Get Schooled

By bearcasey

August 29, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

I wouldn’t have moved to Clayton Co. on a dare. Problem solved!

By momtoAlex&Max

August 29, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

Last night we discussed this at lenght my husband and I.

We decided that if we were in that situation, we would try to do this (in preferred order)

As far as teachers go, I have no idea. But I guess I would try to transfer, even if it meant loss of benefits, unless I were really close to retirement.

By SallyB

August 29, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

Odds are that many, if not most families in Clayton Co. will not be able to pick up and move. For multiple reasons,not the least of which are financial, most will be stuck. I would expect that we will see significant numbers of students whose parents will find a relative or friend living in another school district and use their address in order to get their students in an accredited school. Parents have used this tactic for years to get their students in , shall we say moreappealing schools.

By Sherrie Eoff

August 29, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

While I question the use of the term “leader” to discribe the board members who allowed this to happen, no one is going to dispute that the system’s teachers and students are innocent parties to this mess. As a homeowner who doesn’t have children, but lives, works, and plays in the county, I hope that this becomes a rallying point for educated, exemplary leaders who care about our county and larger community and its stakeholders, to be elected to the board. We need to begin the healing process, but without citizens who care about the outcome, we will be stuck pointing fingers instead of making progress. While I think that parents of children, especially high school aged children, have just cause to leave Clayton County entirely, I hope that we don’t see a mass exodus of concerned citizens. If everyone who is outraged leaves what happens then? I truly hope that even parents who enroll their children in private schools as a result of this will continue to press on for a proper board of education- one that values its students, its teachers, its community, and each other… and acts accordingly with the best interest of all at heart. It is a shame that our public servants have lost sight of both the public and the duties of service.

By RealityCheck

August 29, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

PRAY FOR FAYETTE!

By Barbara

August 29, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

For some of us that own a nice house that DID have equity, what choice do we have??? You can’t sell a resale in Clayton. I am thoroughly disgusted at our STUPID school board who couldn’t listen to SACS. When they told them what to do. What not to do. DO NOT hire Thompson, he isn’t qualified. So they hire him, give himabsolute power and $400,000 to boot. Dysfuntional is being kind!

By Kiljoy

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

Move if you can!

You can’t just use a relatives address and enroll your child in another counties school system. There are lots of safeguards in place to prevent this. You’d really have to grant your relative custody of your child for this to work.

I am the only one who thinks you get what you deserve? The apathy in Clayton County is appalling. Even after the voter knew about the SACs issue very few of them bothered to vote in the last election.

Every one likes freedom and democracy but they don’t want to live with the consequences of their decisions or lack of decision.

Sorry for the kids but they only have their parents to blame for this predicament!

By Speak2Me

August 29, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

Clayton County residents need to wake UP!! NOW!! This situation w/SACS is very political. The political side to SACS and our beloved Commissioner Bell is that CLAYTON COUNTY has PRIME PROPERTY that is in the works of REDEVELOPMENT. However, big businesses as Hartsfield International does not want to pay the cost. Therefore, what happens…lets see how we can get them out of their homes…. OH, I (commissioners) know…force them out…How do you force them out…SCHOOLS. This information of the redevelopment projects where assigned as of May 2007…Wait 4 months later, clayton residents hear, we hear Schools Accrediation in limbo…Mind you clayton’s redevelopment needs to be completed at latest by 2010 for next development stages by 2023. ALL THIS INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND UNDER…WWW.CLAYTONCOUNTYGA.US… CATCH IT NOW

By Toolate

August 29, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

Pray for Henry County too!!

By Speak2Me

August 29, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

Why is it that ajc.com is not allowing us to speak the truth of what’s REALLY going on w/CLAYTON County?

By Speak2Me

August 29, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

My People, my people…(black, white, hispanic, chinese, etc.)…Let’s stop it with all this HATE… “Clayton got what they deserve,” “Pray for Fayette,” “Thompson should be booted,” My people STOP with the ignorance. You that blog on Posts like these are telling others that you are “IGNORANT AND HATEFUL.” Yes, it is true that Majority of Clayton residents didn’t vote. But is also true that the candidates that were running against the SAME OLE FOLKS, where NO GOOD also. We didn’t have any other candidates to choose from… why vote for new idiots. Mind you, I voted to replace the SAME OLE, but when I left the building I felt empty. I don’t know why Clayton didn’t receive diversity of candidates this year, instead of the “same ole blacks w/different names and faces” however, with the “same ole” mentality and tactics. (P.S. I’m black) We need diversity in Clayton’s government, we don’t need EVERYONE looking the same and ACTING the same. Clayton can be GREAT, but we need EVERYONE (all backgrounds) to PULL together. Clayton county has property that the our government wants and we can’t let them take it w/o a FIGHT!!

By sharon

August 29, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

I entered this blog hoping for suggestions. I decided I better see what is being said before all of the judgemental people start clicking away at their computers making racial and disparaging remarks about “blacks”. The majority of the people blogging about the county don’t even live in Clayton county. At the end of the day this mess is about the children who don’t deserve this. There are decent hard working children and parents in Clayton county so don’t lumps us all together. Can someone please explain to me why the “no child left behind” law doesn’t apply in this case?. It is my hope that only intelligent and compassionate people will come on this blog today. In other words I hope the hateful people take a day off. I may be asking to much.

By sharon

August 29, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

I entered this blog hoping for suggestions. I decided I better see what is being said before all of the judgemental people start clicking away at their computers making racial and disparaging remarks about “blacks”. The majority of the people blogging about the county don’t even live in Clayton county. At the end of the day this mess is about the children who don’t deserve this. There are decent hard working children and parents in Clayton county so don’t lumps us all together. Can someone please explain to me why the “no child left behind” law doesn’t apply in this case?. It is my hope that only intelligent and compassionate people will come on this blog today. In other words I hope the hateful people take a day off. I may be asking to much.

