Two DeKalb board members: We cannot support school chief choice because of her record
Two DeKalb school board members have sent open letters expressing their opposition to the selection of Cheryl Atkinson of Ohio to lead the system.
Here are the letters from Don McChesney and Nancy Jester expressing their concerns over Atkinson’s record in her small Ohio system.
“Dear DeKalb Citizens:
I think it is important for me to comment on the choice of Dr. Cheryl Atkinson as the prospective school superintendent for DeKalb County. The opinions I express are mine and I do not profess to speak for anyone else.
My first priority in finding a superintendent was to find the best candidate to raise student achievement in the school system and give the taxpayer equity for money spent. The theme for me was the students. Beyond that all else was secondary.
It is not possible for me to support this choice based on the record. This is the most important decision that has been made since I came on the board. We need to get it right based on an informed study of the facts available. It is too serious to go with only your “gut feeling”.
We had several candidates with better records of student achievement but, unfortunately, as you know, their candidacy was plagued with leaks of confidential information to the press. I hope that you will note that there were no press leaks regarding this candidate.
We have read recently published reports in the media that the Lorain City Schools may move up one step on the Ohio ratings scale. These scores have not yet been released by the Ohio Department of Education so we have no confirmation. The most current data available show only 1 of 24 academic indicators being met. Let me remind you that there were candidates not chosen that bested this record. Some showed a substantially better record.
Ohio has Lorain schools on “Academic Watch”. This is step 4 out of 5 on their sanctions scale. The next step is “Academic Emergency”. That is the most serious sanction. Compare this with the rejected candidates.
Let me be clear. No urban school system superintendent in America will have an unblemished record. It is the nature of the business. I do not expect perfection because that record is unobtainable, but there were other candidates with better records.
Do not take my word for it. Do your own research. You will be led to the same set of facts as me. The only difference will be the spin folks attempt to apply to these facts. Also check the contract. See if you see any danger points there.
Dr. Atkinson is a fine person and delightful to converse with. However, a business decision for academic betterment of our students and not a personal referendum on personality was my goal.
Don McChesney
Now, here is the letter from school board member Nancy Jester:
I’m in agreement with Mr. McChesney’s statement. He and I spent hours researching the student achievement records of the candidates that were brought before us. I believe we saw several candidates with significantly better records of student achievement. We also considered professionals who were credible change agents that could help our district attract top-flight talent to key positions and reorganize our district.
If you are interested in examining Dr. Atkinson’s record of student achievement, click here to go to her district’s “report card” given by the Ohio Department of Education. Over the last three years there have been increases in 9 out of 24 state academic indicators. Those increases range from a high of 9.1% to .8%. The remaining 15 indicators have losses that range from -2.9% to -16.3%. All of the academic indicators for the high school grades showed a decrease in scores over the last three years. For the most recent report card available, Dr. Atkinson’s district met only one state academic measurement. Additionally, when compared to other similar districts in Ohio (based on demographic, socioeconomic and geographic factors), they score below the average for similar districts in all categories except one.
The district did not make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) and is on “Academic Watch”. (Ohio rates districts on a 5 level basis and Academic Watch is the next to lowest status. The lowest status is Academic Emergency.) When looking at the AYP determination, I noted that the African American population did not meet AYP for either of the proficiency standards (reading and math). This was also the case for students with limited English proficiency (LEP) and students with disabilities (SWD). The largest demographic for our district is African-American so this record, in a small district, concerns me.
I thought that Dr. Atkinson was very professional and charming. I enjoyed meeting her and believe her to be devoted to educating children. I cannot support Dr. Atkinson’s candidacy for the Superintendency of DeKalb based on her record of student achievement in a small district. We have serious student achievement issues in DeKalb. We are last or next to last in 23 of 25 data points for the CRCT when compared to 8 metro districts (DeKalb, Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton, City of Atlanta, City of Decatur and City of Marietta.) If our school system does not drastically improve, the implications for our county are dire. I do not see anything in Dr. Atkinson’s record with her current district that convinces me she will be able to move our district in the right direction.
