Education
Education

Gwinnett Schools to state PTA: No confidence in you. No money from us.

A power struggle has created strife in the Georgia PTA and led to allegations against the leaders, causing Gwinnett County Public Schools to now ask its school units to stop sending in state dues until it gets answers on what is happening.
A power struggle has created strife in the Georgia PTA and led to allegations against the leaders, causing Gwinnett County Public Schools to now ask its school units to stop sending in state dues until it gets answers on what is happening.
By Maureen Downey
Aug 2, 2017

In response to allegations against the Georgia PTA leadership, the superintendent of Gwinnett County Public Schools is advising local PTAs to stop sending money to the state organization.

In a letter dated Tuesday, Gwinnett Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks wrote, “We have no confidence in the current board and officers of Georgia PTA.” Wilbanks notes PTA state leaders overseeing the Gwinnett area “are being investigated for possible misuse of PTA funds.”

As a result, Wilbanks has asked local units to withhold any funds that usually go to the state PTA “until we feel the grave matters before us have been satisfactorily addressed.”

Thus far, the controlling faction of the Georgia PTA that staged a coup in January and wrested control, expelling the president and anyone who supported her, has ignored the escalating outrage.

To read more, go to the AJC Get Schooled blog. 

About the Author

Maureen Downey has written editorials and opinion pieces about local, state and federal education policy since the 1990s.

Follow Maureen Downey on facebookFollow Maureen Downey on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

President Donald Trump's administration told education departments this week it's delaying some federal grants that fund after-school and other programs. Officials said the money is under review and has been "grossly misused" by some school districts in the past. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

Credit: AP

Georgia schools could be impacted by federal funding delay

Georgia schools are waiting on $200 million in federal grants used to fund after school and other programs. The Trump administration says the money is under review.

Ga. Head Start programs get $8 million lifeline to stay open during shutdown

The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta is giving some of Georgia's at-risk Head Start programs bridge loans to stay operational for 45 days.

She’s the first female head drum major at FAMU, and she’s from metro Atlanta

As head drum major, Oluwamodupe “Dupe” Oloyede is something of a celebrity on FAMU’s campus. For the first time in its history, a woman leads the 340-member Marching 100.

The Latest

Children in the Head Start program play outside with lead teacher Genesis Lavanway at the Arthur M. Blank Early Learning Center. It's one of the Head Start programs in Georgia that may not receive its annual funding on Nov. 1 due to the ongoing government shutdown. A bridge loan from the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta will keep the programs running for another 45 days. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez/AJC

Ga. Head Start programs get $8 million lifeline to stay open during shutdown

She’s the first female head drum major at FAMU, and she’s from metro Atlanta

Georgia students flock to Turning Point USA after Charlie Kirk killing

Featured

(Photo Illustration: Philip Robibero / AJC | Source: Getty, Unsplash)

Credit: Philip Robibero / AJC

MARTA and Beltline rail two big transportation items on mayor’s agenda

While reaffirming his commitment to building light rail along the Beltline, Mayor Dickens says the first segment should go where transportation needs are greatest: SW Atlanta.

Georgia women face geographic gaps in prenatal care

Fewer than half of Georgia's counties have a full-time OB-GYN, according to data analyzed by the AJC, and many women lack the time and money to make regular prenatal visits.

Ex-Stonecrest mayor accused of lying about prison time to run for City Council

Jason Lary, who spent more than two years in prison after he admitted pocketing COVID relief money, allegedly claimed he was not a convicted felon in pre-election paperwork.