By jakesdad

August 29, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

is there such a thing as educational martial law?

I know the goveror removed some of the board members but it seems pretty clear that there has been a complete implosion at the administrative level. maybe the teachers and students are doing their parts (haven’t seen the #s) but to expect the board to fix itself from within at this point is beyond ridiculous. I heard an except from the superintendant on the radio this morning asking parents to remain calm and “trust them” to resolve the situation - how can he say that with a straight face? the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. hate to say it but the board needs to be abolished and taken over by the state or feds - let them get things in order then gradually ceed power back over time…

oh, BTW - don’t know if this is true or not but I read on another site that the one mandate they actually met (of NINE) was - are you ready for this? - verify that all board members were actually residents of Clayton County! can anyone confirm or refute this?

By Speak2Me

August 29, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

Pray for Henry… Pray for Fayette… What can I say about you that type this sort of comments…(ha, aha, ha, aha…)We’re staying in Clayton until they buy us out and when they buy us out, Fayette and Henry wouldn’t be the PLACE TO RUN TO (ha, ha)… Please people. What does Henry and Fayette have to OFFER…ZERO!!! Only idiots should run from a prime/upcoing county to an unaccomplised counties like Henry and Fayette. H & F are for those less challenged, those that don’t want to be heard nor seen… Let the World pass them by!!! Clayton county residents…lets stay together and show our children how it is done when working together. More to come…

By The Cold, Hard Truth

August 29, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

“Real estate agents have estimated the county has lost almost $550 million in housing equity since the school system was placed on probation in 2003.”

2003. This is 2008. For FIVE years, Clayton County voters have elected the bozo’s to the BOE and only now they get riled up.

Funny thing, Clayton didn’t seem to have this problem before the county became majority black and started electing incompetent blacks to the board.

Are you paying attention Gwinnett and Cobb? Have you looked at your demographics lately?

By DB

August 29, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

I just wish I saw some evidence of Clayton County OWNING the problem instead of just running around like the proverbial headless chicken and pointing fingers at everyone else but themselves, and then wringing their hands in supplication for pity for the “poor, disenfranchised children …” Sorry, the sympathy play doesn’t cut it with me. They weren’t worried about it — why should I? Where was the Clayton County leadership when this was happening? Where was their deep concern for the educational opportunities of the children THEN?

Private schools are, realistically, not an option. Those deadlines were nine months ago — and the schools that might still have openings probably aren’t SACS accredited, EITHER. Moving isn’t an option — you can’t give away a house in Clayton County, at this point. The parents in Clayton County are stuck — and have had it stuck TO them.

This is what is called the Law of Natural Consequences. I suppose I’m a bit of a hard-a*, but pardon me, isn’t this very problem the reason why we have SACS accreditation in the first place — to certify educational systems that DO meet certain basic standards, and to highlight the ones that don’t?

So, now that we know they don’t (even after MONTHS of warnings), what, specifically, have the Clayton County students done that would warrant “exceptions” made in this case? Their BOE, their County Commission and their parents didn’t care enough or value a solid education enough to make an active difference. Their values are different from mine. I scrimped and saved for 15 years putting my kids through a good private school — drove the same car for 11 years, worked two jobs at one point, only had one short vacation a year, because I felt strongly enough about the quality of my kids’ education.

By lwa

August 29, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

What benefits would a teacher loose if they transfer and why? I haven’t been able to find that answer on the web.

Thanks.

By Dana Edgers

August 29, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

I am not staying in Clayton County. I have twins that are 16 attending Riverdale High School. I cannot risk there future of a College Education and I’m having problems with them trying to fix there credits from transferring from another state. It seems like the whole school system will never get organized. It’s a shame the good are suffering with the bad.

By lwa

August 29, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

It is hard for me to say what I would do in this situation. Knowing what I knew when I moved to Atlanta 8 years ago, Clayton County was not on my list of counties to live in based on the school district and the test scores. However, there are a lot of smart and educated parents who chose Clayton County for many reasons (cost of living, distance to downtown, close to family, etc). We should not condemn or judge them for making that choice.

If given everything that I know I would probably consider the following:

By Future Counselor

August 29, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

I know this is off topic, but here goes… The ONLY people to blame for this crap is the school board members and the dispassionate, disconnected people who put them there. Those children DO NOT deserve what’s happening. It is damn near impossible to lose accreditation. Not only do you have to screw-up royally, you have to do it again and again and again and again. I can’t understand how no one could have to this blind to have let this happen. SACS reported that those aholes only meet 1 of 9 mandates. I’m sorry, but writing a fluffy essay to SACS does not prove anything, CCPS school board. How dare Sandra Scott go on TV yesterday and moan about her outster! If the board members gave a damn about those kids, they would’ve resign long ago, but no. They had to be REMOVED. How selfish is that? To answer the topic question, I don’t have kids nor do I live in Clayton County. However, if I did and had the means to, damn right I’m leaving! Most people that send their kids to CC schools, don’t have the means to move nonetheless send their kids to private schools. Some of the families are hoping that they can send their first kid to college. To those first kids, especially the exceptional ones that have one-in-a-lifetime chances (like going to top-tier schools), that is in serious jeopardy now. These kids will be blessed to be able find decent financial aid in Georgia (other than HOPE). To the poster that said that most of everyone on this blog don’t live in Clayton: you are probably right and many jerks will post racial crap. However, the situation in Clayton will affect the metro area, especially the counties immediate to Clayton. Where does the exodus of children go? Real estate prices? Employment? How will the exodus of children affect the resources of the counties they go to? Get it now? The Clayton County School Board has royally screwed up…repeatedly. Too bad they can’t be brought on criminal charges for being such selfish, stupid aholes.

