Moderator’s introduction

DeKalb County Schools Superintendent, Michael Thurmond (left) and Ronald E. McNair Discovery Learning Academy technology teacher, Shanique Worthey (right) hug elementary children as they arrive for classes at McNair high school.

Credit: HANDOUT

Credit: HANDOUT

DeKalb County Schools Superintendent, Michael Thurmond (left) and Ronald E. McNair Discovery Learning Academy technology teacher, Shanique Worthey (right) hug elementary children as they arrive for classes at McNair high school.


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 DeKalb County elementary school lived through a terrifying episode last week when an armed intruder gained entry and told staff he planned to kill police. No one was injured, and the gunman was captured. Now comes the discussion on how the incident was handled. Today, readers give high marks to the performance of police and school staff. But a retired principal faults Georgia’s elected officials for supporting weak gun policies that endanger children. Superintendent Michael Thurmond reflects on the incident, the most challenging of his short tenure leading DeKalb.

Guest columnists: