North Atlanta drama continues. Parents now alarmed over teacher resignation.
I am getting copied on emails between parents at North Atlanta High School and APS, and it doesn’t sound like detente has been reached over the purge of the school’s leadership team a week ago.
I am also getting calls now on the resignation of an English/journalism teacher whose hiring created tensions between principal Mark MyGrant and APS, although it remains unclear why.
The resignation of Amy Durham, coupled with the reassignment of Laura Brazil, academy leader for North Atlanta High’s Global Broadcasting and Journalism, has alarmed many parents with children in the program. One parent said her child is a finalist for a $200,000 scholarship but needs recommendations that he now can’t get.
You can read Durham’s resignation letter here. (She actually does not resign in the letter, but retracts her pledge of employment since she was never approved by the board.)
Durham and school board member Nancy Meister were middle school PTA co-presidents together and remain friends. When I asked Meister last week about why APS was dragging its feet approving Durham’s contract, she declined comment, saying it was a personnel matter.
MyGrant said he has been frustrated and upset by the board’s inaction on Durham and vague allegations against her that have never been formally outlined or ever substantiated.
He told me last week: “In August, I was contacted by Deputy Superintendent Karen Waldon on three separate occasions reporting anonymous allegations alleging that I was planning to fire a employee leaving for maternity leave, and was hiring two new teachers that were ‘racist.’ I did all I could do to investigate these claims with the very limited information I received, but one of the teachers never got processed and the one that signed a contract and is currently working has never been approved by the board. Her name was taken off the gains report in August and didn’t return in September or October. I tried for weeks to get answers from the very top on down, but was completely stonewalled. “
Many parents believe Durham was the casualty of a school board dispute. I can’t speak to what concerns APS may have about Durham’s hiring, but I can say that many parents spoke highly of her teaching to me this week.
A second point of contention has been the counselors that APS school chief Erroll Davis promised to the the North Atlanta High audience Tuesday.
But, in an email copied to me, a parent wrote:
Frankly, in light of the precipitous removal of the respected administrators, I considered Mr. Davis’ offer of outside grief counselors to be both a recognition of the injustice the students felt (which is traumatic), and an appropriate attempt at reconciliation. I am sorry that many students were told their were no grief counselors and were unable to access the services.
North Atlanta interim principal Sidney Baker responded:
Yes, there were four additional counselors on site in the media center. I am sorry for the confusion. Also, the NAHS counselor team was also available for any student as well.
Someone on the blog suggested that North Atlanta High was probably returning to normal. I don’t think that is the case, yet.
–From Maureen Downey, for the AJC Get Schooled blog
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182 comments Add your comment
#TeamDurham
October 14th, 2012
5:01 pm
This is very sad as it is so damaging to so many people. Amy Durham is such a wonderful lady. In the time I’ve known her, she’s worked over time to make me feel like one of her own. She is incredibly supportive and caring.
I really hope truth is brought out of all this. #TeamDurham
bootney farnsworth
October 14th, 2012
5:02 pm
makes sense.
I was being extra nice considering the subject, so I figured something was up
bootney farnsworth
October 14th, 2012
5:34 pm
@ Prof,
the anonymous complaint is a staple of Davis led organizations. at GPC it was commonplace as a means of attempting to keep people in line. I was subject to that crap myself a time or two.
I actually don’t have that much of an issue with the anonymous complaint as the lack of detail of the complaint. you can’t defend yourself against claims like “you’ve been accused of racist activities”.
which, of course, is exactly what they are after.
Andrea Shelton
October 14th, 2012
5:39 pm
The one who makes the claim bears the burden of proof. Anyone claiming Amy Durham is a racist doesn’t really know her and can’t back up the claim because IT’S NOT TRUE. Folks talk big when they don’t have to use their names (yes, I’m talking to you, “Top School” and “Pompano”). If you’re going to claim it, at least have the courage to own up to it.
Mary
October 14th, 2012
5:49 pm
My, My, My…Aren’t we so bold with the “open records act”, publishing of emails, reporting of inconsistencies, etc.? This wasn’t the case when Clayton County educators were being dragged through the mud and stomped on and begging for someone to report what was happening. I have my suspicions about why much of the media deserted us, but that didn’t make the bitter pill any easier to swallow. With the change of multiple leaders coming in Clayton after recent elections, we should begin to finally get the real story about the departing leadership.
