn’t hard to do. You fill out tons of paperwork and make plans for improvement. It takes a little brain power and a lot of organization.

However, the first step is for Clayton County people to get rid of the current Board. Otherwise, it will be same-ole, same-ole.

Of course, the other option is to run from the problem.

Honestly, and I know I will upset many people here, I am afraid of Obama for similar reasons. He ‘sounds’ good but has seemingly little substance. If you listen to his speeches, it is all rah-rah but no real action plans. Compare that to Hillary who lays out her plans in detail on how to solve problems.

By jim d

February 19, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

JM,

OMG!!!

By Pompano

February 19, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

Does anyone else notice the disturbing similarities between the Clayton County School Board and the Grady Board?

Stupidity + Arrogance = Massive Failure

By luvs2teach

February 19, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

Laura - can we please do a different topic tomorrow - a nice, feel-good one, perhaps?

This had completely disintergrated. I feel like I’m reading Wooten’s blog (or a retelling of The Three Billy Goats Gruff with all the trolls).

By Erin

February 19, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

Good grief, people … can we please TRY to come up with something a little more productive?

I grew up in DeKalb County. I know there were problems in the schools then (I went to DeKalb County schools all 12 years) and there are problems there now. Clearly, there are some BIG problems in Clayton County.

After reading some of the comments here today, I am GLAD I moved out of Georgia and even more glad I probably will never move back!

By Erin

February 19, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

Good grief, people … can we please TRY to come up with something a little more productive?

I grew up in DeKalb County. I know there were problems in the schools then (I went to DeKalb County schools all 12 years) and there are problems there now. Clearly, there are some BIG problems in Clayton County.

I don’t know what the answer is … but I know what the answer isn’t — name-calling, turning into a racial issue and baiting all these trolls isn’t going to solve anything.

After reading some of the comments here today, I am GLAD I moved out of Georgia and even more glad I probably will never move back!

By 4 Real

February 19, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

Luther,

A scapegoat for all this mess? Well, how about a culprit instead of a scapegoat? I’ve a culprit for you….Welcome to my Big, Fat, Obnoxious, Selfish Culprit. His name is John Trotter. Perhaps you know him. He goes by aliases, like Luther and Sheila. He likes cigars and money. He is a race pimp and stirs up trouble for the heck of it. Dan Colwell wouldn’t give him a six-figure job back in the day. Now John Trotter/Sheila/Luther wants to take control through his puppet Norreese Haynes. Yeah. No scapegoat, Joh..oops, Luther, culprit.

By Mel

February 19, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this

I am so glad i dont live in Georgia anymore. After reading some of the comments, no wonder Georgia have so many problems with there school system, not just Clayton! Work together and help people in need. If you dont, you will always be last.

By Mel

February 19, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this

I am so glad i dont live in Georgia anymore. After reading some of the comments, no wonder Georgia have so many problems with there school system, not just Clayton! Work together and help people in need. If you dont, you will always be last.

By mmm

February 19, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this

OK—-let’s admit that good governance is hard, and it gets harder as the problems mount. I have been on a board, try to lead one, and have watched the DeKalb school board and the charter’s subcommittee of the state DOE for several years. I don’t have all the answers. In fact the more I watch, the more I believe that the people we most ought to have on these boards are the least likely to seek to run because of how distasteful the process is, and how thankless the job would be, if they actually made decisions based on their duty to serve all our children.

So I am going to suggest that the good citizens, chamber of commerce, etc of Clayton need to form a non-profit who’s sole job is to find, vet, and support good candidates for the school board. And to offer them good governance training as part of their vetting process. Atlanta Public Schools has such a non-profit and it helped to turn them around. DeKalb also needs one, or the likes of John Trotter will have no balanced well-respected response.

By GaNative

February 19, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

Clayton needs to clean house. Get rid of it’s current board members, their friends and their relatives on staff and at the schools. Get rid of the sorry teachers too. Now days it seems like the only way a teacher gets fired is if they are caught having sex with a student. They can be sorry as hell in the classroom and keep their job. If anybody complains, they don’t fire them, they just transfer them to a school where nobody cares. Clayton County’s School District is just the first to bite the bullet, watch what happens to some of the other school districts in the coming years. You can’t run a quality program when your first objective is to make sure you have all your friends and family members hired.

By Attn: Clayton Parents

February 19, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

Facts the MACE bashers don’t want to address:

-the majority of the school board is comprised of GAE members

-the majority of the administrators who made a mess of things such as the attendance debacle are GAE members including one Ms. Luvenia Jackson, who sits on the board of directors of GAE!

