Ex-Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Beverly Hall on Monday asked to delay her trial in the test-cheating case because she is battling cancer.
“In the opinion of her physician, (Hall) will be physically and mentally unable to attend trial or meaningfully assist with her defense for a period of six to eight months,” said a motion filed by her attorneys.
The 67-year-old Hall, who is suffering from Stage IV breast cancer, has been scheduled to stand trial next month along with a dozen former educators and administrators.
But the court filing, presented to Superior Court Judge Jerry Baxter, asked that her trial be continued until the conclusion of her current medical regimen and when her physician concludes she is able to attend trial and help her attorneys.
Hall’s treating oncologist, Laura Weakland of Georgia Cancer Specialists, said that requiring Hall to stand trial in the coming weeks would put her life at risk.
“Put simply, Dr. Hall must focus on her health right now if she is to have a chance for successful treatment,” Weakland said, adding that it is possible she could stand trial late this year.
Hall’s first bout with breast cancer occurred in 2004, but in late 2011, she was diagnosed with it again by doctors who found it had spread to other parts of her body, the motion said.
Late last year, doctors found that the progression had increased, and even more recent scans have found even further progression, the motion said. “The most recent developments are serious.”
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