As for APS and North Atlanta High, quit whining, file the lawsuits, and get back to teaching the kids!
John O'Callaghan
October 14th, 2012
5:58 pm
North Atlanta’s diversity is one of its greatest assists. Not only do the students come from diverse backgrounds, they also are being prepared to operate in a global economy though the school’s IB program. If Mark Mygrant’s assertions are correct, an APS Deputy Superintendent (and potentially a board member) interfered with school based hiring decisions based on a ruse of unsubstantiated charges of racism. I have known Amy Durham and the other affected former employee for over a decade each. They enthusiastically embrace and celebrate North Atlanta’s diversity, care for each and every student they encounter and represent the best in role models for our children. It’s clear the charges of racism are false, yet for some reason hiring contracts for two stellar teachers were held up at APS. At last week’s all school meeting, Superintendent Davis pledged that our new principal would have the freedom to build his own team. I am hoping that he (and others at the APS central office) ensures this pledge is kept. Principals can not be accountable unless they can freely hire their key staff and teachers.
Kim Zemmali
October 14th, 2012
6:25 pm
Amy and Kelley are mere pawns in this absurd political game. Both are dedicated parents, and highly supportive APS moms whose contributions to our neighborhood schools are impossible to count. Anybody who has been truly involved in the growing commitment of families from elementary feeder schools to Sutton and finally to North Atlanta knows the full weight of their dedication. This entire cluster is more successful because they and parents like them, from all the feeder schools, have thrown themselves wholeheartedly into getting resources for the teachers, providing opportunities for students, and by positively promoting the schools. I can’t fathom how one can turn years of service into this overnight. Smh as my son would say in texting lingo!
Private Citizen
October 14th, 2012
6:27 pm
@Bill, You seem to thing that in the current system of K-12 government schools that the local public has some sort of “control” or input and that the charter amendment represents a loss of control. An opinion- I’m not sure how, if approved, the charter amendment might scale or manifest in reality, but I do not presently associate local control with local schools. You sort of give me a chuckle. Local schools are under great attention and directives from organizations and foundations far far away. There is immense pressure and programs. Testing is one example. There’s money coming in to local schools from the state and from the fed and this money has conditions and requirements. The local schools do not do their own curriculum mapping (decide what will be taught and when) and do not make their own decisions on testing, which seems to be similar across the state – the advent of lots and lots of testing. I’m sure Collar could give you other examples of outside programs intruding into local schools and no one local is even aware of the mechanisms at work, much less directing anything at all.
For some reason in the USA, the K12 public schools, and maybe the public colleges, too, are the absolute focus point or a huge amount of social engineering and other attention from big foundations, whether these are large or small, there is much activity to use the local school like a clothesline for somebody else’s clothes. It is complex, it is deliberate, and much of it done without much disclosure. Like the the “Save Out Rivers” organization out of Washington writes the new law to allow industry to dump more toxins in the local rivers. There is a lot of weird stuff going on, probably a hundred different things. As far as the principals, one of the places they take there direction from is here http://www.ascd.org/professional-development/principal-compass.aspx
Note the link with Pearson. Pearson is a multi-gajillion dollar multi-national corporation based in London in the UK. There’s your local control. Pearson is also very active in the US colleges of education. http://www.mypearsonstore.com/bookstore/index.asp
Anonymous
October 14th, 2012
6:45 pm
Well, Erroll Davis is going to do to the APS what he did to the USG, and then leave. I do not understand how Mr. Davis could even be offered a job. He did not do the USG any good, and now he is doing the same thing to the APS. Someone else, as in the case of the USG, has to come in and fix things after Mr. Davis leaves.
Top School
October 14th, 2012
6:50 pm
The hidden racism that segregates the children in “TEAMS” in the NORTHSIDE SCHOOLS.
I worked 13 years in the APS northside. I watched this manipulation first hand. White as I am…I could not stand to see what was going on any more. But when I finally spoke out… the Blacks that SOLD OUT…were not willing to stand up to the corruption.