By Steve

August 29, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

Well I am surprised they have not had a protest yet. The thugs are so good at having their little protests ya know? That and I can’t believe they have not started shooting each other yet. What blows me away is that Clayton was a nice, safe, white county just 20 years ago or so. Blacks move in, screw it all up, and look at it now. Same goes with other areas as well.

By kat

August 29, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

My husband and I each have a home for sell in Henry County..Come 1 come all… 1 for 126,900 1 for 136,900 both in excellent accredited school districts. We just got married and each had a home.

By SAG

August 29, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

Who under the heavens thought Thompson could pull this county up and solve the issues that Clayton County faced? Did you see his reactions on the television news yesterday? I wanted to hide under the sofa I was so embarrassed by him and I don’t have kids or an investemnt in CC other than to hope they solve the issues down there. Moving is probably not an option, so many homes are for sale there now as it is. The only real chocie is to remove the board, run Thompson out of town as far as you can get him and his pimp suits and workd from the ground up and rebuild. There will be some growing pains but I believe anything is possible with enough INVOLVED parents, students and community leaders. The kids from CC who really intend to move on past this may ahve to work twice as hard but it can be done. Nothing is impossible.

By The Cold, Hard Truth

August 29, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

“I entered this blog hoping for suggestions. I decided I better see what is being said before all of the judgemental people start clicking away at their computers making racial and disparaging remarks about “blacks”.”

Sharon, it sounds like you already know in your heart the root cause of this mess.

There is a just and rational explanation for “white flight.” Every, EVERY time an area goes from majority white to majority black, the quality of life suffers. Increased crime, quality of schools, etc, etc, the list goes on and on.

Clayton is merely repeating history.

By Bea Jay

August 29, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

The hard truth was right when he said, “Funny thing, Clayton didn’t seem to have this problem before the county became majority black and started electing incompetent blacks to the board.”

When Atlanta flused it toilet all of its s**t ran into College Park/Clayton County.

Steve was right when he said, “What blows me away is that Clayton was a nice, safe, white county just 20 years ago or so. Blacks move in, screw it all up, and look at it now. Same goes with other areas as well.”

I am black and I have lived in College Park since 1986. Blacks moved in like a pack of locusts and have destroyed Clayton County.

By Frommage

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

There is no need to panic. If Clayton gets its act together, this year’s graduating class will graduate with accredited diplomas. Now, that being said, Clayton County has to move quickly to satisfy the 8 points that they did not satisfy. Citizens of Clayton County need to force change to preserve their housing investments and, more importantly, the investment in their child’s education. The accreditation board has given Clayton County the opportunity to fix this.

By Kiljoy

August 29, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

The beginning of a solution is the acknowledgement of what went wrong in the first place. What went wrong? Apathetic parents who don’t even vote, attend PTA, or get involved with anything until its an emergency like this. Now everybody is screaming and jumping up and down and looking for a savior. As soon as the hoopla is over it will be back to business as usual!

By MyOpinion

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

First of all, outsiders are bashing the people of CC for electing their BOE. In 2004, half of the nation re-voted for Bush after living through his 2000 - 2004 term. I’m just saying this to show that being a particular race does not automatically make you a good leader, so please stop all of these racist and snide comments whether you mean them or not because it becomes tiresome to read a blog when these comments take over.

If I had children I would say it depends on what grade they are in.

If they are a senior in high school: 1. Grant a relative the authority to act as a co-guardian for “legal” reasons and transfer my children to an accredited school

Note: There are plenty of scholarships out there that just require the child to be in college

If not a senior in HS: 1. Follow the same step of 1 for senior in HS

The above steps are what I would do if I could not move due to financial reasons. If CC failed to regain their accreditation by May 09, then I would take out a loan and move.

By Henry scholar

August 29, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

I ran from Clayton to Henry 6 years ago and still regret it. The kids were getting a better education in Clayton but we saw the school board problems coming. My daughter just graduated from Henry schools and was not even taught how to write in cursive as they do not teach that in Henry. At least we taught her and she was beginning to learn cursive in Clayton. Henry was definitely not prepared for the influx from Clayton and are still struggling. Property values in Henry are falling through the floor but taxes keep going up as they can’t seem to get enough from their citizens. Henry is a poor choice if your looking for a solution to the school accrediation problem in Clayton. Oh yeah, the police are like the Gestapo in Henry also.

By Jinx

August 29, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

This is GEORGIA….HELLOOOOO. Clayton, Henry, Gwinnett, Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Fayette…WHATEVER! No matter where a child attends school around here, they’re looked down upon by the nation. Our children ranked as being 47th in the area of SAT scores. Georgian’s are depicted as being dumb hicks, despite the county/city/town they’re from. If it makes any of you feel better to insult minorities or Clayton county residents, just remember; the nation has some preconcieved stereotypes about YOU because you live in Georgia.

By Dawn

August 29, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

Some of you do not know what you are talking about. I am an educator in Clayton County and this whole situation is disgusting. We and the students are the victims and we have nothing but the students’ welfare at heart. This is a political situation and the governor and the board should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves. I truly hope they reap what they sow, because it is wrong…

By CommunistAJC

August 29, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

Is this whiteys problem? just wondering because the good all black school board said it was white people that were the problem just a few years ago.

