Prep Zone

By T

August 5, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

The issue of potentially loosing accreditation so far outweighs loosing students to other accredited schools that I’m disappointed Clayton County’s school superintendent has even taken the time to talk about it. If I were the parent of a student in Clayton County, my first impulse would be to find an accredited school into which I could immediately enroll my child.

By Manny

August 5, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

Losing your accreditation makes your students fair game. Sorry, but that is the way it goes.

By Mychelfromatl

August 5, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

Hell no he’s not right…matter of fact, he’s a fool. If my kid is a star athlete that has a big chance of going to a D-1 level college then he’s out of Clayton County for sure!!!!!!!!

By def

August 5, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

Run children, run!

By Jane

August 5, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

I believe that I read that the GHSA did not have an issue with students transfering to accreditated schools especially in light of the issues in Clayton County - this is an issue where PARENTS get to decide what is best for their children.
Dr. Thompson needs to be worried about the accredition issues. He needs to realize that without attending an accredited school the diploma is worthless, college dreams won’t happen, and any scholarships or means of obtaining the HOPE or other GRANTS is GONE! He should NEVER spout off about anyone offering the youth of his county the chance of a better future!

By Ross Marshall

August 5, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

The problem here, and with many districts and even more individual schools statewide is simple. There is more concern about athletics than education. Granted, schools with higher academic demands don’t fare as well on the field against the fotball and basketball machines. Hoewever, they will be the leaders of tomorrow, while the majority of the athletes will under achieve because of no education. Perhaps the answer is to go statewide and create all schools as one half traditional and one half Magnet. Neighborhood for 50% of the student body, the other 50% MUST achieve excellence academicaly. Of course it won’t happen, school districts just have no guts.

By Matthew

August 5, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

Good for the parents and students who left!

If my district was going to lose accreditation, I’d leave too. The superintendent ought to be more concerned about fixing all of the problems first - the students and parents will want to come to Clayton Cty if the schools are good.

By geoh70

August 5, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

No, Dr. Thompson. It is the state of Clayton County’s school system that is disgusting. Fix that and students will go the schools in their neighborhood. If you’re a parent, you understand this.

By CCPS Teacher

August 5, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

Students who stay in Clayton Co, DO NOT lose the HOPE Scholarship. The Legislature made sure of that. All my smart students will still be accepted at UGA.

This is the Administration and BOE fault; it has nothing to do with teachers or students. We lost some outstanding experienced teachers though.

I wonder if discipline will be an issue this Supt enforces—the last one made it even worse. Will uniforms really help?

By KC Kid

August 5, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

Holy Moly!

Is John Thompson the biggest idiot on the planet or does that honor belong to a member of the Clayton County school board?

This is such a non issue - it shouldn’t even cross this guys mind. He’s got WAY more important things to worry about.

The situation in the Clayton County schools is one of the most pathetic things I’ve ever seen. If the residents continue to let this go on, they deserve exactly what they’re getting. It truly makes me want to puke.

By Tim

August 5, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

If the uniforms come with a “SmartPack” or maybe a “Family Unit Uniform” they may help. Otherwise, just keep giving the students at least a B in all their classes. At least they will get one free semester of college before anyone figures it out.

By WTF?

August 5, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

I wouldn’t care if my child were an athelete or not, he/she would NOT be in CCPS this semester, I would have already seen to that personally. I thank God every day my children are already out of school now I just have to worry about my declining property values.

It’s the accrediation, stupid.

I’m one of the few who hopes CCPS does lose accreditation. That’s the only real way to start over from scratch and do things the right way hopefully.

By nypeach

August 5, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

Good for them. Get the hell out of ghetto Clayton.

By Ed

August 5, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

Lord, thank you that I don’t have to live in Clayton County.

By What does he expect?

August 5, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

I have yet to read where ANY effort has been made by the BOE to retain accreditation. Does he honestly think parents are not going to move their kids???

By Ryley

August 5, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

The wrong fight at the wrong time. What can Clayton County possibly offer anyone, let alone a star athlete. Even if they get to keep their accreditation a little while longer, would you want you child in that wasteland school system? Know when to hold ‘em. Know when to fold ‘em. Get out ASAP.

By KenFromCalifornia

August 5, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

the best thing clayton can do is try to keep accredidation. but it would be a very sad thing if they were allowed to keep accredidation simply out of fear that students (especially the athletically gifted ones) would leave.

“we know your district has serious problems, but you have to stay there while we figure out how to fix it.”

surely no one would dare make that statement to any parent in clayton.

this isn’t a school choice issue…this is a school sucks issue.

By Weird

August 5, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

Isn’t it amazing that only 1 county in all of Georgia loses its accreditation? And then this guy has the balls to complain that his athletes (athletes!) and not his best students are being recruited to leave. Jesus, people. How in the hell does this guy still have a job? It’s like the blind leading the blind down there. I guess it’s more like the reason Kenya will never be an influential power on the world’s stage.

Just burn it down and start over. Fire everyone involved and bring in competent people that can keep their hands out of the community chest.

By None ya

August 5, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

Actually it does make sense to John… think about it. If you lived in Clayton County the only thing you can hope for is to excel in SPORTS. Academia is 2nd.. no maybe 7th on the list of importance.

By RKA

August 5, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

It’s not about the athletes leaving. The more students that leave, the less State funding the district will receive. To make up for the lost revenue….property tax increases. This what should have been said.

By kathy in ellenwood

August 5, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

At some point people have to realize that board members really screwed the system (us)! Mr. Thompson should clearly understand how we feel! Why in the world should our children suffer? I frankly don’t care what i have to pay or do to make sure my child is not in this crappy school system. I am frustrated and very aggravated by the outcome of this. (accredited or not) this is an embarrassment and many of us are disgusted about this system. At this point, we need to lose the accreditation- in order to regroup and begin anew.

By peggy

August 5, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

My grandson left because he has worked hard to acheive academic and sport excellence and wanted to leave clayton co schools. why.. because the school system is past dysfunctional and the adults on the board still don’t have a clue.wake up people. the school board needs to redesign itself and their agenda should be the welfare of the children and not their political ego. The teachers i have come in contact with are not in it for the love of teaching, but for the paycheck. If you don’t love teaching, get out. You are hurting the children by talking down to them and belittling them. I grew up in clayton co and graduated from high school and college and never had a teacher talk to me the way they talk to the children now.. you want respect, you must give it.

By Keith Helms

August 5, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

If Clayton County loses accreditation its students cannot compete with other schools in the GHSA, academically or athletically. Also, any parent sending their children to private schools or other counties should be relieved of any school taxes until Clayton County regains its accreditation.
As has been proven by the BOE in Clayton County this is a Racist problem and the racists are not the white residents. The BOE is not alone as the Sheriff and District Attorney also have proven their racism with illegal acts against whites. Do the people of Clayton county want an honest government or do they want a gang of thugs? It is their choice.

By gwarfan

August 5, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

Hey we all know that a good sports team leads to better grades and accreditation. There is no way a school could even function without a great baskerball and football team for all the students to worship. Morons. Work on what you there for and that is make sure the kids get an education and part of that is accreditaion not sports.

Is Clayton County also the same place they put all the stickers about evolution in the books or was that on a state level?

By Hello

August 5, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

I like how Mr. Thompson finds it ‘disgusting’ that athletes are being recruited away, yet I don’t see where he considers the lack of a proper education ‘disgusting’.?

Shouldn’t he, as an educator, want what’s best for these kids? Obviously CC schools can’t provide this as of right now, so more power to these students and athletes who choose to go to places where they can prosper.

Mr Thompson, I suggest getting YOUR ducks in a row before firing at wild geese.

By Wow Just Wow

August 5, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

I said it once about CCPS and I will say it again Wow Just Wow. I mean is he for real? Seriously people is he for real ? What he needs to do is to worry about keeping accreditation not about his star players and star smart students leaving. Hell if my child was one of thoes two I would leave too it being there Sr. year. How is it fair the kids that worked there butt off and may not be accepted into the school of their choice because the school board failed them!!

Wow Just Wow.

WORRY ABOUT ACCREDITATION!!!!

By You think?

August 5, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

It would be interesting to see the data on the number of student who have left the Clayton County school system because of the accreditation issue. And those who left who are academic or sports achievers (or both).

Leaving Clayton County, given one has the means, is a no-brainer…

By Hypocrites

August 5, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

The parents here are hypocrites. They cried “we need to work together to fix this” all while bailing out behing the scenes.

Like the Enron crooks who said “buy our stock” publically while selling behind the scenes……. shame on you parents!

By Fed Up

August 5, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

What difference does it make? Emphasis is on sports and not education in this state. (We are ranked 48th I believe). At least their BS diploma from an accredited school system will allow them to go to college for another BS diploma while they chase the money that pro sports pays.

By some sense

August 5, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

As they appear to be ready to flush Clayton County, look for gang activity to pick up in Henry, Douglas, and, even moreso if that’s possible, in S. Fulton.

