Kudos to the AJC for blowing the whistle
The AJC is to be commended for the dogged investigation into the Atlanta Public Schools cheating scandal. Without the determination to find the facts behind the figures, perhaps the story would have gone completely undetected.
The AJC uncovered shameful acts of disrespect to the residents of Atlanta; to Georgia, and to the students who suffered from this abuse of responsibility by educators. Where do all of those affected go to get back those lost years?
The superintendent who acted without regard to the consequences of her acts should hand back the bonuses she received for all of her “great efforts.” Then, she should return any awards that were received due to the many false statistics. That would be a good beginning.
Mel Matuszak, Dacula
So much energy spent on doing wrong
It must have taken quite an organized effort to raise Atlanta school test scores by cheating.
I wonder what would have happened if that hard work had been directed toward challenging the testing system — or better yet, finding new ways to educate the students.
Amy Aidman, Atlanta
Who will be called to account for actions?
With every passing day, the AJC brings more revelations of cheating, mismanagement, lying and outright fraud within the Atlanta Public Schools system. The question remains, who will be called to account for these actions? Examples must be made to deter others from falling into the same patterns in the future. If (as apparently indicated), certain actions cross the line into a criminal offense, charges must be made and prosecution, a certainty. A court can rule on the issue.
The improper actions committed by administrators and others reflect poorly on them — but more importantly, these actions do real harm to the children under their control. It is very obvious that ethics and morality were never part of the APS curriculum. Hopefully, the new superintendent and staff will be more open and honest in conducting the affairs of education.
Michael L. Shaw, Stone Mountain
Let’s hope allegations of racism don’t surface
With the Atlanta school cheating scandal dominating the local news, it’s predictable to expect the “usual suspects” to come out of the woodwork, claiming racism was connected to the scandal. No matter the lack of any proof; it would be the modus operandi for those who make their living stirring up the race pot.
Fortunately (so far), there has been a lack of this type of finger-pointing. An honest discourse on the right and wrong of an issue without race intruding would be very refreshing.
Eric Sandberg, Atlanta
Long-term impact on kids the real tragedy
Congratulations to the AJC on excellent coverage of the APS cheating scandal.
Of course, none of the culprits will be held accountable, and they will still receive their pensions and buyouts, so life goes on.
And people say that Wall Street is corrupt?
The tragedy here is the long-term effect on the kids. One of the primary causes of poverty and our sagging economy is the failure of our educational system. For this reason, the damage done by Beverly Hall and her cohorts will last for decades.
Will Atlanta’s politicians fix this mess? No. Poverty and ignorance are their source of power and longevity in office.
Len Cayce, Suwanee
