It’s a blaring bittersweet realization for those in the Buckhead community to breathe a sigh of relief that our schools are not part of the “cheating” problem.
But not so fast. For if the problem is one of damaged civic image, is one of educators falsifying records and lying, is one of some business leaders covering up the shortcomings, is one of our children suffering psychological damage, then we can’t escape.
Indeed, we are academically blessed in Buckhead to have some of the country’s best primary and secondary schooling. Our private general educational institutions — Atlanta Girls School, Atlanta International, Christ The King, Galloway, Heiskell, Holy Spirit, Lovett, Pace, Trinity and Westminister — can stand student to student with the best of them.
And from a sound foundation of community support, it’s not by accident that our public schools — Morris Brandon, Garden Hills, Warren Jackson, North Atlanta, E. Rivers, Sarah Smith and Sutton — were not implicated in changing test answers.
Yes, when individuals and businesses consider relocation, Buckhead will still be an address of choice. We have ample housing in varied price ranges, healthy neighborhood environments, astonishing shopping options, nationally acclaimed health facilities, welcoming parks and recreational fields, and many other amenities to nurture one’s quality of life.
Buckhead’s 28-square-mile boundaries have been enjoying sound, steady refinement since its founding in 1838, so it’s not surprising that its residents feel pride in not being a part of Atlanta’s schools dilemma.
But, is it not? We cannot claim independence from our city — the seat of government for the city, county and state; the venue for all of our professional sports; the location of the world’s largest airport; the stages for most of our performing arts — a brand name known internationally. It’s a readily recognized destination that feeds our overall economic development.
Buckhead is a proud community of 76,000 people, with much to brag about, but we must never lose sight of the fact we are part of this larger jurisdiction, and it behooves us to support it however possible.
From most indications, this issue with Atlanta’s schools will continue for longer than we had anticipated. As those involved are punished — which is what every schoolchild has been reared to understand is appropriate — more wrongdoing may very possibly surface. Following proper jurisprudence to protect the innocent as well, we are predictably in for extended legal measures that won’t be pleasant.
But Atlanta has a history of rising from the ashes, and will do as well again. And Buckhead will be there with support as a part of the whole.
Sam Massell is president of the Buckhead Coalition and a former mayor of Atlanta.
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