Today’s moderator: Maureen Downey

Maureen Downey has written about local, state and federal education policy at the AJC for 12 years. She’s also taught college classes in mass communications and journalism. However, she’s learned more about schools from having four children in them.

» Join the discussion online today: Share your opinions and ideas on Maureen's blog Get Schooled.

A former DeKalb County high school teacher laments a Board of Regents policy that bans undocumented students from attending selective schools, citing a valedictorian who could not apply to Georgia Tech or the University of Georgia.

A Cobb County parent questions why the school board is investing so much money in a land purchase that far exceeds the property needed to build a new elementary school.

And readers share their delight and trepidations over the soon-to-be-finalized hiring of a new Atlanta Public Schools superintendent.

About the Author

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Managing Partner at Atlantica Properties, Darion Dunn (center) talks with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a tour following the ribbon cutting of Waterworks Village as part of the third phase of the city’s Rapid Housing Initiative on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
(Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez