Metro news for Saturday

By Bob Howard

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Fulton County Schools officials are still investigating criminal charges against a former Hopewell Middle School teacher who has been accused of abusing special education students.

The teacher, Melanie Pickens, had her credentials revoked by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission in 2008 following the reports of abuse.

This week a state administrative law judge ruled that Fulton Schools failed to provide a free and adequate education for one of the students in the abuse case, Alex Williams, now 19. The judge ordered the district to pay for his private education for the next five years.

"This situation never should have happened and our hearts go out to the family for what their child has experienced," said Samantha Evans, spokeswoman for Fulton Schools. "It is in no way an indication of the character or culture of Fulton County Schools. We are pursuing criminal charges against the former teacher in this case."

D. AILEEN DODD

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As part of National Children's Dental Health Month, the Georgia Association of School Nurses is stepping up efforts to increase awareness of dental care and the importance of oral health. The association cites reports from the Georgia Department of Community Health, showing 27 percent of Georgia third-graders have untreated tooth decay and four percent need urgent dental care. During February, some school nurses are helping teachers with classroom activities on dental hygiene, and others are coordinating school visits by mobile dental services.

NANCY BADERTSCHER

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Our Town

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