The MACE bashers don’t want you to know these facts because it gets in the way of their agenda.

And because they have an agenda not related to what’s best for the county (notice how many-not all mind you, but many will slip in a side order of race baiting along with their MACE attacks?) they also steadfastly refuse to address legitimate questions about Elgart and the SACS report. Questions such as:

Why, in a twenty seven page document is there ZERO mention of Rod Johnson KNOWINGLY hiring an accused child molester?

Why, in a twenty seven page document is there ZERO mention of Celeste Johnson’s illegal double dipping even though an Open Records request CONFIRMS this?

Why, in a twenty seven page document is there ZERO mention of Ericka Davis’ micromanaging emails, even though the have been posted on the Internet as irrefutable evidence?

The MACE bashers have refused, ever since this story broke to address this, because they would have to admit Elgart’s (and SACS) credibility has been SEVERELY compromised with these omissions.

And they’d have to admit that there is no legitimate reason not to seek an alternative, objective accreditation. The MACE bashers also don’t want you to know that far from SACS being the accreditation agency, the majority of metro schools are not accredited by SACS, but by other agencies, agencies that, if they granted accreditaion, would keep the HOPE scholarship in place.

But the MACE bashers don’t give a rat’s @ss about your child’s HOPE scholarship. They’d rather let the ENTIRE system go down as part of a power play against MACE, instead of seeking an alternative agency that would be objective, and let the voters decide who should be on the school board, not a cabal of GAE, Elgart, and others.

You’ll notice, if there is a response at all from the MACE bashers, that they’ll say “everything under the sun” about MACE. But what they won’t do, is address the facts at the beginning of this post, the questions about Elgart’s credibility, or provide a compelling reason why we shouldn’t seek alternative accreditation and let the voters decide.

Tom Petty would dismiss the lot of them, as when confronted with facts and logic consistently on this forum, they have ALL BACKED DOWN

By vas1228

February 19, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

The first thing that I would like to know is “How many members on the Clayton County School Board have actually worked in school system?” In my opinion, the clayton County School Board should consist of those with a background in education. As an African American Im am ashamed. We have complained for years about being shut out of the process of helping our own kids acheive the best education possible and when the chance is given to us, we use it for our own gain. What makes this so bad is that the board was given a secound chance and they screwed that chance up. I think the entire board should step down or those that have been found of wrong doing .If you really care about the kids do them a favor and allow members that really care and that will make an impact in helping the kids. We cant raise leaders if the leaders themselves can not lead.

By Attn: Clayton Parents

February 19, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

I think if the board really cared about the students, they’d recognize Elgart’s hatchet job for what it is, and seek alternative, objective accreditation that would, if approved, restore the HOPE scholarship for innocent students and let the voters decide who sits on the board not Elgart and SACS.

Will the board FINALLY show real leadership and put aside their personal agendas and take a course of action that protects the students?

By Vince

February 19, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

Wow! Attn Clayton Parents is REALLY getting desperate.

Perhaps the majority of the Clayton Board are GAE members, but they are not the ones causing the problems. Read the report.

ALL of the metro systems are accredited by SACS…not a minority of the systems…as ATTN stated.

SACS’ credibility is not at all damaged by the report. Someone else’s is.

MACE needs to understand that their petty, childish games have led the students and parents of Clayton to the brink of disaster. They need to man up to it and help fix it. The last thing they need to do is to continue to mislead the good citizens of the county down the wrong road.

Hey ATTN…. please name the “majority of the metro systems” that are not accredited by SACS. I think you will have a tough time backing up this lie.

By Jim

February 19, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

As a former CCPS teacher who has been watching this for years, I have some bad news you:

The CCPS won’t get “fixed” anytime soon. The current crop of voters are the ones who’ve voted in the last school boards. This community may say it cares about the future of its’ children, but I expect the electorate to vote in more board members who are more concerned about increasing the number of african americans in positions and holding on to power than anything else. Why? Because that’s what sells during elections. Face it, a white man who could get CCPS back in the business of educating kids and preparing them for life couldn’t get elected in Clayton Country. The electorate has gone out of it’s way to elect the school board based on color instead of competence.

The system won’t get “fixed” until it looses accredidation, most of the current african-american parents with school age kids move out, and a majority hispanic population moves in.

