Former Gov. Sonny Perdue played a key role in breaking open the Atlanta Public School cheating scandal. He ordered an investigation that included subpoena power and Georgia Bureau of Investigation agents after pusillanimous efforts by the school system to investigate itself.
He appointed a former attorney general to look into it, and staff members from the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement helped as well.
Perdue had this to say about Wednesday’s verdicts, which saw 11 former educators guilty of criminal conspiracy and other charges.
“[The] verdict marks the end of a dark chapter for Atlanta Public Schools, but it is not the final chapter. I want to personally thank Judge Baxter and members of the jury and the prosecution team for their hard work and perseverance. I also want to thank GBI Director Vernon Keenan, Fulton DA Paul Howard, Mike Bowers, Bob Wilson, Richard Hyde and the entire investigative team that exposed sunlight to a story that was being hidden from public view. My sincere hope is that this sad episode results in a renewed determination by educators, administrators and parents to help prepare all of Georgia’s students to participate in our state’s bright future. The shameful actions by a small handful do not represent the overwhelming number of passionate, dedicated Georgia educators who work late grading papers, spend their own money to furnish their classroom and would never dream of doing anything to harm a student in this way. I consider this verdict justice for them.”
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