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DEL.ICIO.USWhat should Henry do about out-of-district students?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A news story from the north side that appeared in the AJC last weekend addressed an issue that is relevant here in Henry County, although the amount of publicity it receives is not what it was a few years ago.
A Marietta woman was acquitted last week of criminal charges stemming from her children’s attendance in a school district where she apparently was not a resident. According to the story, she faced 16 felony counts for allegedly lying to get her kids in school. The city wanted her to either live in the city or pay for the education her family received.
Making false statements on government documents, such as those one must sign to declare residency in Henry County to send your kids to county schools, is a felony. A lot of people do it across the state, but not a lot is done about it.
A published report last fall stated that two such cases here resulted in convictions over a two-year period, both after fairly long journeys through the court system. One case originated in 2004 and was resolved in May 2006.
It is not uncommon for a few hundred suspicious cases to be reported to the school system in a given year, and as many as 40 families have withdrawn their children in a semester as a result of the investigations. School officials have beefed up enforcement, using four investigators, and they have tightened the guidelines as far as what documents are acceptable when proving residency.
Still, it’s a huge job. It doesn’t seem practical to take every violator to court (although in principle it sounds right), but there must be a way to at least recoup some of the expense of educating out-of-county students through fines and other fees.
As a home owner and taxpayer, I’m very concerned about this. But since I don’t have children in local public schools, I’m not around the system on a day-to-day basis like many of you are. I’m curious about what local public school parents think about this issue. How bad is this problem? Is it being addressed properly? What else should be done? Are the families who withdraw after they’re busted paying any restitution to the school system?
It’s worth thinking about, folks. After all, it’s our money.
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By Roy
May 29, 2007 7:58 AM | Link to this
Anyone driving through Dutchtown High can see numerous Clayton County cars dropping off their kids every day. Even student cars have Clayton County tags. What is being done is nothing. The local school kicks the kids out, but that is all. The schools seem to have no legal authority to collect on the fines that can and should be collected. Even the our local government seems to believe it is not worth the money to prosecute. What better way to send a message to those living outside our county.
By Racing Girl
May 29, 2007 8:07 AM | Link to this
I live near Dutchtown High as well. It is amazing how many Clayton County tags are seen entering onto the school property. Instead of teaching the parents a lesson, we let them off with what punishment? The rules state they must reside in the county, not their relatives or friends. For all the ones getting by with it, what are they sharing and teaching others. Take your kids to Henry County, if caught all they will do is slap your hand. But the odds of being caught are what low percentage?
Bring on the Clayton County kids and we’ll just continue to add trailers for our kids. Who is willing to take on the responsibility of teaching a lesson and stopping the abuse? Or are we too scared to take a stand?
By T
May 29, 2007 8:15 AM | Link to this
If no one is going to do anything about the abuse, why have parents enroll their kids in the first place? Just let everyone in. Like the phrase from a movie, build it (schools) and they will come (even if they weren’t invited).
By Jean
May 29, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this
This is sad that our entire community is too scared to address issues such as this. We let the few control the majority. We end up having to sacrifice with the beauty of trailers lining the grass of our new schools.
If our school board will not push the punishment and our county government believes it is too costly, what then?
When will someone say enough is enough?
By Brenda
May 29, 2007 8:28 AM | Link to this
It all seems to be an issue of money. There are so many Clayton County violators that WOULD have the money to pay the fines. Go after them. If they can’t pay what else can we do?
By T
May 29, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this
The Henry County Student Enrollment and web site reflect the following:
Students who are illegally enrolled shall be withdrawn. Teh paretn shall be charged tuition for the period of enrollment. Charges will be filed for providing false information on a legal document.
False Swearing Notice (O.C.G.A. 16-10-71) states “A person convicted of the offense of false swearing shall be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000 or by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years, or both”.
Why isn’t this happening?
By HCCynic
May 29, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this
As I read the comments above, it is my suspicion that most all of the previous responders share the same disdain and loathing, as I do, for the invaders from Clayton County. The problem is, most folks do not have the political incorrectness and hard nosed honesty to say what I am about to:
The reason nothing is being done to clean out the festering boil of humanity that is Dutchtown, and eradicate the out of district students from our School System, is because our gutless, spineless, yellow belly, egg-sucking, shiftless, conniving, and scheming, elected officials are SCARED of offending the entitled…be them the entitled developers raping our county or the entitled masses who have established a cottage industry and multi-generational legacy of living off government programs and handouts.