By Hiya

August 29, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

I see a lot of bickering here in this forum, just as there was bickering on the school board. I’ve only been in Georgia for about five years and I had such a high expectation of this place. Now my son has started high school this year, just to find that he wont get any credit for his freshman courses, which of course does go eventually towards him graduating. This is not exceptable. Why can’t we just for once work together and do something about a situation instead of bickering and slinging hash at each other? Our kids need us, why can’t we be the mature parents that is needed and do something about this situation. I am disabled and can’t afford to pick up and move on a fixed income, so where does that leave my child?
This isn’t fair.. Why do our children have to suffer for the bloops and blunders of supposedly educated board members who was suppose to have had our childrens best interest at hand. I agree, there was no new faces to vote for, so I’m sure that had alot to do with the low voter turn out. But that aside, now we have a problem and we as parents are the only ones who can fix it. I have written to the Governor in hopes that he will respond. The board of education told me that the only way that our children can attend another school in a different county is if it comes down from the Governor, so I beg of you please consider this, writing Sunny Perdue and getting him to allow some sought of concession to allow us to send our children to different school districts oppose to packing up and leaving our homes and disrupting our entire lives.

By Tray

August 29, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

Wow…a lot of people have been placing blame on the majority black board (all but 1). Others have said not to talk that way, maybe because it’s denial?

Then there was a guy who claimed to be black, and blamed the problems on blacks (he called them locusts if i believe, guess that’s a racist term now).

Well, i can’t agree with them fully, but i do believe that’s a lot of the problem. Look at the guy in charge now-He’s not doing anything but collecting your tax dollars and spending them on pimp-suits!

Hey, i heard Sonny fired the board-THAT MEANS THERE ARE JOB OPENINGS!! If i were a Clayton parent, I’d apply. Apparently it’s a job where you can make a ton of money, but do no work!! Sounds unfortunately like it’s right up a black person’s alley!

Maybe that really is the problem…How many blacks really care. The blogs from most parents here-it’s sad they can’t even spell or use correct grammer!

for example: The students have there future comprimised. THERE?? Try THEIR!!!

Maybe the black community needs to look deep down and stop fighting each other, unite, and make a decent comeback.

I leave with a partial quote from a beloved NAACP member:

Maybe the residents in Clayton should “act white”!

(he said it first, so get mad all you want)

By shaggy

August 29, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

To ALL students of Clayton County Schools, plus many of their elders:

“I’ll have a chocolate shake and super size that value meal! Could you hurry that up, I’m late for a meeting with my stockbroker!”

By Hiya

August 29, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

Couldn’t we as parents sue the board for this poor mistreatment of our children? Does anyone know?

By SET

August 29, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

Obviously no good parent would raise a child in a ghetto or send a child to a ghetto school. Period. The families who do are damages goods. In this country, as our penniless immigrants demonstrate geration after generation - good parents are able to do better for their children. They vote with their feet.

By Jimmy

August 29, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

Stay out of Henry Co. !

By Judge Schmells

August 29, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

Remember…..”The world needs ditch diggers too”

By Black Woman In Clayco

August 29, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

Thanking God every day that I have no children in CCPS. If I did, I would not trust my child to CCPS, don’t care how many times they ask for calm and not to abandon ship. My child would have already been moved to another school system or private school. But I know there are many who don’t have that option.

My hope is that all the welfare and section 8 rejects will act like they care about their kids and go elsewhere because it’s easy for them to up and move unlike homeowners. But somehow I doubt that.

It’s funny how white folks say white flight is okay. Maybe if you white folks had stayed and fought for their county instead of running Clayton wouldn’t be the mess it is now. I am not declaring white folks as saviors, but I do agree that they know how to run government and I like mixing in a mixed neighborhood. My Clayton neighborhood is mixed and I love it there, I don’t want to move which is a good thing because now, I can’t!

and let’s get another thing straight. Pretty much all politicians are crooked and get something on the side, it’s inevitable and if you believe the politicians in your lily white county aren’t getting kickbacks you’re fooling yourself. I have no problem with them getting theirs as long as the citizens are well taken care of and the county is running smoothly.

My house is my baby. I’m going to have to wait this thing out. I hope “Speak2Me” is right because that means in a few years things will turn around.

And let me just say one thing to all of you who think everyone in Clayton “deserves what they get” and all that other crap. Did you think about those of us who DO go out and vote? What about those of us who are an asset to our community and there are many in Clayton who are. What about those of us who DID NOT vote for these fools who are holding office? What do we deserve? Not what we’re getting, that’s for sure.

By Joy

August 29, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

Oh my god!! I cant believe what i am reading!! No wonder Georgia is always last!! Children education are at risk, and this is all you can say. You want to put people down and call names, i can see if the other counties in this state, Had A one education, but you dont.It is pathic.And you want to talk about crime, when I watch the news, there is Dekalb,and fulton one the new all the time. Dekalb has had more killing that the war in Iraq. This could have happened to any county!! So stop name calling and blaming and think about the children and these families are going through!!

By mae

August 29, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

I don’t live in Clayton County, but I am a parent, so I really feel for all the kids and parents now suffering because of the selfish, dishonest actions of the school board members. Clayton parents, stay close to your children now. Talk to them more than usual. Listen to them even more now. Encourage them. Go to PTA meetings. Stay in touch with their teachers. And by all means, when you get the chance to choose officials, get out and vote! Bring another voter with you! Ask people you see if they have voted yet. You are NOT powerless in this situation. God bless you and your children. Now that the remaining four worthless board members are gone, maybe positive change can finally come. I will be hoping and praying for that.

By carlene

August 29, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

First of all i blame the whole government of Georgia.This should not have gotten this far.The whole state of Georgia is being looked on.People in other states do not know,where clayton county is,they just know Georgia lost there accreditation.So instead of them talking about it,fix it and fix it quick before Georgia looses money.Why the kids have to pay for these adults mistake.GOVERNOR,MAYOR SENATORS FIX IT.