By state law, districts must announce a candidate 14 days in advance of voting to approve their employment. Additionally, we must make every document we have regarding the candidate available to the public at this time. In closing, I will say that if it is the will of the Board to bring Dr. Atkinson to DeKalb, no one will offer her more service than me. As a mom with three young children, I am invested in the success of our schools with my most precious resources. Thank you for allowing me the honor of serving you.
–Nancy
–From Maureen Downey, for the AJC Get Schooled blog
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318 comments Add your comment
Jackie
August 16th, 2011
12:17 am
Yes, Eli Broad represents the beginning of the DeKalb County TEA PARTY. I don’t think the Tea Party will be effective in most of DeKALB. We love our children and many of us are pleased with our schools, although we are aware that many of our schools are struggling and that is where Dr. Atkinson’s strength comes into play. All of the committees and countywide meetings I have attended, I have never heard of this “character” who wants the “BOARD TO LOOK HIM IN THE EYE” …. Where have you been Eli? Hello!!!
Anna Bell
August 16th, 2011
1:22 am
Deal,
I am very alert and know what has been done and what needs to be done as it relates to the final voting for the superintendent. The sad commentary is that McChesney and Jester used the way of “immature brats” to try to hijack the process. There is nothing good nor ethical about their behavior.
There is a right way and a wrong way to handle confidential votes and discussions. They posted only what they wanted you to believe. I am so proud of the Dunwoody mom’s posting of the application link and the additional links that were posted on August 14th that contained the latest data on the Lorain School System. Yes, you wonder where is SACS? Where is the governor? Why have they not removed these renegades from the board? This is not their first attempt to cause public disruption to the process that should remain confidential until all is final. If they were black, then the “ALL CALL ” for SACS and the governor to intervene would be all over the news and blogs.
It is time for peace and acceptance of those things that you cannot change.
Anna Bell
August 16th, 2011
2:15 am
John Trotter,
I thought Clayton had become too “dark” for you so that is why I made the statement as I did. Since you do not live in one of the “dark” districts, just but out and take care of the place of choice where you now live. DeKalb is capable of choosing their own leader without noisy outsiders. I was disappointed about Sam King but certain board members trumped him for “Cox”; they thought they had the great “white hope” even though her track record was not to be found because there was not one with 9 moves in 18 years. Then there was Robert Duron who had accreditation problems as certified with the official letter posted on the website with a date of March 1, 2011. Although accreditation is and could be a problem for DeKalb if Jester and McChesney continue their unethical behavior; we do not need Duron who could not solve his own accreditation problems.
T a
1701 North Congress Ave. • Austin, Texas 78701-1494 • 512463-9734 • 512 463-9838 FAX • http://www.tea.state.tx.us
IMPORTANT
ACCREDITATION
INFORMATION -
ACTION
REQUIRED
CERTIFIED MAIL
015-907
2010-2011
March 1,2011
Dr. Robert J. Duron, Superintendent
San Antonio Independent School District
141 Lavaca Street
San Antonio, Texas 78210
Dear Dr. Duron:
In a To The Administrator Addressed letter dated February 22, 2011, the Texas Education Agency
(TEA or agency) disseminated information describing the process and timelines for assigning
2010-2011 accreditation statuses to school districts. The February 22, 2011, letter can be accessed
at http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/taa/accred022211 .html. The assignment of district accreditation statuses
is required by Texas Education Code (TEC), Chapter 39, Public School System Accountability, and
authorized in 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAG), Chapter 97, Planning and Accountability.
Subchapter EE, Accreditation Status. Standards, and Sanctions. Subchapter EE of Chapter 97
defines the accreditation statuses of Accredited, Accredited-Warned, Accredited-Probation, and Not
Accredited-Revoked and states how accreditation statuses are determined and assigned to districts,
including definitions, purpose, and oversight appointments. The commissioner’s rules related to
accreditation may be viewed at the Texas Administrative Code link available at
http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/index.html. and additional information regarding the assignment of
accreditation statuses to districts can be found on the Accreditation Status homepage of the TEA
website at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/accredstatus.
On March 1, 2011, the TEA assigned accreditation statuses to school districts for the 2010-2011 year
under the authority of TEC §39.051 and §39.052 and 19 TAG §97.1055. Accreditation status results
for 2010-2011 have been posted publicly to the TEA website on the Accreditation Status homepage at
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/accredstatus. Under the requirements of statute and rule, the San Antonio
Independent School District (ISO) has been assigned an accreditation status of Accredited-Warned
due to the ratings assigned to the district in the state’s academic accountability rating system.
Specifically, the San Antonio ISO was assigned a 2009 and 2010 academic accountability rating of
Academically Unacceptable.
Dr. Robert J. Duron, Superintendent
San Antonio Independent School District
Page 2
Districts that are assigned a status of Accredited-Warned must take specific actions to notify the
parents of students enrolled in the district and property owners in the district. The requirements for
public notification are specified in 19 TAG §97.1055{f), and a template that reflects the TEA-required
format and language for the public notice is posted to the TEA website at
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/accredstatus. According to the requirements of 19 TAG §97,1055(f)(3), the
San Antonio ISO must complete the notification requirements under specified timelines as calculated
from the March 1, 2011, date of accreditation status assignment. The district also must send certain
notification documentation to the TEA according to the requirements of 19 TAG §97.1055(f)(4).
Districts with an accreditation status below Accredited may be subject to additional accreditation
sanctions as referenced in 19 TAG Chapter 97, Planning and Accountability. Subchapter EE.
Superintendents of districts that are assigned a status of Accredited-Warned may request a record
review related to the assignment of the accreditation status. A request for record review related to the
assignment of 2010-2011 accreditation statuses must be received by the TEA no later than
March 18, 2011, and may be addressed as follows.
Laura Taylor
Associate Commissioner for Accreditation
Texas Education Agency
1701 North Congress Avenue
Austin, Texas 78701
Fax: (512)936-6474
Additional information regarding the record review process can be referenced at 19 TAG §97.1037 at
the Texas Administrative Code link referenced above.
We appreciate your assistance as the agency continues to implement accreditation requirements. If,
after reviewing the TEA website, you have questions regarding the assignment of accreditation
statuses to districts, required public notification, or the process for a record review, please contact
your regional education service center or the Division of Program Monitoring and Interventions at
(512) 463-5226 or via e-mail at pmidivision(S?.tea.state.tx.us.
Sincerely,
Laura Taylor
Associate Commissioner
Department of Accreditation
LT/jt
cc: Ronald L. Beard, Executive Director, Region 20 Education Service Center
Ray Glynn, Deputy Commissioner for School District Leadership and Educator Quality, TEA
David Anderson, General Counsel, TEA
Karen Batchelor, Deputy Associate Commissioner, Program Monitoring and Interventions, TEA
Ron Rowell, Director, Governance and General Inquiries, TEA
Ted Kerr, Manager, Program Monitoring and Interventions, TEA
Jamie Morris, Conservator
Do you have any common sense
August 16th, 2011
4:58 am
Dr Atkinson has my vote she will make a fine Superintendent.
Name One
August 16th, 2011
5:52 am
We have no confidence in this BOE. BOE Chair Tom Bowen has completely bungled the Supt. search, and BOE members Gene Walker and Jay Cunningham continue to make decisions based solely on race.
This BOE has spent tens of millions on attorney fees. The fees are astronomical and completely out of control. There are no adults minding the store here:
http://dekalbschoolwatch.blogspot.com/2011/08/here-come-lawyers-oh-lawyers-more.html
yes i am worried
August 16th, 2011
6:47 am
Ironically, for the most part, the students in Jester’s and McChesney’s districts will be fine. They have educated and highly educated parents who are involved and can help their students. It is the poor minority students who have the most to lose, though the academic performance of all African American students has suffered, as measured by the SAT, for the last decade or so.
Where are the African-American leaders who should be calling out for someone better? Why are they silent?
yes i am worried
August 16th, 2011
6:49 am
Anna Bell
The vote for superintendent is not confidential — it will be held in public. They have not voted on anything.