It is appears to me that our elected officials have decided that it is less expensive politically to allow the invaders to continue their behavior unabated (and risk offending us the residents of Henry County) than it is to incur the manufactured, media savvy wrath of the entitled’s microphone chasing hit men (Jesse, Al, Billy, etc).
Folks, we elected these gutless wonders, and we are getting our just deserves…
Now, what to do about it…at this point I do not know that our elected wonders will do anything about it, but, my hope is that the Police Department will establish a permanent militia outpost on the campus and staff if with a SWAT Team and a couple of drug sniffing dogs. While we clearly have not the courage to enforce the attendance zones, maybe we can have the courage to enforce the drug laws…
By Roy
May 29, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this
Since you are saying it like it is, then what can we do to assist the school or county in going after the offenders? I think justice is due.
I have called and e-mailed county school officials (including Dr. Hadden)and they end up refusing to return calls or return e-mails. They just don’t seem to care.
They recognize there is a problem, but always pass the blame. What few I could get to respond always said the District Attorney was responsible in taking the cases and not them.
Who is to blame? Maybe it is us for electing the ones you mentioned.
By HW
May 29, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this
If I were from Clayton County, I would need to say thanks for the airport and the use of your schools. Look at our schools, would you want your kids going to them? We don’t.
From everyone’s comments, no one likes the present situation. Get over it. Nothing, not even this blog, will get the attention of those who need to read it.
By tonya
May 29, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this
Hey…give the parents an option to pay for the tuition. There may be logistical reason why the parents enrolled their child(ren) in that particular school.
By Josh Valentine
May 29, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this
Unless they are in a Magnet Program, willing to pay tuition, have a family member who works for the system, and live in the district, they shouldn’t attend the school. I say lets stop worrring about what Jessie is going to do and stand up Henry County Schools. I went to high school in Haralson County years ago. Near the end of The 1997-1998 School Term, we students at the time had to bring a proof of residence so we can continue going to the schools of Harolson County. The reason we had to bring a proof of residence to school because some kids from Alabama went to schools in Georgia. I say that can help your shcool system out and keep the freeloaden Clayton County kids in Clayton County. If is sounded racist to keep Clayton County kids out of The Henry County kids out of the system, so be it.
By T
May 29, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this
The problem with showing residency is people can purchase rental property and show a copy of their contract claiming to reside there. In fact, they reside in Clayton and don’t want their kids attending the schools in their district.
For those who use this approach, fine them and if they fail to pay, force a lein like a tax lein on the property and then foreclose on it. That’ll teach those with rental properties a lesson.
Some should sow what they preach.
By H. Kidd
May 29, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
My sister is a teacher and she explained to me why the school system has to keep students within their districts. It’s mostly because of overpopulation. Keeping that in mind, I think children should go to the school where they are assigned. HOWEVER, if the child has already started the school year in a particular school, I feel they should be allowed to finish the school year there. Proof of residency should be required at the beginning of each year to prove residency within that district. They should not be allowed to register without it. No exceptions. Certainly there will be those people that can get around that, but I believe it will help.
By HW
May 29, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this
I believe the Principals of each school are doing what they can. Between the School Board and District Attorney, that is all that is being done.
You could go on the school board web site and review the minutes from each month. A gentleman used to provide an update to The Board, but that now seems to no longer be included in the minutes.
Someone has to know the number of offenders and how many students have been asked to leave.
If I tapped into your waterline and stole water from you, at what point would you say enough is enough. This is about what is happening.
By Melissa
May 29, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this
I think kids should go the schools that are in there district.I dont know why parents are lying to send there kids to henry county schools district,I really dont think the schools in Henry are all that great.Clayton County parents you really are not getting in thing different.
By Jean
May 29, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this
This has nothing to do with race. There are known white kids that have been busted at Dutchtown High for not living in the county.
What do you do to the ones that know how to get around the residency issue? Go after the parents. This, according to the school, is against the law. Prosecute, prosecute, prosecute.
By T
May 29, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this
When was the last time you visited a school in Clayton County? I can’t think of a school in Henry County that looks as bad as some of theirs. I would rather my kids attend a nicer school. That in no way states the teaching is a poor as the building, because our teaching isn’t up to par with our buildings.
By Racing Girl
May 29, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this
What are the chances we can get D.A. Tommy Floyd to respond on this blog?