By What!!

August 29, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

This situation is a lot like a plane crash, When it first happens everybody is in shock, saying they will never fly that airline again, or even fly at all again, Then after a few weeks the news begins to fade away, The airline takes steps to ensure whatever happened will never happen again. Soon people realize the need to fly some where and are able to get a good fare on the airline that crashed, because that airline really wants to survive and in a couple of years it is all forgotten except your are now receiving a much better and safer product than before the crash . I encourage everybody to wait it out, do what you can to improve the area and in no time this will be the best place in the ATL to live.

By For those who have done all they could do

August 29, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

What should you do?

First you should petition to have the current superintendent dismissed due to the fact the people who co-signed his contract were found to have violated the law.

Apparently he is not competent because one of the mandates was to find a “competent” superintendent, yet it is one of eight that was not met.

Second, find a lawyer who fully understands the NCLB Act and learn what can you legally do when your county looses it’s accreditation.

IF you still plan to send your child to a CC school, just tell the state that they are being home schooled, this way your child receives some education that is legit/accredited.

By Koz

August 29, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

Tray, I find it hilarious when people like you complain about other people not knowing how to spell or use correct grammar - then you go and spell it ‘grammer’ - LOL

By The Cold, Hard Truth

August 29, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

For what it’s worth: white population of Clayton County by the years.

• 1980 91% white.

• 1990 71% white.

• 2000 38% white.

• 2006 <30% white.

Schools are going into the s** and the crime rate is skyrocketing. Correlation? I think so.

By 2honest

August 29, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

Tray, how dare you criticize others for their spelling and their use of “grammer”. Obviously, you weren’t taught that the correct spelling of the word is g-r-a-m-m-a-r. My 16 year old would know that. But, that’s right. She is enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Program (In Clayton County) that was instituted under the former superintendent, Dr.Pullium. And fortunately for her, if accreditation is not regained by 2010, it won’t affect her because she will be receiving an “IB Diploma” which is recognized at an international level. However, it is a sad situation for all Claytonites and it’s really up to us to show our children that we can and will go to bat for them and protect their futures. That’s what parents do, not complain and name call and race-bait.

By T Wilson

August 29, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

Oh my, I have read numerous post regarding the Clayton County crisis (and it is a crisis). I really wish the community (a community is not just clayton, it is the surrounding counties as well) and really think about whats important “The Children”, our future. When I look at these blogs I don’t see any progress. When are we as a people going to come together no matter what color we are and put our diffrences aside and roll our sleves up and say what can I do. I work for a fellow school system and most parents wont take time out to participate in the PTA, or even take time out of their schedule to visit their childs school. Therefore, we have a real crisis. Clayton county schools is just a example that have went too far… We as a people kids or no kids need to see where they could help out. So what you don’t live in Clayton County, if you can voice your opinion…then you can help…

By T Wilson

August 29, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

If you are not a part of the solution, then you are a part of the problem.

By CH

August 29, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

I live in Clayton County but I don’t have kids in school. Both of my children are in college. I didn’t move here until after they completed school in South Carolina. All I want to say is, “God Be with the Parents and their children in Clayton County. I will pray for you. And by all means now is the time stop pointing the fingers and get things right.

By catlady

August 29, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

Clayton is a blueprint for what will be happening in other counties nearby. Beware!

I would have left CC long ago, when they got into the first mess with SACS, if I had been there. The folks who stayed must have been very optimistic, to put it nicely.

Schools with poorly behaved students will find that the acceptance of poor behavior dovetails with the acceptance of substandard work. And both “symptoms” come from the home, but are exacerbated by the excuse making of some groups, including some educators.

Students CAN learn to behave, no matter their homelife or background or neighborhood. They WON”T learn correct, respectable behavior unless it is REQUIRED once they step in the school door. And if correct, respectful behavior is not required, no matter how able the students, the general achievement level will go through the floor. (I’m not talking about your IB kids—they live in their own little bubble.)

It is like those sociological studies about declining neighborhoods. If the police crack down on “minor” crimes, like vandalism and petty theft, they find that the major crimes decline also. It is a message that “the community cares and will enforce its standards.” At school, if the “little” things are not addressed (correct clothing, no cursing, respect to others) then the big things go wrong. It is as simple as that. I am willing to bet many of the young people WaNT to be at school, if only for peer interaction and food. Boot them out if they cannot conform their behavior to a civil level. They are NOT so stupid that they cannot learn this!

It does not matter what “mama” does at home. At school, THESE are the requirements!

By catlady

August 29, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

BTW, I have seen this in action at my school. Last year we put some strong school wide rules in place about “petty” little things. One was that NO MATTER WHAT, kids could not run in the hall. “No running” had been a rule, of course, but teachers were told they would be strictly enforcing it for any child they see. Signs with the new rules were put everywhere, and teachers were to point out the signs and rules repeatedly. Lo and behold, our behavior problems dropped significantly. The theory is, if they (us) are willing to religiously enforce this one little rule, we will also enforce others. We have a few more I would like to see enforced because I think it would make a major difference in our students: if a child is late, even a minute, the parent should have to park the car and escort the child inside and sign them in. I think if we did that, we would see much more prompt attendance, and it would show that we are serious about being a school and not a babysitting service.

CC could do the same, at very little cost, and bring up both student behavior and student achievement.

Too bad the school board got away for so long with their substandard behavior, instead of being called on it immediately.