Clayton County is a cesspool of its own making - the sherriff, Dr. John and his buddies on the school board, etc.

Any coach who would want a transfer from Clayton County on his or her team just doesn’t understand character, discipline, and integrity.

By wsj

August 5, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

Loss of athletes is the least of the school superintendent’s problems. Why does Clayton county continue to hang on to that overpaid clown?

By Ginny

August 5, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

Their concern should be with the top academic students leaving.

By free

August 5, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

THE ACCREDITATION ISSUES STEM FROM THE BOARD, NOT THE QUALITY OF THE STUDENTS.

it kills me that other counties think their kids are somehow better when the entire state system is at the bottom of the barrel in education. your kid is apparently just as dumb as anybody elses!

By Don Hill

August 5, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

The Clayton school superintndent needs to concentrate on improving his schools, NOT worrying about losing star athletes.

By Jane

August 5, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

Any coach from another county that wants a student from Clayton understands that education is paramount and sports are secondary and realize that these students have the character, integrity and discipline to succeed - they need a school system that KNOW how important accrediation is to the SUCCESS of the student. The problem in CLAYTON COUNTY is not the students, athletes,coaches, teachers or principles - it is the SUPERINTENDENT and the BOARD MEMBERS. Throwing a 2300 page document at SACS is not addressing the issues- its trying to drown the problem in paperwork - and it won’t keep the accrediation. The solutions were extremely simple. The Board needed to step down so a new one could be voted in, a code of conduct (ethics, folks) instituted, the audits completed by the folks sent by the governors office, and knowing that this is about the KIDS not the adults, etc.- SACS spelled out what was needed to retain accrediation.

By buster

August 5, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

WATCH OUT FAYETTE AND HENRY COUNTIES YOU ARE NEXT……

By Jim

August 5, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

This is coming from an individual that had the diplomas done over because they did not have his name on them. Shame on you Mr. Thompson. Do you really care about the students in the county?

By Don

August 5, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

My beloved Clayton Co. has turned into a joke of immense proportions since we left almost 20 years ago. My old neighborhood looks like a slum, save for some of the old-timer hold-outs. It makes me want to cry.

By Soulja Boy

August 5, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

Crank that soulja boy Crank that soulja boy Crank that soulja boy

By floyd

August 5, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Don,you are so right.before all the trash moved in it was a great place to live.I feel so sorry for the people in henry and fayette county.

By Prep-Sport Fan

August 5, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

1. Thompson sought a $275,000 salary; up to $2 million to hire a consulting team; 24-hour security; and 24-hour access to a car and driver.

2. Thompson did receive a 14-month salary-and-benefits package worth $400,000. In return, the 63-year-old educator is supposed to help Clayton avoid becoming the first school system in the nation in 40 years to lose accreditation.

3. Thompson seemed unfazed, both by the $80,000 cost to reprint and mail the diplomas and by the disappointment of seniors when they found out their real diplomas wouldn’t arrive for weeks.

Enough said… What an idiot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Vernon

August 5, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

This whole situation is laughable. What kind of people live down there? God help these people and this foolish new head of the system who arrogantly believes he is important enough to have a 24 hour driver and a 24 hour security team. What in the hell does this guy need security and a personal driver for? No wonder the school system is about to lose accreditation. This guy and the board sound like small time thugs that run 3rd world countries like Zimbabwe rather than living in the U.S. and having a semblance of reasoning. What a collection of utter fools between this guy and the board!

By Don't Believe The Hype

August 5, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

Let me state this first. Clayton’s possible lack of accreditation does not affect any athlete in the county from getting a D1 or any level college athletic scholarship. I have talked to over 10 D1 NCAA compliance officers at different universities that have already offered my son a scholarship. As long as an athlete meets NCAA guidelines then he or she will be admitted. People need to stop believing everything in the media(AJC, TV news) and go to the proper sources for information. Bad PUB sells papers and get high ratings. The only kids that need to transfer is the ones that are not athletes and don’t qualify for HOPE. Clayton county education is no different than most other counties. The board just needs to be overhauled, they had personal agendas. We getting them out of here now.

By Parent

August 6, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

Why would John Thompson care about the star atlethics or any atlethics in any sport that Clayton County Schools has to offer whether they stay or if they leave. Our Clayton County School system does not offer monies to support the atlethic programs in our schools. It is up to the head coaches and their staff to figure how to get the money they need to run their programs. Our coaches are the ones that get our young man and woman to the level they need to be without the support of the Clayton County School System. Give us a break John Thompson.