If the school is passing the blame on him, it would be nice to hear his opinion on what we as residents need to do to assist, if nothing else, in cleaning up this problem.
By Pine Tree Jim
May 29, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this
Maybe I’ll run for the board on this one issue.
By Koz
May 29, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this
Whats so bad is that the Clayton County parents admit to breaking the law. Just go over to the Clayton County blog for this week and read their responses.
By Koz
May 29, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this
Oh and it’s also funny that when I attended a Clayton County School in the late 80’s I knew several students that lived in Henry County but lied to get into a Clayton County School. Now the tables have turned.
By blah, blah, blah
May 29, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
Clayton County needs to clean up and reclaim Clayton County from the thugs and drugs that have taken over. Once they do that they won’t have to send their kids to Henry County schools. Meanwhile, Henry County should start immediately verifying that the “legal” addresses being used on school paperwork, is indeed, the legal address and start addressing this issue legally. I’m sick of my taxes paying for out of county students to attend. Wake up people!
By sherry dawkins
May 29, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this
It seems to me the county is just turning its head an allowing this to go on.
By JV
May 29, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this
If Clayton County reclaimed their shcools from thugs, maybe Clayton can arrtract kids once agian. The Clayton officials need to get their head out of the sand and save their county before it’s to late.
By JV
May 29, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this
If Clayton County reclaimed their shcools from thugs, maybe Clayton can arrtract kids once agian. The Clayton officials need to get their head out of the sand and save their county before it’s to late.
By AC
May 29, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this
I have been told by many people all you have to do is claim “childcare” issues (whether it is true or not)to have your child go to another school, it does have to be “approved” every year but I know for a fact many of my neighbors kids all go some where other than where they are suppose to, b/c no one wants there kids going to Henry Middle! We are moving out of this County for the very reason of our Schools and we will not Lie just to get our way! I can’t tell you how many Clayton tags I see picking my kids up at Mcdonough Elemantary, our schools compared to what they have are top notch! which is very sad
By Ms. T
May 29, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this
Why should it be a crime for a parent to want the best for their children. I think no one should be punished for trying to get the best education they can for their children. Children in these schools are getting worse and worse and why should the good kids suffer with the bad. It’s hard for a child to concentrate when he or she have other kids bulling them. What ever happen to No Child Left Behind? I know for Atlanta Public Schools, if the school in your district is not up to what you want it to be you can transfer your child to any other Atlanta Public Schools you feel is better for your child to learn. And if these parents don’t send their child to school because of the crime or the bulling, what’s going to happen? Either way they can’t win. And for all the people sending comments, they may just have their tags registered in another county, or may have moved from Clayton and never changed their county sticker on their tag, who’s to say. Put yourself in thier position, and your child school was ruff, wouldn’t you want for your child to go to a better school. Stop judging people, and live your life, that’s why the world is like it is now, because when man made law all hell broke loose. When Jesus was here the world was a better place! Get Jesus in your life and accept the things you cannot change.
By Koz
May 29, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this
Ms T, we’re not judging people we just want them to obey the law.
It’s not a crime for parents to want the best for their children but what type of morals are they instilling in their kids by breaking the law?
If the system was different we would have vouchers and bad schools would be forced to change or close down. Since the system is not different, feel free to try and change it. Until then follow the current system and the current laws. (Or move to the city of Atlanta)
By T
May 29, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
I don’t believe Jesus ever said to break all of man’s laws or to lie. What church religion are you attending?
Laws are not meant to be broken. So you wouldn’t mind someone breaking into your home to better their own living conditions?
By Larry
May 29, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this
Why should it be a crime for a parent to want the best for their children?
Simple to answer: There is a huge difference between wanting and earning or deserving.
Like most Americans we bought a home partly because of the school district. We pay our 20-mil (Henry)property tax to the school system; we also pay our other taxes. We support the roads, police and fire services in our county. Therefore, the parents who choose to steal from us are criminals.
By ahhh
May 29, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this
We shouldn’t start our children’s education with “how to get around the laws or the system.” That is part of what is broke. Where does it stop? It’s okay to tell a lie to get into a better school, it’s okay to ride in the HOV lane, even if you’re the only person in the car, because you’re in a hurry, it’s okay to steal cause you need the money, it’s okay to do drugs, because your life sucks. Point is, there is always an excuse, some form of justification to excuse away doing what is wrong, then point the finger at someone else and for good measure throw in Jesus…..