By Enoch

August 29, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

Governors, mayors and senators are not responsible for the schools in Clayton County. The beginning of getting a problem fixed is identifying the responsible parties. 1. The Clayton County School Board is the problem. They provided bad, self seeking and petty leadership. Not one of them should be electable. Frankly, I think they should all move out of the country out of simple shame for their actions. 2. The Voters of Clayton County. Make no mistake, the BOE is elected by the voters. You got what you asked for. While you are responsible for the past, you are also empowered to fix the future. What’s it going to be? Are you going to have a county government and BOE about race or about competence? White politicians in the fifties who ran against integration were hiding their incompetence. Don’t let black politicians hoodwink you in the same way! 3. The Parents - Parents who are not involved and supportive of the school system are to blame. The only way that local schools get better is when local parents get involved. Getting involved does not meeting complaining and protecting your little darlings when they get in trouble. It means helping.

The problem is NOT the fault of one group. The kids. They don’t deserve this and the consequences of the loss of accreditation will fall on them the hardest.

By Old School

August 29, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this

It seems to me that if each school faculty would take the time to go through the accreditation process: pulling together the documentation and records, in other words going through it as though none of the turmoil was going on outside their doors, they might be able to present a strong case for accreditation on a school by school basis at least temporarily.

Isn’t it the school board and their antics that caused the loss of accreditation? If each school could prove that it is doing a creditable job of educating the students and would earn the accreditation things were “normal,” then for the life of me I don’t understand why SACS could not issue temporary emergency accreditation on a school by school basis while the school board cleans up its mess.

(Folks, it’s Friday evening after the worst day of my 34+ years teaching so if the above makes no sense, I apologize.)

By Zoe

August 29, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

Old School- Schools in Clayton have already done individual SACs accreditation. We just went through ours two or three years ago! SACs won’t let the schools do their own now apparently, it is SYSTEM accreditation now- I started asking about school by school cases in the Spring when all this came out and was told that the school’s own accreditation by SACs didn’t count!

By mally

August 29, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

MR THOMPSON AND YOU FOUR BOARD MEMBERS WHO WERE OUSTED. GIVE ME MY MONEY BACK, YOU CROOKS.MR THOMPSON SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN HIRED POINT BLANK.NOW AS A HOMEOWNER I HAVE TO SUFFER BECAUSE OF YOUR INACTIONS AND INEPTNESS.I TRIED TO VOTE YOU OLD OFFICIALS OUT OF THERE BUT I AM JUST ONE VOTE.

By CCPS Teacher

August 29, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

As a long time resident and employee I have no plans to move. I think losing Accreditation is a good thing because there will be some supervision.

The Governor has done all that is allowed by law. What the BOE did has caused all of us to suffer—it is not the fault of the teachers even though Sandra did her best to get some of us fired.

I went to so many BOE meetings, that James called me by name. I gave hours of my time to help my students succeed,. But, most of the time about 25% of phone numbers were not valid, parents did not/would not come to school. Students did not take much responsibility for their education.

Students did what ever they wanted to and nothing happened. I am watching my beloved school hit the bottom. I will be a Senior Citizen before it ever gets better.

Students will get a diploma—there is no such thing as an Accredited diploma. There are 6 school systems in GA that are not Accreditated because they are too small to meet the minimum requirements. I used to teach in one and those students never had a problem getting into UGA or any other school they wanted.

HOPE is still available through Dec 31, 2010 to all Clayton Co HS Graduates who meet the requirements, just like always. So, really, there is no need to leave Clayton Co Schools. You will find that surrounding systems do not offer as many advanced classes as we do.

By Rjjj157

August 29, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

Feel very sorry for the STUDENTS and parents of CC but you should stay. Get a coalition of retired, reputable educators and administrators to assist you. Elect a sensible school board and get involved. I am sure there are a lot of good people in CC and good students. Unfortunately those are the ones that will want to leave the most. Stay and fight to get the right people to help you and for goodness sake get rid of the scam artist charging an ungodly amount to deliver absolutely nothing except false hope.

By luvs2teach

August 29, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this

Hey there, Old School - sorry about your bad day :-( Hope you have a better weekend.

I have nothing to say on the topic that hasn’t already been said.

By bad situation

August 29, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

maybe the students can ban together and sue the old clayton county school board, especially the four idiotic board members who had to be removed by the governer after first handedly causing this faisco with their ignorance and power plays. amazing they have no shame, they had an active rold in the revocation of accreditation and they STILL would not resign and go away. unbelievable.

By GetAClue

August 29, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

Why does everyone keep overlooking the fact that John Trotter (a white man) is manipulating black politicians and causing all of this mess. Someone needs to give Trotter a giant wedgie.

By Sad But True

August 29, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

Cold Hard Truth is correct.

Unfortunately, as Clayton County goes, so goes the U.S. Except for Iowa. [Oops. Did I say that?]

By Famous Potatoes

August 29, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

Sad But True - Don’t you mean Idaho?

By gaseaslover

August 29, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this

I just find it very sad that the report that Clayton County submitted to the SACS committee was not even checked for errors. Case in point - the third column of the report (on every page that had this table) said “Completition” instead of “Completion.” If the school board and superintendent cannot even take the time to spell check such an important document, what kind of message does this send to the committee, teachers, students, parents and community? I am a teacher (not in Clayton County) and I would be appalled if my county were to submit such a critical document with such glaring errors. Wow - really shows that they just do not care about anything except themselves. If you read over the “evidence” presented and compare it to what the SACS committee required - it is not even close. I’m not surprised they lost accreditation. It’s sad, and unfortunate. I think at this point, Governor Purdue needs to step in and take control. No offense to anyone in the community, and I’m not implying that the voters don’t matter, but I think this has gone too far for the school board to continue to hire inept personnel at a ridiculous salary to help Clayton. This is hurting students, plain and simple and something drastic must be done to correct it - if only to help those kids who have worked hard and had nothing to do with these decisions - they cannot even vote yet! Oh - and spending money to “reprint” diplomas so his (meaning Thompson’s) NAME was on them??? I think that money should have come out of HIS paycheck - he’s got more than enough money to spare. How egotistical and asinine was that? That act ALONE should show everyone where his priorities lie - just like the school board members, he is only looking to HIS interests - not to the students, parents, or teachers. How very, very sad. Thompson really needs to suck it up and resign - without any type of severance or compensation.