It will take another 10+ years for the truth to finally surface.
Folks both BLACK AND WHITE …have caused this racism.
I support Amy Durham
October 14th, 2012
7:06 pm
I have known Ms. Durham for years now and I am very close friends with her daughter. Keep in mind I am a person of color. There have been several times throughout my high school career that Ms.Durham has stepped up and offered to help me out college wise and with school. She is the kindest person I have ever met and the fact that she is being accused of racism is ridiculous and appalling! She has done every thing in her power to make sure that everyone who comes to her for help will get it! She is the farthest thing from racist and she does not deserve this awful harassment that people are throwing at her!
Private Citizen
October 14th, 2012
7:12 pm
Isn’t it interesting how Pearson has titled their webpage for selling books, have titled the page “Education: Curriculum & Instruction Courses” as if they have appropriated the schools of education and have magically turned their books into courses for colleges?
http://www.mypearsonstore.com/bookstore/index.asp?st=55558
Let me say that these Pearson college textbooks do not have the independent voice of books published by small presses of university presses. The Pearson books have a heavy generic sense of editing and packaging, not unlike ordering food from McDonald’s, it will all come in a similar box. The style of supervisory editing as time borders on unprofessional as I have seen Pearson books of collected works and some of the chapters feature authorship (i.e. source) and other essay chapters do not. These becomes pronounced if you are doing scholarship or comparing works and it is unknown if the book editors wrote any of it or if it came from someone on staff from this giant multi-national, or if there is an other independent author whose name is unattributed. In university programs other than education, these publishing methods would be considered unethical and unprofessional for the publisher. As a consumer of these type textbooks, there is a strong dictatorial sense from the publisher, and unlike going to McDonald’s you do not have a choice when the college routinely mandates the use of these books.
Rather than re-write the above, let me say that I have no business generalizing. I just checked some syllabi from West Georgia College (the program where Mr. Barge from the state comes from) and also from Georgia State University and mostly what I saw, in my opinion, were specified textbooks from respectable publishers. I’d even say that based on the books they’re using, these two schools look impressive. If anyone would like to look around at the syllabi from Georgia State University college of education, at this link you do not have to put in any information, just press the “search” button and it will give you the syllabi for the education courses at the school. http://education.gsu.edu/deansoffice/courses.asp
This person is teaching Plato, Dewey, and Lyotard for educational policy (i.e. “Leadership”) http://education.gsu.edu/DeansOffice/CourseData%5C2011%5CSpring%5CEPS%5CEPSF%209260%2011580%20Boyles.pdf
So, maybe we need some people trained at Georgia State university to be running Atlanta Public Schools. I’d heard Georgia State had a good educational studies program. What I see in the syllabi says the same thing, just from a cursory perusal. PS Plato and Dewey have long been gone, but I met Lyotard when he was alive.
Private Citizen
October 14th, 2012
7:19 pm
PS I’m confused. You’ve got two local universities doing high-level substantial work as teacher/admin training, but it can be a lion’s den out there for the workers.
The other Prof
October 14th, 2012
7:39 pm
As someone working in the University of GA system, my understanding was Erol Davis needed to be retired from the board of regents, and the interim position as a superintendent of the APS was probably a way to retire him from the board . He does not listen to anyone, and will reassign subordinates who “know too much” to different positions. Talked to one of the “reassigned” myself, and got a good glimpse into the mind of Davis. APS needs to find a way to retire him ASAP, otherwise Buckhead secession movement would gain strength. Atlanta is at a crossroads now – either it will go like Detroit, or it will make it through gentrification. I personally hope gentrification will succeed, but Erol Davis is the last thing APS needs right now.