By HCCynic
May 29, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
Ms. T, there are so many holes in your argument even I cannot patch them all. I will, however, address two…
In your question and self defined answer (using the example of transfers among schools within the Atlanta Public School System) I will simply point out to you that Clayton and Henry counties are two distinct legal entities…As a Henry County resident, if I wanted to live in a “cow pie” of a county, one where entitlement is the norm, and honest work the exception, I would in fact move back to Clayton County. But, given the fact I prize and treasure the fact that my tax dollars do not subsidized the birthin’ and raisin’ of every illegitimate baby, born to every easy for the takin’ crack “chick”, in every Section 8 project in the County, I am more than pleased to live in a county where my tax dollars have historically been used to capture, try, and incarcerate the invaders from Clayton.
As to learning to be more like Jesus, your point is well taken…as such, perhaps you should take the plank out of your own eye before “calling out” the speck in mine (Matt. 7:3 NIV)…By this I mean look at the crime statistics for Clayton County, look at the inter-agency quarrels festering in the Clayton County govenment, look at the buffoon you folks elected in Sheriff Walking Small, all because his smiling face appeared on a billboard…shall I go on?
In closing, I offer you John 8:10-11 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
Ms. T, I forgive your ignorance…go forth and post no more…
By Rachel
May 29, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this
Several things:
Is Dutchtown schools the only school that has this problem? I read have several vents regarding this problem.
I moved from Clayton County two years ago in October. I enrolled my children in Henry County Middle (which has to be one of the worse schools I have ever seen). My tag expired the month of December when I called the tag office I was told it was ok to wait until then. I was approach one morning while dropping my kids off at school about my residence. I politely told the teacher I had just moved to the county and would have a “Henry County” tag when this one expired.
I lived in Florida prior to my transfer to Georgia and this was a big problem for athletes. Parents wanted their child in the best schools to get noticed by College Scouts. They would rent houses/apartments in certain school districts for this matter. The district spent thousands of dollars on this matter until someone realize if all schools were created equal you wouldn’t have this problem.
By Rachel
May 29, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this
Several things:
Is Dutchtown schools the only school that has this problem? I read have several vents regarding this problem.
I moved from Clayton County two years ago in October. I enrolled my children in Henry County Middle (which has to be one of the worse schools I have ever seen). My tag expired the month of December when I called the tag office I was told it was ok to wait until then. I was approach one morning while dropping my kids off at school about my residence. I politely told the teacher I had just moved to the county and would have a “Henry County” tag when this one expired.
I lived in Florida prior to my transfer to Georgia and this was a big problem for athletes. Parents wanted their child in the best schools to get noticed by College Scouts. They would rent houses/apartments in certain school districts for this matter. The district spent thousands of dollars on this matter until someone realize if all schools were created equal you wouldn’t have this problem.
By Classical Jazz
May 29, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this
Hey guys, the precedent has been set by the case of the woman in Cobb County(I think). The jury gave license to lie on documents. Fraud no longer exists. Why should we expect that anything different will happen if even one of the possible school thieves goes to trial? Every lawyer worth his salt is salivating at the possibility of taking on these cases.
The lack of respect for the law runs deep in the entitlement community and that comes home to rest in the illegal immigration debate as well……..
How about just one big state school system, everyone can go to whatever school they want and we’d cut out all the local school boards and supers and save money in the long run…..(tongue in cheek here!!!!)
Cynic, glad you’re back in good form…
By H.L.A
May 29, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this
The law is the law and should be fully enforced. Our Henry County school taxes are to be used for the students residing in the county with their parents or legal guardian. It is time for the bleeding heart liberals to quite looking the other way, enforce the law that is on the books and quite the entitlement mentality that other pay for. But then again Cobb County set the precedent.
By ahhh
May 29, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this
You are so right Classical, lack of respect for the law does indeed run deep in the entitlement community. Justification for illegal behavior is easily blamed on others….play the card and call the ACLU…..
By HCCynic
May 29, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this
My final thought (maybe) for the day, is simply this…Perhaps Henry County could/should adopt the immigration laws of Mexico and apply the same to the invading hoard from Clayton. Obviously certain changes will need to be made, but the changes do not appear to be significant…
Proposed Immigration Laws for Henry County (Georgia) as of May 29, 2007
There will be NO special bilingual programs in the schools, NO special ballots for elections, and all government business will be conducted in our language (defined here as previously spoken by the late, great, Sen. Herman Talmadge).