As far as Attn: Clayton Parents’ quip about “letting the voters decide”, the voters had their chance and have managed to f**k things up for the kids. Obviously, someone else needs to appoint a school board for them. I agree, the students are innocent, but that doesn’t change the fact that the School Board mucking with the education system lowers the quality of an education in Clayton Co, and SACS has every reason to be concerned that HOPE scholarship money would be wasted on CCPS students who may not be prepared for post-secondary education, thanks to the messed-up schooling they’ve received.

By Vince

February 19, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

Attn Clayton Parents, referring to your statement,

Will the board FINALLY show real leadership and put aside their personal agendas and take a course of action that protects the students?

I don’t know….ask Noreese

By Jim

February 19, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this

Vince: hell no, they won’t. They’ve rejected calls for their resignations for the past 5 years. They don’t care about the students. But, like I said, the voters knew what kind of people they were electing…that’s why nobody in (or near) Clayton Country is truly surprised.

By Attn: Clayton Parents

February 19, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this

Vince,

If SACS credibility is “not damaged” by this report, then why not address just three of the many questions raised by the report?

Why, in a twenty seven page document is there ZERO mention of Rod Johnson KNOWINGLY hiring an accused child molester?

Why, in a twenty seven page document is there ZERO mention of Celeste Johnson’s illegal double dipping even though an Open Records request CONFIRMS this?

Why, in a twenty seven page document is there ZERO mention of Ericka Davis’ micromanaging emails, even though the have been posted on the Internet as irrefutable evidence?

Again, if you, (or more importantly Elgart) can’t address even these three questions, then the credibility of both of you is in question.

By j

February 19, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this

When the SAC pulls the accreditation of cc schools, it will be only the third time in 20 years that they have had to do it. Doesn’t exactly sound like a radical group of accreditors, does it?

By Attn: Clayton Parents

February 20, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this

Vince,

Perhaps I am in error with the number of schools SACS accredits (unlike MACE bashers I will address concerns raised by posters and am willing to admit if I’m wrong)

I don’t know the exact numbers; but for example the list of schools the Georgia Accrediting Commission has as members is twenty six pages long and includes systems such as Atlanta city, Decatur city, Fayette County, Henry County, and far too many more than I can list here.

Thus I still stand by my overall point: Those who are trying to portray SACS as the only accreditation agency are deliberately misleading voters into thinking we have no choice to kowtow to Elgart’s and GAE’s power play and their designs on the board not the voters.

I guess trying to make voters think SACS is the only accreditation agency is the only card you have to play, since you are unable and unwilling to address the SERIOUS questions about Elgart’s “objectivity” posted above.

I imagine that’s why several MACE bashers have tried to silence my posts, because you anticipated free reign to come on here and bash MACE.

What are you so afraid of? I LOVE it when MACE bashers post, as it allows me to analyze their arguments, offer information (such as I know) make contrasts and draw distinctions and most importantly, ask questions that require them to defend the integrity of their words.

But you won’t respond to that you’ll just repeat the same old charge that MACE is the (pick one) the bogeyman, Mephistopheles, Beelzebub, Darth Clayton, or any other pejorative that you’ll use when faced with facts and logic.

Bad enough you won’t engage in legitimate debate, but it’s really a shame that you’ll hold Clayton students (and their HOPE scholarships) hostage to Elgart’s designs on the school board, rather than let the voters decide who THEY should support.

By j

February 20, 2008 1:01 AM | Link to this

I don’t believe that any of the entrenched organizations involved in the cc boe disaster give a hoot about the kids, their education, or their future.

As long as theese organizations can keep their snouts in the public trough, they will sell their and your children’s souls to keep power.

I’d get rid of them all.

By Attn: Clayton Parents

February 20, 2008 1:07 AM | Link to this

j,

I guess I can add you to the ever growing list of people who, when asked tough questions about the serious credibility issues I raise about the Elgart report, find themselves unequal to the task.

Again, if you are so sure that Elgart’s report is completely “objective” why not address just three of the many concerns I (and others for that matter) have raised? Again why in a twenty seven page report is there no mention of:

-Rod Johnson KNOWINGLY hiring an accused child molester, even though the Clayton News Daily did a major story on it and the “bodyguard” has been indicted?

-Celeste Johnson’s illegal double dipping even though an Open Records request CONFIRMS this?

-Ericka Davis’ micromanaging emails, even though they have been posted on the Internet as irrefutable evidence?

Let’s see “hotel room service” or KNOWINGLY hiring an accused child molester; which should Clayton parents really be concerned about?