By ClaytonCountyParent

August 6, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

Why would John Thompson even concern himself with our star atlethics or any of our atlethics. Our Clayton County School System does not even financial support our sport programs in our schools to the level they schould. It is up to the Head Coach and their staff to come up with the money needed to run their programs. It is our coaches that take our young men and women to the level they need to be, without help and support from Clayton County School System. So why do you care John Thompson if our atlethics stay or leave. Give us a break John Thompson, focus on keeping our children’s accredation and our children safe while they are in our schools. Make sure you and your staff support our teachers. Make sure the teachers are teaching not just showing up. Keep the teachers in check that they are not the problems in the classrooms with their attitudes, that they are teachings our children what they need to be productive adults in our community and to be successful when they go to college. Concentrate on the important things of your job.

By Megan Mettucci Hype

August 11, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this

As always the parents of the students transfering out have not done their homework. Why? Because they are too lazy to attend any informational meeting, PTA meeting, BOE meeting or work session. They are just sitting at home listening to the media feed them a bunch of gloom and doom. Now when we don’t lose our accreditation and their child has to sit out a their senior year, who will they blame then? Thompson? I don’t think so, they better blame none other than the AJC, WSB, and FOX News! I have never seen the Greenwoods attend any board meeting or ask any questions about what is going on… Well Elijah get ready not to play a lick this year!!

By rj

August 20, 2008 1:36 AM | Link to this

Can you say itiot

By rj

August 20, 2008 1:37 AM | Link to this

Can you say idiot

By ab

August 20, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

wish i could leave the county too!

By Kevin

August 21, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this

No Henry or Fayette are not next. It has already happened. I am a Henry Co resident and pay school tax in this county, but yet we have to support Clayton county students, who have left Clayton. Henry can’t house the students they have, who live here. We don’t need Claytons problems. Henry and Fayette within 2 to 5 years will be in the same boat Clayton is in today. Losing star athletes is the least of Claytons problems.

By iqtest

August 23, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe they have only lost 200-300 high school students. If the parents there had any sense, that school systems should have lost 2,000-3,000 students. Of course, these are the same parents that either voted for those idiots on their school board, or who stayed home and let some other losers vote for those idiots on their school board. Personally, I think they have the school board they chose by democratic election, and they are just going to have to deal with it. Seriously, how could they have elected so many fools and morons? Maybe those people really are the best and brightest available in Clayton county (along with their sheriff, who they also apparently voted for)?

By Jason

August 28, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

Well Megan Mettucci Hype how stupid do you feel now? Back to the point why wasn’t Thompson worried about the academic achievers that are leaving and not just about the athletes? My wife teaches there and says Thompson is the biggest joke she has ever had the miss fortune to have to work for. His waste of time and money on pep rallies for teachers dressing like a pimp should also be investigated. I sure hope that this ego maniac is sent packing and the citizens of Clayton County elect competent board members who are not influenced by Trotter and have the mental capacity to appoint a superintendant that can lead the county and its students out of the black whole the previous board has gotten them into. Good luck kids. You are all going to need it.

By Amy A Fayette student

August 31, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this

all i can say is fayette county refused to take clayton county students. And even though i sympathize with the students, i dont want them here either. There is way too much going on in clay co besides pending accreditation matters. And to be honest i would rather not have to share all of the crap that comes with them. Thompson is a fool who is too self-praised and conceited to realize that no one cares about his signature on their diploma, they just need the actual diploma from an accredited school. i wish clay co all the best and hope once everything is said and done that the BOE wont continue to screw over the lives of their own future.

By Dan

August 31, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

Accreditation is a serious issue in Clayton County but it does not hav anything to do with the talent that can be found there.It is stated that the issue does not affect juniors or seniors.Therefore, some teams in the county did not lose serious athletes(football players) for this season. Take Forest Park for example. They did not lose any players due to the accreditation issue, and despite losing accreditation the day before the first game they were able to go out and upset Mundy’s Mill friday night. They showed that they have very talented athletes that could play on the next level.Number 1,14,8,4,and 18 just to name a few.If they keep working hard I’m pretty sure it’s just a matter of time before they get noticed…an accreditation shouldn’t stop the from being noticed.