Foreigners will NOT have the right to vote, no matter how long they are here.
Foreigners will NEVER be able to hold political office.
Foreigners will NOT be a burden to the taxpayers. No welfare, NO food stamps, NO health care, nor any other government assistance programs.
Foreigners can invest in this country (county), but it must be an amount equal to 40,000 times the daily minimum wage (and given the low wage structure of our warehouses, even that may not be high enough).
If foreigners do come and want to buy land that will be okay, BUT options will be restricted. You are NOT allowed to own waterfront (battlefield) property. That property is reserved for citizens naturally born into this county.
Foreigners may NOT protest; NO demonstrations, NO waving a foreign flag, NO political organizing, NO “bad-mouthing” our president (BoC) or his (their) policies. If you do you will be sent home. (this clearly is a version of the old adage, “I may strike my brother, but don’t you even think about it, because, if you do, I will kick your…in other words, what we do as “family” is our business and you outsiders best leave well enough alone)
If you do come to this country (county) illegally, you will be hunted down and sent straight to jail.
Any questions?
By Just Say It
May 29, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this
Someone define “entitlement community.” I dare you.
By whatonearth
May 29, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this
I take your dare!
“Entitlement Community” are those who choose to believe, regardless of thier race or ethnicity, that they have the right to be supported by the Government and other Social Service Programs.
We see this in every aspect of our lives. One - go to a local emergency room at your community hospital. How many people are in the waiting room, who do not have insurance, with minor illness? These people are assured health care, regardless of whether they have legal residency/welfare or not. Wait in line, the hospitals do not discrminate against honest tax paying citizens with insurance or illegal aliens/welfare recipients.
Next stop - the local grocery store. Have you been to a store and noticed a person driving a nicer car than you, buying buggy loads of groceries and pulling out their “government food card” to pay? If not, your lucky. I had a woman in front of me at Walmart recently treating the cashier like dirt for not allowing a certain item to be classified as food and guess what? She drove a Cadillac Escalade. (Makes me sick).
Next stop - Local elementary schools. How many teachers have to take time out of their daily routine to teach ENGLISH??? Most illegals do not teach their children English, because they know they will learn it in school. How many years does this set your child behind? MANY! Watch the local news and see the children interrupting for their parents.
Another stop - local Health Departments. Unfortunately, many of our business related insurances do not cover vaccines. Have you ever waited a day in line to have your child vaccinated? It is not a pretty picture. It makes me sick that I have to pay based on my income, when another person who has better clothes, cars, jewelry, etc. than I do get to have the basic innoculations free.
Here’s another - CHILDCARE. Day care centers make a killing. If you are one of the “Entitled” - your illegitimate kids can stay in a nice day care for little or no money per week while they attend the local Medical Institute to get the soc called medical assistance license, which incidently crap in today’s world.
Last but far from least - SECTION 8! I live in a decent neighborhood and pay an astronomical mortgage. The person living next to me has a Section 8 Voucher and pays $200 per month! Why???? because the ATLANTA HOUSING AUTHORITY IS DOING AWAY WITH HOUSING PROJECTS!!!
We are being inundated with people who have never owned a home, who know nothing about home ownership and respect for neighbors and boundaries. Watch out - Atlanta is closing the last of the housing projects and the people who live there will come to Clayton, Dekalb, Gwinnett and lastly Fayette and Henry.
KEEP PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION OUT OF HENRY!
Did I answer ENTITLEMENT to your satisfaction? If not, I can post more at a later time. It is not all about race or ethnicity, but it darn sure points that way!
By Don't Forget
May 30, 2007 8:08 AM | Link to this
Last but far from least - SECTION 8! I live in a decent neighborhood and pay an astronomical mortgage. The person living next to me has a Section 8 Voucher and pays $200 per month! Why???? because the ATLANTA HOUSING AUTHORITY IS DOING AWAY WITH HOUSING PROJECTS!!!
True, because the Atlanta Housing Authority is doing away with housing projects. But also, because your next-door neighbor is accepting the Section 8 voucher as a form of rent payment. So it’s not all about the “entitlement community.” Our own neighbors are to blame as well.
By Koz
May 30, 2007 8:17 AM | Link to this
Don’t forget what?
By blah, blah, blah
May 30, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this
You forgot to list the free lunch program in the schools too! Another entitlement program coming out of the taxpayers’ pocket…..
