Clayton chairwoman defends dinners with union leader

Clayton County school board chairwoman Michelle Strong testified before a state judge today that she went to dinner with a teachers’ union leader and other board members, a practice questioned by the agency that is considering revoking Clayton’s accreditation.

Strong told Judge Michael Malihi of the Office of State Administrative Hearings that she was a member of the Metro Association of Classroom Educators for about two years, but withdrew this summer. Strong is a history teacher in Fulton County.

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“That’s my right to be a member of a teachers’ organization,” Strong told the judge this afternoon.

Strong and three fellow board members are before the judge today to address allegations that they violated state laws when they put the district’s accreditation at risk. If found to have violated any laws, Gov. Sonny Perdue can remove the board members.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools will decide by Sept. 1 if Clayton schools remain accredited.

SACS cited the board for a string of unethical behavior, including negative outside influences by teachers’ unions. An audit by an outside consultant also said that the Metro Association of Classroom Educators influenced board members to get unqualified people hired in Clayton schools.

There is no evidence that Strong participated in those practices.

Strong testified today that she had dinner with John Trotter, the chairman of Metro Association, about five times in the past two years. Board members Norreese Haynes, the union’s executive director, and Rod Johnson sometimes attended the dinners, Strong testified. She couldn’t remember if any other board members were present.

The board removed Haynes in March after police found he didn’t live in Clayton County. Johnson resigned last week.

The dinners were paid for by Haynes or Trotter, Strong told the judge.

“I went to eat because I wasn’t paying,” Strong told the judge. “Usually Mr. Haynes paid. He paid for dinner because he’s a man.”

Strong said she couldn’t remember if any board business was discussed.

“I’m telling you I’m not sure. There’s a lot going on,” Strong said.

Although she met with Trotter, Strong testified that she never allowed him to influence how she voted.

“I vote my conscience,” Strong testified. “I vote how I want to vote.”