The initial leaks came from S. DeKalb board members (probably Cunningham and Walker) to derail the hiring of a white woman — who had the support of Sarah Copelin-Woods.
This process has been corrupted from the beginning.
The Deal
August 16th, 2011
7:12 am
Sorry, Anna, you actually have no idea about boards and processes. What do you think a BOE is, the FBI? Please do your research. The BOE is an elected (not appointed) board and is subject to state sunshine laws and is funded with taxpayer money; thus, there are very specific rules regarding what information must be shared and not. I think you are confusing the Board of Education with a private corporation’s Board of Trustees. What Nancy and Don did was offer their opinion openly and did not divulge anything from confidential discussions. What your buddies on the board did to the other candidates was unethical in that they they provided confidential contract information to their former BOE buddy who was stupid enough to stand up at a meeting and admit that she knew it, blowing the racist cover of those on the board who know as much about BOE ethics and rules as you do. As for being proud of Dunwoody Mom, all of this information is public – there’s nothing to be proud of except that she can type “google”. The only thing I will have to accept is that you have come to this discussion late, unprepared, and hopelessly uneducated. Poor thing.
Dunwoody Mom
August 16th, 2011
7:26 am
“The Deal”, the link the Dr. Atkinson’s Candidate File was on the DCSS website. I did not “google” anything.
Dr NO
August 16th, 2011
7:36 am
LOL…Even AJC trashes Atkinson and most of you here speak on what an asset she will be…LMAO!!!
“Dr Atkinson has my vote she will make a fine Superintendent.”
Oh Im sure she does have your vote…HILARIOUS!!!
“although we are aware that many of our schools are struggling and that is where Dr. Atkinson’s strength comes into play.”
Strengths? LMAO!!! Your judgement STINKS!!
DeKalb superintendent pick quickly draws fire
http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/dekalb-superintendent-pick-quickly-1111719.html
teacher reader
August 16th, 2011
8:06 am
@ Dr No That is why DCSS is in the shape that it is in. People are not willing to do their homework and trust uneducated and unethical people that they elect to the board.
@ Yes I Am Worried Not sure how long our “good” schools will be good with everything that goes on in DCSS. Maybe for a few more years, but not forever. And only if parents are willing to supplement the poor quality of education materials that DCSS uses.
Jessie
August 16th, 2011
8:29 am
Is DeKalb board member Walker delusional? The Kansas City schools were and are still a disater! Atkinson was was only there a year, she “resigned.”
Dont’ be duped!!
A BIG YES
August 16th, 2011
8:30 am
Dr Atkinson will make a fine Superintendent
Touch of class
August 16th, 2011
8:31 am
I believe the board made a good choice. After talking to a few people she will clean out the dirt and restore us to greatness.
People Please
August 16th, 2011
8:33 am
The past supers we have had didn’t do anything. I would rather have Dr Atkinson come in with no ties to anyone and with no agenda but putting our students first.
Sean
August 16th, 2011
8:40 am
Lets just give her a chance.
11 year Lorain teacher
August 16th, 2011
8:42 am
Sure we teach to the test all year long and many of us cheat. If scores don’t improve, we are placed on probation. We are forced into this choice…….and, survival wins**********
yes i am worried
August 16th, 2011
8:42 am
Rumor is that when she worked in Rockdale County, she was a member of New Birth. Anyone verify this?
The Deal
August 16th, 2011
9:00 am
Here’s a good one from genius Atkinson:
“It’s like we went up to (step) three then back to two,” Atkinson said. “We didn’t do worse this year, we just didn’t do as good as last year.”
http://www.morningjournal.com/articles/2010/08/28/news/mj3221537.txt
Total winner there. Way to vet your candidate, BOE.
Atlanta Media Guy
August 16th, 2011
9:07 am
Mandella, I love you! I ask for some of the untruths that I have written at DSW and you can’t come up with one, go ahead cut and paste, I’d love to to see what you think is untrue. I like Maureen, she is a DCSS stakeholder. However, a colleague of hers, a former AJC beat writer for DCSS, revealed me as a source of TRUTHFUL information, I provided to the AJC, regarding our indicted former super and some on the staff. We had asked her to keep our names to herself. She went right to Clew with the file of information as well as our names. That beat writer went on to write an article that called the group of us, that exposed some of the shenanigans, “vociferous and loud”. If you want to trust the AJC for all your information, go right ahead. They have an agenda just like you do. Why do you think Cox Media went public with the earlier prospects, derailing the whole process?
The only agenda I have is to make sure our school leaders are open, honest and not making a mockery of OUR public school system. The friends and family plan has been exposed and right now we need to get a leader inside DCSS to start cleaning house. I was hoping that Tyson would do it, but she was hand picked by Clew to run the system. Mandella, if you like our failing system the way it is right now, that is your opinion. My family does not like the direction DCSS is headed and that’s why my wife and I have been speaking up.
Mandella, I look forward to the trial of our indicted former Super and COO. The truth should come out during the trial.
Dunwoody Mom
August 16th, 2011
9:23 am
While I hope Lewis and Pope get their just due for the damage they caused to DCSS, I certainly do not look forward to the trial. It’s going to unleash a whole level of anger among DCSS parents and stakeholders as their true deceptions are made known.
decaturparent
August 16th, 2011
9:23 am
@ A Conservative Voice – Yes, I know Decatur affected by what goes on around us b/c it is partially contributing to our overcrowding issues. I am concerned about the mess at APS and DCSS. Really, what I am saying is that because of my concern about it, I am glad to not be in the middle of it. I did not mean to imply that I wasn’t concerned. Perhaps thankful would be a better word than glad.
Lorain citizen
August 16th, 2011
10:26 am
As a Lorain citizen Im sad to see her go you will be getting a great leader in Dr Atkinson
Dr NO
August 16th, 2011
10:33 am
It will be fun when in a few years from now all you “positive responders” are once again proven wrong. Your kids will suffer mine will not. You, once again, will be wrong and I will be right. You, once again, will be making dumb, lame excuses and I will be laugh, laugh, laughing!!!
In fact just thinking about it now is making me laugh…tee hee, LOL!!
Dunwoody Mom
August 16th, 2011
10:36 am
This is from the SACS report of March, 2011:
“7. Select a new superintendent that exemplifies and has demonstrated the characteristics necessary to lead a unique school system such as DeKalb County.” …The selection of a highly qualified, innovative superintendent with demonstrated success in a large ethnically and culturally diverse system will be the catalyst for DeKalb County School System towards meeting and exceeding their mission of school and home collaboration and maximizing students’ social and academic potential. Document of a transition plan will further ensure this process is effective and smooth
Will SACS view Dr. Atkinson’s selection as meeting their criteria? This is my own personal opinion, but I would not be surprised at all if SACS does place DCSS on probation in October. This school board is every bit as toxic and dysfunctional as APS.
DR YES
August 16th, 2011
10:56 am
YES TO DR ATKINSON!
The Deal
August 16th, 2011
11:16 am
Dunwoody Mom, thank you for posting the SACS requirement. It is a sad reminder that our school system still has lower to sink (possible probation) before we can get better.
Stop it
August 16th, 2011
11:29 am
Atlanta Media Guy, two days ago you accused me of calling you a name. Could you please show me where and when this happened?
amazed
August 16th, 2011
11:34 am
@Anna Bell
Acceptance of things you can’t change? That is EXACTLY the problem with DCSS (and somewhat in the whole Atlanta area). Too many people accept that it can’t be changed.
I am beginning to wonder if there is a campaign here. Or maybe just the same person posting on different names. We keep hearing, “I like her.” “She looks good.” “She’s the real deal.” Nothing other than feel good comments. You rarely get so many comments like that on one of these boards. I think the only concrete said thing in her favor was from one of her critics who mentioned the dropout rate went down.
The performance at Lorain went down the 1st 3 years she was there. This year’s results aren’t out yet. Where are these results she’s capable of? Spending money on new schools and computers is not what I consider to be great accomplishments for a superintendent. I will say a couple things for her that none of these feel good commentators say-and contradict what has been said earlier. She does have good references. There’s one from her supervisor’s in Charlotte and in Charleston. And she has worked in large districts-Charlotte, Charleston and Orange County.
rattler
August 16th, 2011
11:47 am
Dekalb County Schools would be a much better school system without Nancy Jester, McChesney and Cheryl Atkinson. All three are worthless and should not be associated with any school system.
Dunwoody Mom
August 16th, 2011
12:10 pm
@The Deal…my two cents here…I’m sure that Dr. Atkinson is the lovely person Ms. Jester and Mr. McChesney say she is. And in a different time and environment in DCSS, she may be the an appropriate candidate. But, this school system is in dire crisis. I believe it is going to take someone with extraordinary talents to turn this around. I do not believe Dr. Atkinson has the background or experience for this mighty job.
Dunwoody Mom
August 16th, 2011
12:11 pm
That being said, if Dr. Atkinson is named Superintendent, she will have my full support as a parent, until and unless it becomes obvious she cannot handle the job. At that time the BOE will be held accountable for their decision.
Dr NO
August 16th, 2011
12:12 pm
Based on the manny ill-informed and naive comments posted on this DCSS subject blog I sincerely believe now is the time to begin the diverting of school funding dollars to new prison construction projects because thats where your children are going.
But let your minds rest easy. These future jailbirds will be happy and content, just as their parents are, because they are too stupid to know any different.
ENJOY!
Dr NO
August 16th, 2011
12:14 pm
“she will have my full support as a parent, until and unless it becomes obvious she cannot handle the job.”
Well I guess one cant argue with that logic.
DR YES
August 16th, 2011
12:16 pm
she should have all of are support its to much negativity.
Dekalb parent
August 16th, 2011
12:18 pm
She will have my support as well.
Not impressed
August 16th, 2011
12:30 pm
Why did today’s article say that two board members “blasted” Atkinson? It was my impression that they simply stated their position.
Dr. Atkinson may or may not be the best administrator – that is the issue. Dekalb needs someone who can make agressive, dramatic, and yes controversial changes in the short term. I personally do not see that capability in Dr. Atkinson’s bio. I advocate for hiring an outside interim to make hard decisions, inact tough changes, and then pass the baton to a team builder.
Dr NO
August 16th, 2011
1:02 pm
“she should have all of are support its to much negativity.”
Thats part of the issue. In your quest to be politically correct you confuse *Ahem* negativity with realism. Too bad you will never learn until its too late. AHH HAHAHAA!!
Heres a typical APS, DCSS, S Fulton idea. Lets constuct a dam, fill it to the brim and see if it holds. Forget design, engineering, blueprints etc if it bursts we will know then it was a bad idea. Kinda like ObaManure…LMAO!!
Very impressed
August 16th, 2011
1:03 pm
I like whats in her candidate file. Im for her.
Very impressed
August 16th, 2011
1:43 pm
To bad your full of hate that will get you no where.
Dr NO
August 16th, 2011
2:02 pm
“To bad your full of hate that will get you no where.”
To whomever you were referring…that would be you’re.
Graduated from Dekalb I see.
Alphonse
August 16th, 2011
3:06 pm
I looked at Dr. Atkinson’s job application. I believe the name of her former employer is Charlotte-Mecklenburg, not Charlotte Mecklengburg.
Anna Bell is a racist
August 16th, 2011
4:50 pm
Anna Bell and people like her are so damaged in the brain that we don’t want our children educated in DeKalb. They hate white people and will do anything they can to sabotage any idea any white person has. They are just as evil as the slave owners of old. Yes Anna you are evil. You are a racist. You have become the thing you say you hate. You are the destruction of all children. In your hatred of white children you are willing to sacrifice black children just so white children can be held back. You are sick and anything you say is sick.
Atlanta Media Guy
August 16th, 2011
4:54 pm
Stop it! I apologize for not getting back to you sooner. I did not intend to call you a name, I was referring to another poster in the second paragraph and I did not make that distinction. You never called me a name. I apologize for the misunderstanding.
I look forward to meeting Dr. Atkinson and let her know how much help she is going to need. I’ll watch as she puts together her leadership circle. Will she keep them? The majority of these folks worked under our previous Super and we all know what the current numbers look like. Will Dr. Atkinson call for a complete audit of all divisions of DCSS? How will she handle the Palace personnel? Will she pare it down like the old audit called for? What is she going to do with the Office of Improvement? Will she keep Beasley as lead educator? Will she demand transparency from her staff? Will she be open and transparent with the stakeholders?
She has a monumental task ahead! I appreciate everyone’s opinion here and I look forward to a new direction that our new Super will take us. It can’t get much worse than it is.
Anna Bell
August 16th, 2011
9:10 pm
Yes I am Worried,
You are so wrong about the leaks. You need to look closer to your own door. Richard Belcher does not live in South DeKalb and does not get information from South DeKalb. How did the Georgia Gang team know the information since they tape their show prior to the announcement of Dr. Atkinson by the news media at 11:00 p.m. Friday night?
You are showing your ignorance. Not all children living in South DeKalb are poor and have parents who are not involved in their education. There are many children whose household income probably exceed yours, including mine. Do not make blanket statements that you cannot support.
As an educator of many years, I acknowledge that we have some concerns the participation of parents in the educational process within the school is less than desirable. This is why I support Dr. Atkinson because she is known to reach out to parents and I am sure she has strategies that are effective in getting the results. I have done extensive research in this area and know first hand that it works. I tried my research once I became a principal. My parents were energized and we never worried about making AYP; we made it as aby product of great teaching and learning in South DeKalb. We need a superintendent who can energize the disengaged and engaged parents to to look beyond self and raise the roof for all children.
equality
August 16th, 2011
9:12 pm
The two board members have every right to let people know of their concerns. I am glad they did because it is an honest assessment of an unknown which DeKalb can not afford. The truth, hopefully, will come out about Lewis and his hiring practices. It seems the same mandate is in place today. Dr. Atkinson seems to be a nice person but is not suited for the position which she has applied for. A proven track record with a system this size is what is needed. Should she be hired, I immediately expect a voucher to a private school of my choice so that my child can get into the college of his choice without the cloud of an unaccredited system hanging over his head. After all, I am a taxpayer and therefore, she essentially is my employee.
Anna Bell
August 16th, 2011
9:15 pm
Anna Bell is a Racist,
I will not dignify your rage with a worthy comment.
equality
August 16th, 2011
9:23 pm
Oh, and Anna Bell, your agenda is showing. Just thought you might want to know.
Anna Bell
August 16th, 2011
9:52 pm
Amazed,
I am amazed that you would take my statement out of context. My reference to change was in relation to the Board’s right to make the selection of the superintendent.
If you are in tuned with me, you will see that I recognize that we need many changes in the system. That is why I am in full support of someone from the outside who is instructionally focused. I am against the good-ole-boy show continuing. I am reminded that the best decision for DeKalb County School System was made when the Board selected Dr. Robert Freeman, Sr as superintendent from Indiana. He spent 16 years at the head of DeKalb School system. We experienced growth, progress, honor and integrity during this time. It was the insiders – Hallford and Crawford that destroyed all progress that was made in academics and race relations.
LeakerSeeker
August 16th, 2011
9:59 pm
@Anna Bell: Richard Belcher met in private with Tom Bowen in the small conference room in the board conference area at the DCSS headquarters. They chat all the time! And Jeff Dickerson is a member of the Georgia Gang. He’s on the show! Did you not notice that? Jeff is the PR rep for DCSS. In fact, it was Jeff who conducted the interviews for the PR positions when they re-opened after the RIFs, didn’t endorse hiring anyone, and in the end was awarded the PR contract himself! Now Cohn & Wolfe has the official contract, but betcha Dickerson still gets a piece of pie.
Just wanted to give you a reality check.