By HW
May 30, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this
With all the words being spoken above, what will come of this? Nothing.
The ones cheating the system will continue to get by with it. Our school board and county officials will cave to public opinion and teach those that break the law that this is acceptible in our county.
By melanie
May 30, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this
must be nice to pay 500-800 a month rent and then drop your kid off at Dutchtown, which now looks like a trailor park due to the non-Henry County residents
By tls
May 30, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this
My property taxes have gone up the last two years primarily because the portion that supports school construction has increased. If the trend continues, I will no longer be able to to afford to live in my neighborhood. I am am being forced to pay for the education of children whose parents do not live in Henry County. It is simply an issue of fairness.
By Catherine
May 30, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this
The county does a lot to keep students living in other counties out of our school system. If they suspect an out of district/county student, an investigator is sent to the enrollment address. If it is found that the student does not live at that address, that student is withdrawn unless they can provide official proof of residency. People complain about county names on license plates…there is nothing we can do about that. By law, we can not determine who is the owner of the vehicle. I have always thought we should take names of students leaving the vehicles and follow-up. However, doing that would be the decision of the school administrator, not the county official. Another problem is the affadavit process. Anyone can say a student is living in their household. These people take an oath and don’t flinch at the lies. The investigators can only do so much given the fact that there are thousands of students enrollment under an affadavit. The school cannot deny a student who under oath swears they live in the county. The county cannot only accept students who have purchased a home or rent an apartment. There are laws against this. The county has pursued reimbursement for school expenses when it has been determined the student is living outside the county. Trust me, the schools nor the county want students from other counties.
By BS
May 31, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this
Until all Henry County taxpayers make this a HUGE issue and school administration, the HCBOE, and the DA accountable to rid the schools of these students through diligent and daily prosecution, Henry County schools will deteriorate into those of Clayton County. Clayton County students have no fear of being caught or kicked out-they brazenly pickup students at the Dutchtown schools and others. The staff at HC schools should be vehemently pursing the names of these students and turning them in-yet they stand by watching, seemingly unaware of the Clayton County tags sitting in the parking lots and waiting to pick up students-never even questioning residency. Dwala Knobles (Dutchtown High Principal) has been given name after name of illegal students since the beginning of the school year, and nothing was ever done (the students still attend). One child in the HC school system began breaking the rules in Kindergarten-she is now soon to be a Junior at Eagles Landing High-REPEATEDLY REPORTED to the appropriate administrations. Perhaps not an “illegal” student-but how about the expensive SUV with the Louisianna plates who has been taking her child to Dutchtown for at least two years-Can I get Louisianna plates that I can run on my vehicle for years to avoid paying the taxes in HC while my student completes their education? Is Dwala Knobles a transplant from Clayton County that she overlooks all the CC illegal students, if not, why isn’t she held accountable? If the buck is being passed to the DA, why isn’t he being held accountable for not ridding the schools of illegals? Henry County tax payers are ALLOWING its schools to be taken over by illegal students while continuing to pay heavily to educate them at the expense of legal students, so if you you aren’t part of the solution, then you are part of the problem.
Hand in hand with the illegal student problems are the Section 8 issues. Almost every home put on the market in Henry County is being turned into Section 8 housing. The American Dream of proudly owning a home is being ruined by Section 8 housing. It depreciates the value of property so badly that resale is a joke and it’s the reason that HC is on the fast track to becoming another Clayton County. Wake Up people!!
By Concerned
May 31, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this
JR: What in the world does your comments have to do with the topic at hand? Your comments also make NO sense.
By Rachel
May 31, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this
What is so special about Dutchtown? I can may see parent trying to get their kids in Luella or Union Grove but why Dutchtown. Is it parents who live in the LoveJoy area who are close to the Henry County line?
Also, it amazes me how people can sit in judgement of people regarding their income. These are more statements of jealousy then anything else. If someone has the money to buy an expensive SUV, then good for them. If someone doesn’t then pray for them to get their priorities in order and give it over to GOD.
Regarding Section 8, a previous poster said it best, blame your neighbors. No one is twisting their arm to list their home with Section 8. Section 8 gives the homeowner twice as much as their mortgage sometimes and the greed is what the homeowner is dealing with. People are in such a hurry to run from diversity they will give everything away due to fear.
By Rachel
May 31, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this
What is so special about Dutchtown? I can may see parent trying to get their kids in Luella or Union Grove but why Dutchtown. Is it parents who live in the LoveJoy area who are close to the Henry County line?
Also, it amazes me how people can sit in judgement of people regarding their income. These are more statements of jealousy then anything else. If someone has the money to buy an expensive SUV, then good for them. If someone doesn’t then pray for them to get their priorities in order and give it over to GOD.
Regarding Section 8, a previous poster said it best, blame your neighbors. No one is twisting their arm to list their home with Section 8. Section 8 gives the homeowner twice as much as their mortgage sometimes and the greed is what the homeowner is dealing with. People are in such a hurry to run from diversity they will give everything away due to fear.
By EnlightnU
May 31, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this
Rachel: It has nothing to do with being judgemental or jealous of someone else’s wealth. It has to do with people taking advantage of the system and taxpayers to attain that wealth(luxury SUV). My Section 8 neighbor (previously of Clayton County) drives a high dollar SUV, dresses to the nines, has parties every weekend, travels frequently and works as a beautician for cash while the taxpayers pay her Section 8 rent so she can afford all those things. The home isn’t owned by a Henry County resident, but a slum lord who doesn’t even live in the county. That’s not jealousy or judgement-that’s hard working tax payers sick of supporting no good slackers who do nothing but take advantage of the system and taxpayers to achieve their “wealth”.
The parents of illegal students are breaking the law at the Henry County taxpayers expense.
Hard working taxpayers are sick of it, yet nothing ever changes because the politicians are too busy being “politically correct” instead of enforcing the laws and stopping the system scammers. If the Lousianna SUV driver is educating her student in HC schools, she needs to be a resident and register and license her vehicle in HC-Katrina was over long ago-she obviously doesn’t intend to go back if her student has been at Dutchtown for over 2 years.
When they are living next to you and flaunting that “wealth” while you fork out their rent payments courtesy of your tax dollars maybe you won’t be so gracious about their ill-gotten gains.
By EnlightnU
May 31, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this
Rachel: It has nothing to do with being judgemental or jealous of someone else’s wealth. It has to do with people taking advantage of the system and taxpayers to attain that wealth(luxury SUV). My Section 8 neighbor (previously of Clayton County) drives a high dollar SUV, dresses to the nines, has parties every weekend, travels frequently and works as a beautician for cash while the taxpayers pay her Section 8 rent so she can afford all those things. The home isn’t owned by a Henry County resident, but a slum lord who doesn’t even live in the county. That’s not jealousy or judgement-that’s hard working tax payers sick of supporting no good slackers who do nothing but take advantage of the system and taxpayers to achieve their “wealth”.
The parents of illegal students are breaking the law at the Henry County taxpayers expense.
Hard working taxpayers are sick of it, yet nothing ever changes because the politicians are too busy being “politically correct” instead of enforcing the laws and stopping the system scammers. If the Lousianna SUV driver is educating her student in HC schools, she needs to be a resident and register and license her vehicle in HC-Katrina was over long ago-she obviously doesn’t intend to go back if her student has been at Dutchtown for over 2 years.
When they are living next to you and flaunting that “wealth” while you fork out their rent payments courtesy of your tax dollars maybe you won’t be so gracious about their ill-gotten gains.
By UGParent
May 31, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this
Dutchtown isn’t special-Union Grove is already having problems with illegal students from Clayton County and the problem will only get worse and worse. Illegal students are invading HC schools in record numbers. The administrations, HCBOE, the DA and Henry County taxpayers are all very aware of it, but choose to allow it to happen instead of taking charge. The only silver lining is for those with students graduating soon as they are ahead of the total destruction of the HC school system into a Clayton County nightmare.
By RexResident
May 31, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this
I live in Rex and have driven my kids to whatever henry co school I want. my clayton county tags dont matter. i know lots of people in clayton who do the same thing. i know i was reported but nothing was done. thank you henry county taxpayers for paying all those increasing taxes to educate my kids!
By valen
May 31, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this
This angers people when certain people take advantage of the system. I can see people need help with stuff, but abusing things is another thing. While those section 8 people are living in luxury of our taxes, we forgot those people are also living in debt. We also forgot that they applied for credit cards. I miss the old days when people had to work for stuff in life and pay for it. I say lets stop being politically correct and stand up to those Clayton County people who takes advantage of stuff
By Kat
May 31, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this
The Marietta woman LIVED in the county, thus paying county taxes, in which she was taking her student-she just wasn’t taking him/her to the school zoned for him/her. She was found innocent because she LIVED IN the county. You CANNOT live in Clayton County and take your students to Henry County schools. Henry County NEEDS to take a strong stand and prosecute the parents of illegal students NOW. If the DA is not doing so, he needs to be looking for another job.