By Ray

August 30, 2008 12:57 AM | Link to this

Please do not get desparate, move, and let your houses go into foreclosure. You will pay for that for years by paying much higher interest rates on loans, auto insurance rate, and homeowner insurance rates. Insurance companies check your credit reports as well.

Your problem requires innovative thinking and solutions. You do not want your county to become like Atlanta’ school system. While Atlanta did not loose accreditation, I used to watch their board meetings back in the 70’s for their entertainment value. Their board meetings were much better than any drama on TV. They acted very similiar to the four who just got booted.

The Atlanta school system still has not fully recovered from those problems 30 years later. The middle class and best and brightest left the school system leaving behind those who could not afford to move. The same will happen in your county unless you convene a panel of the best, brightest (and professional), to work as a team in making things better and give the taxpayers regular updates on their progress.

Clayton county needs to try something different so the school system does not suffer the same long road back.

By Kerri

August 30, 2008 1:05 AM | Link to this

I think Clayton County’s problems began around the time the Olympics came to Atlanta. I was a student at Georgia Tech in 1992, and there were housing projects close to campus. By the time I graduated in 1996, the people in the housing projects were moved out of the city to Clayton County. Unfortunately, a majority of the people displaced were of a certain socio-economic level. The city of Atlanta didn’t care where they went and preferred they not come back.

I wouldn’t blame the problems in the county on race as stupidity is present in all races, genders, and nationalities. I could not believe the county’s low voter turnout in the elections a couple of weeks ago. Wild horses couldn’t keep me from the polls if this happened in my community. As a matter of fact, wild horses can’t keep me away from the polls period. Voting is our civic duty. The lack of participation in local politics has many ramifications, and this is one of them.

As for advice, perhaps an apartment in another county.

By Ben

August 30, 2008 7:55 AM | Link to this

There is absolutely nothing good in Clayton County. The elected and appointed politicians are only 2-3 steps ahead of the average street crooks. I’m guessing that it probably has to do with inbreeding or something being in the water, fortunately they are geographically separated from the rest of us(excepting Henry County)in metro Atlanta.

Unfortunately, I’m seeing more and more Clayton County tags on the northside. People from Clayton County do everyone a favor and stay in your own cesspool. We don’t want your corruption and violent criminal element to spread, we law abiding citizens have enough problems without you adding your toxic recidivism(do you know what means?) to our communities. We don’t mind you working in our communities but please go home when the day is done, for our safety and peace of mind.

Apparently, your school board members are so stupid that even after the governor fired their sorry * the new board of idiots continue to break the law. Well, I always knew most of the citizens of Clayton County were mental and genetic defects, thanks for proving me right.

You jerks(citizens and politicians) are a national embarrassment. Also, you need to consider hiring a new superintendent, he reminds me of one of those TV huckster preachers. Don’t you think?

By sharon

August 30, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

Ben you need a Twelve Step program. Keri you are right, renting an apartment would be a great idea for those who have homes and can’t sell them. To the poster who who said letting your home go into foreclosure would ruin your credit, well who cares about a credit rating when your child’s education is at stake.

By Ben

August 30, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

No, I don’t need a 12 step program, apparently your whole county needs one.

The only reason that Clayton County wasn’t turned into a landfill years ago is because of the Atlanta Airport, plain and simple. If a large part of that airport(the runways) wasn’t located in Clayton County, it would have dried up and blown away years ago but federal subsidies have kept your sorry asses in business.

Well, at least now you’ve been exposed for the mental and genetic defects that you are. All of you people in Clayton County are a national embarrassment.

By SHS

August 30, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

“Did you vote in the most recent Clayton County school board election?” That is the first, most important question to ask before allowing any Clayton County resident to participate in this blog or be interviewed for any article on this whole debacle. Clayton County residents who did not vote have no standing. Period. There is absolutely no excuse for not voting in the most recent school board election and in all of the previous county, state and national elections. Non-voters are as much to blame for losing accreditation as the sorry school board.

By Elizabeth

August 30, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

I have heard a lot of whining and complaining about the fact that Students , parents, and teachers do not seserve the results of this decision. I and I agree. They are the innocent victims in this mess and will pay the price for the errotrs of a disfunctional board. But I have to commend SACS for making this decision. Accreditation is done to protect school systems— students, parents, and teachers— from disfuntional boards who use the psoition to furhter thier own interest. Accrditation goes far beyond this, however. Accrditation reuirements are the reason that schools have media specialists, counselors, and other support personel in the schools. These requriements also set standards for every aspect of the school program . Without these standards, boards, administrators, and groups with outside agendas could and would do everything possible to bring their special interests to bear so that funding, hiring anfd firing of personnel , and countless other factoes tht go into the running of a successsful school system would be based on their intrests, not the intersts of the child. The fact that losing accreditation is so rare indicates what a successful job SACS has Done over the years of helping schol systems provide an education for its citizens that opens rather closes doors. To be effective, SACS must have consequences for not following guidelines that are severe enough to prevent other boards in other places from repeating what the board in Clayton County has done. Inevitably, innocent people will suffer. This should be motivation to get it done correctly. I went to school in Clayton County and taught there for 21 years before moving 4 years ago for reasons unrelated to SACS. It breaks my heart to see what has happened , but I commnd SACS for having th integrety to stand its ground instead of caving in to the shining. I sould write more, but I have to pick up my daughter at the airpoast and do not have tome to even proff this message. Forgive errors please.