And if Elgart can’t see THAT, if he’ll give political cover to a man who put children at risk his credibility is ZERO.

By j

February 20, 2008 3:02 AM | Link to this

Attn. clayton parents, Even if the report is slanted and it very well may be, it doesn’t change my above statement.

To recap it a little more bluntly, the vested interests, including yours and your enemies are pigs at a trough. As long as you and your enemies and every one else who is bleeding the county dry can keep your snouts in the public trough, you will sell your souls and flush the cc students and the whole county down the toilet.

I do believe that even if slanted, the report as a whole is lot more accurate and unbiased than you than your repetitive statements.

Your suggestion of getting accredited by someone like “Mels Very Fine House of Accrediting and Car Wash” instead of fixing the problems in cc demonstrates your willingness to screw up the lives of the cc students just to stay in power. Thus the snout.

By jim d

February 20, 2008 5:23 AM | Link to this

I think we need a gunslinger

By So Sad

February 20, 2008 7:01 AM | Link to this

But apropos.

Fogerty couldn’t have recorded this one at a better time.

By Vince

February 20, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this

Sorry Attn Clayton Parents, I go to bed relatively early. I did not mean to give the impression that I did not have answers for you.

So, Attn…As Bluto says to Pinto in Animal House, “Face it. You !$#$@$% up!” Man up to your mistakes and try to HELP THE STUDENTS of Clayton County out of this mess that you thought was a game.

By WFC

February 20, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this

Am I wrong or are most Clayton County guys refugees from the Atlanta City system?

By Pompano

February 20, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

This is how the Clayton School System will be fixed:

1> White Flight will accelerate, quickening the decline of the area

The area will decline into blight, apartment complexes will turn into battlegrounds similar to the public housing complexes in Atlanta After property values hit rock bottom, developers will raze the complexes. Younger whites will move back into the area while being vilified for gentrification because their responsible lifestyles actually increase property values The Section 8 scum will be dispersed and the current problems with the Clayton School System will be relocated to neighboring counties.

By posterchild

February 20, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

Pompano:

I’m not sure if you’re really familiar with the demographics of Clayton County, but there is little white flight to be had. That’s come and gone. The biggest flight risk for this county now is more of an economic flight, in that anyone who can afford to move and doesn’t want to fight to clean up the mess probably will.

Gentrification is probably not on the horizon anytime soon, either, at least until all this has been repaired. As someone who grew up there and has great memories, I would love to think that I could possibly raise a family there one day… but that would be in a very distant, different future.

By Jim

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

WFC, no, you’re not wrong. In a nutshell, middle-class blacksleft Atlanta to Clayton. The whites in Clayton went to Henry. Much of Henry County will get priced out of reach of the blacks who would flee Clayton County. I expect there isn’t a big market for single-family homes in Clayton, so anyone leaving would have to forclose and rent…and there isn’t that much to rent in Henry. Hopefully, Henry Co will see the writing on the wall, and not approve a significant increase in rental properties which would facilitate Clayton’s problems becoming Henry’s problems. But you never know…Clayton let it happen.

By Attn: Clayton Parents

February 20, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

Vince,

To clear up a couple of misconceptions:

-the systems I listed as having schools accredited by the Georgia Accreditation Commission (Atlanta city, Decatur city, Fayette County, and Henry County) all came directly from the agency’s website. Perhaps there is dual accrediation is those systems, but again I stand by my point. SACS is not the only agency. (And poster “j” the list of schools GAC accredits is twenty six pages long and they’ve been around since 1904. Not exactly “Mels Very Fine House of Accrediting and Car Wash” now is it?)

As far as the body guard only being “recently indicted” so the info wouldn’t be available to Johnson. Alexander is a personal acquaitance of Johnson, so he bloody well knew of his situation seeing as he was arrested three years ago not “recently”.

Again, among the many ommissions, if Ericka Davis has micromanaging emails (from a state computer no less) that have been posted on the Internet and Elgart makes ZERO mention in a twenty seven page report it raises SERIOUS concerns about his “report” and his willingness to destroy the dreams of Clayton students to go to college because of his personal agenda.

There are too many SERIOUS questions about Elgart to let him, and not the voters decide who should serve on the board.

By Attn: Clayton Parents

February 20, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this

Vince,

One more thing you may not be aware of. It’s not just that Johnson KNOWINGLY hired an accused child molester, it’s why he hired one.