By Tired of the Ignorance
May 31, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this
I am a teacher at Dutchtown, and I must say that I am appalled that some of you have nothing better to do than criticize our wonderful school system. Yes, several schools in Henry County are having problems with “illegal” students, however, let’s just call it like it is. It is painfully obvious that several of you bloggers are just closet racists that don’t want our precious Henry County inundated with blacks and hispanics. Don’t just sit up there on your high horse and look down on all of us. What makes you think that you are so much better than anyone else. BTW, Ms. Wheeler is an EXCELLENT teacher. Your child should be so lucky as to be a student in her class!
By Rachel
May 31, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this
EnlightnU,
It has nothing to do with being judgemental or jealous of someone else’s wealth. It has to do with people taking advantage of the system and taxpayers to attain that wealth(luxury SUV) This statement can be made towards the wealthy also. There are people in our culture who take advantage of people all the time, does it make it right, no. However, I don’t stress myself with it because I know and believe someday they will get their just do.
Consider this for a moment, the luxury SUV was bought at one of those buy/pay here places and the interest rate is running her 30%+ or more. The gas along is costing her a fortune. And chances are, she miss one payment the truck is gone. Her clothes come from a discount store (Target has awesome clothes). She comes from a large family who enjoys entertainment and likes to come to her house on the weekends.
I can go on, but the point of the matter is you are wasting all of your energy on what “she” is doing. Who cares! Yes, I am a taxpayer and I hate to see my hard earn dollars get used in this manner. But I also hate it when I pay the high salary for a City Manager and his wife of a town the size of Mayberry.
I tell my kids all the time if you spend your energy making yourself a better person you will have no time left to concern yourself with others.
By HCCynic Fan
May 31, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this
I’m voting for HCCynic in the next election!
By T
May 31, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this
For Tired of the Ignorance, get off the race card. This entire topic started with individuals breaking rules and nothing being done. My kid goes to Dutchtown and overall it has been great. Our experience of people crossing from Clayton County were about white students coming to Dutchtown. You help make this a racial issue. Maybe you should look at yourself, before calling everyone else out who has participated in this blog.
Since you are more in tune with what the percentages are, maybe you could share what amounts based on race break these rules.
By Cathy
May 31, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this
We have another problem as well that causes overcrowding of certain schools in Henry County. Parents giving false addresses in order to be in a certain school zone. What can be done about this?
By HW
June 1, 2007 7:25 AM | Link to this
Why can’t we build two story schools like in larger counties? It seems we continue to build the same one story buildings and within two years, they are out grown and trailers lining the surrounding areas.
By Racing Girl
June 1, 2007 7:33 AM | Link to this
Why did it take two years to bring across two convictions? I can think of one offender who was caught and resides in Clayton. They have the assets to at least pay the fine, but they brag about not being forced to. This is all about the school or county dropping the issue. If the school or county won’t due their jobs in enforcment, then we should be taxed less since it appears there is no need for the money.
Penalize the innocent?
By Classical Jazz
June 1, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this
Easy fix to this: Cruise the parking lots and drop off lanes and take the tag numbers of all non-Henry cars. Send the list and accompanying bill for services to the offending county and begin collection proceedings in 60 days………. Put the onus on the offending county. (also run a tag check to see get addresses confront the offenders)
This has been stated in many posts in the past, but for the education of the new initiates, the STATE OF GEORGIA stipulates that schools can be built only to accomodate projected enrollment on the date of opening. County school boards cannot build in capacity for growth……… result is trailers at new schools. Blame the state and call your representative. (passed in response to DeKalb overbuilding a few years back)
Two or more story buildings make sense. Every school I attended from grade thru high was a four story edifice. It was up and down stairs and it contributed to a level of fitness in the student (and teacher) population rarely seen today. So this could also be a tool in the war on juvenile obesity. Not to mention that it is far more cost effective to go up, than out, in construction and land costs can be cut.
Common sense is too easy to ever be considered as a tool to solve thorny problems…. Hence the mess we find ourselves in today.