By Maryland

August 30, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

I cant believe want iam reading!! What kind of people are you, putting people down and saying its a ceaspools, name calling ,etc. Do you think you are better than anybody. Let me just give you a Reality Check!! I moved back to Maryland after living in Fayette for 2 years with my eight year old son. Now from what i was told fayette had the best schools in the state, BUT ONLY IN THE STATE!! and believe me Georgia as a whole is sooo far behind than Maryland, i had to hire a tutor to get him caught up!! So before you THROW STONES this state need to get it together!! Atlanta alone has a Past Mayor that is Lock-up and a present one that dont know what she is doing, And Dekalb have more shooting than a movie, alone with Gwinnett. Gwinnett is just another Mexico. So before you start putting CC down please look at the problem within your own County, because you really dont have room to talk. HELP NOT HATE!!!

By bearcasey

August 30, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

The siituation in Clayton is even worse than the commments on this blog indicate. I worked on 7 SACS reports during my 31 years as a teacher and administrator. It takes an “act of God” to lose one’s accreditation. I think that the last time it happened in Georgia was 1969. I would go bankrupt before allowing my son to attend Clayton schools. The reason for this mess is so obvious that it need not be mentioned.

By Corey

August 30, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

Quite a few self-hating blacks on here pretending to be white. You too, have no solutions, and you are just as destructive to the black community as the trash that prey on decent folk of all colors. Self-hate is not always dressed in baggy pants, doo rags, boisterous jibberish and overall self destructive lifestyles. It also comes replete with BMWs/Lexuses, debt up to the eyeballs and a fake dialect that is loudly pronounced when whites are around so that the familiar “so articulate” refrain is offered up as vindication and codification. Yes, we blacks as a group suffer from an iferiority complex that started back in 1619, and until we realize that, nothing will change. Ever notice how blacks who are recent emigrants are very comfortable with themselves when they interact with people of different races? Compare that to native born blacks - a stark difference. Don’t you agree? Have a nice day.

By Mel

August 30, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

Peach County is NEXT!!

By SHS

August 30, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

To Maryland: From what you were told …? By whom? You did not go to one or more of the several primary sources to check on whether or not Fayette County “had the best schools in the state”? You did not check specifically on the performance of the school in which you were enrolling your son?

By the way, your comments would have more credibility — and your son probably would not need a tutor — if you would do something about your own spelling, grammar and usage.

By Ben

August 30, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

Maryland, you would have done better sending your child to a private school. Clayton County is a cesspool and the same goes for the judges, police and especially the school board.

I always wondered where the contents of the sewer line emptied into, now we all know.

By Ben

August 30, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Corey, what the hell are you talking about? I don’t care what the color is of those idiots who are in charge; if they’re stupid they’re stupid, regardless.

The trick is to conceal their stupidity while they’re in office and not to let the public know how stupid they really are; and I honestly don’t mind ignorance and stupidity as long as it doesn’t interfere with business and the smooth running of government which this situation has.

By MAK

August 30, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

I put the overwhelming majority of the blame on the CC parents who were not actively involved in their children’s education. I feel badly for the parents who are active and concerned.

By Ben

August 30, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

What really galls me is that even after the board was fired they’re still doing the illegal things that put their asses in the sling to begin with.

I know they don’t want to be publicly identified as being incompetent(I wouldn’t either) but I’d still follow the letter of the law. It makes things seem to me and the public that they are too dimwitted to understand that things have gone beyond egos and strutting around trying to save face; their survival as a community is on the line.

By Maryland

August 30, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

Before i move here i did check out the schools, and yes my some did need a tutor, to met the high standard in Maryland, he was an B student in Georgia. So something is wrong!! Oh please FORGIVE MY, spelling and grammar and whatever else that is wrong you want to judge me own. CC is not the only ceaspool in GEORGIA!!

By Joy

August 30, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

Maryland, it makes some people fill better to criticize. Think of the children, they are the ones that are caught in the middle. I hope for the best for CC. We need to try to work together, to help. It doesnt matter what county you live in, this effect all of us.

By Edgar

August 30, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

When i Move to another state, my son was also a little behind. Good luck CC. My heart goes out to the children.

By TheBlogger

August 30, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

Reality check….

CC’s loss of accreditation is political. It’s own Board members went squeeling to SACS. That is how this all started.

There is corruption in every school system in GA. CC was just the one that got caught.

I see the problem now in CC is that they need to clean up this mess, fast….. for the sake of the children. I can only hope that those in charge stop with the politics and do their job.

By CLAY COUNTY

August 31, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

LAURA DIAMOND…………. HOW CAN I GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU. IN SOUTH GEORGIA, THERE IS “CLAY COUNTY”…… SOUND FAMILIAR? THAT IS SAME WAY……. BROTHERS.

NEED TO DISCUSS….. NEED TO FIND STATE CONTACTS TO HELP US. SUPT OFFICE AND FULL OVERHEAD FOR 325 STUDENTS….. GIVE ME A BREAK. PLEASE E-MAIL HOW I CAN CONTACT YOU TO DISCUSS.

By jim d

September 2, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

Did you ever get the feeling that you wanted to go,

But still had the feeling that you wanted to stay.

You knew it was right, wasn’t wrong.

Still you knew you wouldn’t be very long.

Go or stay, stay or go,

Start to go again and change your mind again.

It’s hard to have the feeling that you wanted to go,

But still have the feeling that you wanted to stay.

Do, re, mi, fa, so, la, si, do.

I’ll go.

I’ll stay.

—Jimmy Durante