It wasn’t a favor for his acquaintance, it was a favor for himself. He was hired to be a “bodyguard” for Supt. Duncan (meaning he was hired for Johnson so he could have a spy to “keep tabs” on Duncan’s every move.)

You don’t get much more “micromanging” than that and that’s why Johnson personally “walked him through” the hiring process.

MACE might not be the second coming of Jesus, but they also aren’t Mephistopheles, Beelzebub, or any other member of the hierarchy of evil that they are portrayed as.

What they are is the only entity that is willing to speak honestly to the discipline problems in Clayton and once the SACS brouhaha blows over, if the schools are going to make any real progress, they are going to have to deal with the 5,000 lbs. elephant in the living room that no one wants to address: The discipline.

And the teaching conditions in Clayton are yet another story the media is hesitant to tell (mainly, because the editorial board of the AJC will do anything not to give MACE credit, including ignoring the truth)

Much, much more to this story than the media is feeding readers, if one is willing to dig.

By Vince

February 20, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

Attn…..

In this case, I’m afraid, MACE is Beelzebub. I just wish they could admit that their puppets made some serious miscalculations, errors in judgement and made the job of working FOR the children in Clayton into a game. ONLY when they admit this mistake and stop playing their petty “thorn in the side” game will progress be made in correcting this mess.

..and where is gun - e ?

By j

February 22, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

Attn: Clayton Parents,

Why in the world would you think that GAC would accredit cc schools AFTER cc schools lost their accreditation by SACS just because you ask them to. If you don’t fix your problems that cost you your SACS accreditation in the first place, then GAC would be thought of as the 3rd rate accreditator where you go when no one else will accredit you. GAC is not that stupid.

Therefore, you are looling for an accreditor like “Mel’s Very Fine House of Accrediting and Car Wash”. And you would take “Mels” accreditation in a heartbeat.

Anything to keep the old snout in the trough, I guess.

By Attn: Clayton Parents

February 23, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this

Y’all been asking for “proof,” here it is. Below is just one of the many micromanaging emails GAE member Ericka Davis has been sending to CCPS staff. Again, the question nobody is willing to address; if in a twenty seven page SACS “report” there is ZERO mention of Ericka Davis’ emails, even though they’ve been given to Elgart and on at least four different websites for all the world to see, why should we trust anything Elgart has to say, and why shouldn’t Clayton seek alternative objective accreditation?

And to address the previous poster, I’m not saying an alternative accreditation would approve Clayton as is, but at least we’d know the recommendations are objective.

As you read this, note her micromanaging is being done from her STATE email address. Why isn’t the STATE looking into this as well?

edavis@gba.ga.gov

To Debbie Bass:
?Debbie: My church, Siloam Church International[,] [a Fulton County church, I am quite sure] is hosting an Education Workshop [on] the 3Rd [sic] and 4th Saturday in March. We will be doing test prep for the CRCT on the 3Rd [sic] Saturday because we have quite a few educators in our church[,] my Pastor?s [sic] wife who is nationally certified and has her doctorate in Educational Administration. I need for Teaching and Learning to present the same presentation that was done for Dixon Grove [a Clayton County church, I am sure] on the 4th Saturday in March at 10 [sic] am [sic][,] and I will be piggy[-]backing on your presentation with one of my own called Parenting with a Purpose: Strategic Planning for your child?s future [sic]. I need for Ken Sanders to come or someone from his shop to talk about the high school testing and requirements and someone from Special Ed. My church is a little larger than Dixon Grove[.] so [sic] I am hoping [that] this is a good opportunity to educate parents and students. Please let me know if this can be worked out. I am hoping Dr. P [sic] can drop in too.?

By Vince

February 25, 2008 7:22 AM | Link to this

Attn:

Gee….so Ms. Davis wanted to present a positive course on parenting and one on CRCT preparation. Oh my, how horrific!

I always find it hilarious when you point out the typos and errors in people’s letters, emails, evaluations, etc. For a real bellylaugh read Noreese Hayne’s letter to the Cobb principal on the MACE website. NEVER have I seen more errors, invented words, etc. It’s a RIOT!!

By Concerned Parent

February 25, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

As a concerned parent of two hard working, not in a gang, honorable young men (both in the IB program), one of whom will be a senior next year, I cannot take a chance with their opportunity to go to college. I cannot and will not. I hope and pray the best for clayton county but it is my intention to leave. So, Henry County residents will just have to move over, and accept it. My children will not be the ones you will have to worry about. But you wouldn’t know that because you are assuming that “they” are all alike. Too bad for you, that has nothing to do with me.