An internet search discovered more about an Ohio teacher hired by the DeKalb County School District to teach math at Chamblee Middle School than a background check performed by the district.

Officials admitted they were unaware Sandra Meeks-Speller was terminated from Toledo Public Schools in Ohio for infractions that included physically assaulting students, though court documents can be found online.

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Views of the exterior of Druid Hills High School in Atlanta shown on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. In the plan approved by the DeKalb County school board on Monday, everything but the main building, pictured here, will be demolished in favor of a new school building. (Natrice Miller/ AJC)

Credit: Natrice Miller

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Jo'wan Bellamy taught in the GNETS program for 17 years and recently transferred to Atlanta’s new behavioral program at Crawford Long Middle School. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com