By Dan

August 31, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

Accreditation is a serious issue in Clayton County but it does not hav anything to do with the talent that can be found there.It is stated that the issue does not affect juniors or seniors.Therefore, some teams in the county did not lose serious athletes(football players) for this season. Take Forest Park for example. They did not lose any players due to the accreditation issue, and despite losing accreditation the day before the first game they were able to go out and upset Mundy’s Mill friday night. They showed that they have very talented athletes that could play on the next level.Number 1,14,8,4,and 18 just to name a few.If they keep working hard I’m pretty sure it’s just a matter of time before they get noticed…an accreditation shouldn’t stop the from being noticed.

By Lionel Lee

September 6, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this

What do expect parents to do. It’s their responsibility to do what’s best for their children. I don’t blame not one of them. Matter of fact more power to them. You clowns have jacked off these kids high school experience. It’s some of those kids senior year, a year they will remember for the rest of their lives. Prom, graduation, trips, games, and friendships. What are they going to remember the most. The Superintendent and the School Board screwing up everything. You need to go figure out how to make this thing right instead of crying about sports.

By Roy B

September 14, 2008 2:45 AM | Link to this

I think the Superintendant needs to focus on what is important and that is regaining accreditation. Instead, he’s worrying about losing football and basketball games! The state needs to take over the schools there and do what is right. This sideshow is an embarassment and a tragedy for the students that do not have other options.

By lms

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

This has been the year to make some hard choices. This is my son’s senior year and he does play sports. I think that it will cause more harm to him to pull him out and make him start all over in another school where he has no friends and no history. Yes he will get a diploma and may be able to only go to school in Georgia. There are some good schools here.But what mattered to us as a family is his emotional well being. It’s not his fault. He did what he was supposed to do.Some of you parents really need to remember what it was like your senior year and imagine being transplanted into another school. What do you think the long term effects would be.

By Ex- Clayton Parent

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

Wow … how ignorant can people be? White, black, gray, yellow or green. I am an ex-Clayton County resident, who moved my child - who I might say is an EXCELLENT academic (A’s and B’s) and athletic (3 sport - starting in all 3) student. PLEASE, PLEASE be careful of how you judge people just because of where they live and the color of their skin. IGNORANCE … still there, just hiding behind computers and fake names!

By Aris

September 30, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

So, after having my brother having to make sure he picks a school in GA just so he can still get scholarship money, I understand why parents, other districts and students went to other schools to play sports. Do I think that it’s necessarily fair…NO! However, what are they to do? I mean let’s face it the school board was irresponsible and still has not understood what they did to over 7,000 students lives who are to graduate in Spring 2009. They messed up!!! So, for these athletes to try and get the best, accredited education and play on the teams that will get them to play in college, is a good thing. So, I congratulate those school boards who have enough sense to put their students first. Yeah, it’ll help them out too; but, it also helps those students who couldn’t neccessarily afford college to get that athletic opportunity. So, is the question is he really mad at the other districts for taking athletes away or showing his district’s and their flaws?

By lagrant anthony

November 19, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

THE COMMENTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT SUGGESTING THAT TALENTED STUDENT ATHETES SHOULD REMAIN IN A SCHOOL SYSTEM THAT WILL ASSURE THESE STUDENT ATHETES NEVER ATTEND COLLEGE SHOWS THAT THE SUPERINTENDENT IN NOT CONCERNED FOR WHAT IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE STUDENT ATHELETE. SUCH OBSURB ATTITUDE SHOULD BE GROUNDS FOR THE SUPERINTENDENT TO BE DISMISSED FROM HIS JOB! DEMANDING THAT A STUDENT ATHELETE OR NON ATHELETE REMAIN IN A FAILED SCHOOL SYSTEM WHICH PROHIBITS THESE STUDENTS FROM PURSUING ANY HIGHER EDUCATION IS SIMPLY CRIMINAL. THE SUPERINTENDANT SHOULD ENCOURAGE ALL STUDENTS TO EXPEDIOUSLY MOVE TO AN ACCREDITED SCHOOL SYSTEM AND NOT RETURN UNTIL COMPETENT ENGINEERS HAVE REBUILT AN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM THAT MEETS THE MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE ACCREDIATION REQUIREMENTS. IT IS SIMPLEY UNBELIEVABLE THAT AN SUPPOSEDLY EDUCATED MAN WOULD ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO PURSUE IGNORANCE AND FORGO HIGHER EDUCATION. UNBELIEVABLE! IT IS UNDERSTANDABLE WHY AN ENTIRE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM IS UNACCREDITED; UNDER SUCH INCOMPETANT (LACK OF) LEADERSHIP. THIS APPEARS TO BE THE PERFERED STATE OF UNEDUCATIONABLE AFFAIRS. IGNORANCE BREEDS IGNORANCE.