North Atlanta Dad
October 14th, 2012
7:47 pm
What a sad state of affairs, especially for the students, faculty and administrators of North Atlanta High School. I have been an active part of this community for more than a dozen years, starting with my child’s Kindergarten enrollment at Warren T. Jackson. I met Amy Durham shortly after. She became a driving force to get us, and other families involved in developing a stronger public school option for the Northeast corridor. For us, efforts were on WTJ, Sutton and NAHS. It was an inclusive effort. It was, and will remain a worthy effort for ALL who want a viable public school option. The mean spirited and vindictive actions of APS against NAHS will not stop our fight. To Amy Durham, what an incredible loss your departure is. A quick story, I started going to the College and Career Center, where Amy used to work, for information and help as we prepared for the rigors of college applications and resources. I would talk to Amy because I knew her. Time after time Amy would send me to Ms. Wanda Rasheed for information and help. As Amy put it, “Ms. Rasheed knows more about this than I do.” I stopped going to Amy and went to Ms. Rasheed. I sent my child to Ms. Rasheed for information and help. For the past two years Ms. Rasheed has been a tremendous help. Ms. Rasheed is not white. Is this reverse racism? Or “institutional racism”? A white staff member of NAHS sending me to a black staff member of NAHS for help because she knew more about the topic? That is what Amy Durham did, time and time over the 10 plus years I have known her. She will be missed at NAHS. I suspect she will remain involved in the community because she wants us ALL to remain involved in the community. While this action by APS is disturbing and remains a mystery to some of us, we cannot let our children, the staff and administrators at NAHS down. We have to be there for them, ALL of them. We will continue our support because that is what Amy Durham would want. I, for one, will not let her or our community down.
NAHS Parent
October 14th, 2012
8:43 pm
It appears Ms. Durham was not given the opportunity to address anonymous accusations against her. Mark MyGrant even says he was stonewalled in trying to learn more about the situation from APS.
Anyone who has witnessed Ms. Durham in action knows that every child she comes into contact with is treated with the same respect and love as the next student. I personally witnessed her meeting a new student to NAHS on the first day of school last fall – she went right up to the new student, introduced herself, and took him over and introduced him to other seniors. Instead of feeling alone he was surrounded by new friends before the first bell even rang.
She opened doors for kids who never saw themselves as ‘college material’. She did so with dedication and grace. Her exit from NAHS is a great loss to the students and community as well.
Regardless of where everyone stands on what has happened at the high school, I believe we would all agree that each individual has the right to address accusations leveled against them.
Ms. Durham will continue to be a beloved member of our community as well as the other administrators who were re-assigned or retired.
Prof
October 14th, 2012
8:50 pm
@ Private Citizen, Oct. 14, 10:35 am. Excellent observations.
I wonder if the libelous micromanagement by the Atlanta School Board of an Atlanta school principal who attempts to hire a teacher will interest SACS?
APS TEACHER & PARENT
October 14th, 2012
9:03 pm
Amy Durham is an amazing person, parent – mother of 4 amazing kids, and long time HUGE supporter of Atlanta Public Schools….this is a DISGRACE that she was treated this way & a HUGE disappointment that the students at NAHS will not benefit from her teaching! SHAME ON YOU APS! SHAME ON YOU!
John Riley
October 14th, 2012
9:05 pm
As a student who attends North Atlanta High School, I can tell you that I have nothing but respect for Mrs. Durham. I was a student intern in the College and Career Center (where the accused racism occurred, purportedly) and observed nothing wrong. In fact, Ms. Durham went out of her way to help students who would be first generation college attenders. I observed it first hand– no retold stories, no letters or open records request needed.
Mrs. Durham has two kids at the school, and two graduates. The family is dedicated to APS, and the improvement of the City’s schools. She has been involved with the PTSA at both Sutton and North Atlanta, and they are, simply put, a textbook all around great family.
I’m sorry to see that the politicking in the school, in Davis’ cabinet, and at the Board level has gotten in the way of students. Atlanta Public Schools is a worlds away from “Making a Difference”.
Prof
October 14th, 2012
9:47 pm
I’ve been using the moniker “Prof” for more than half a year now, and want to note that I’m not the “Prof” at 7:39 pm, though I am at 8:50 pm. To the other “Prof,” please choose another name.
(Also, it’s “Erroll.” And he wasn’t a member of the Board of Regents, as you’d know if you really were a USG professor.)
NA Mom
October 14th, 2012
10:09 pm
I am surprised by these accusations against Mrs. Durham. My daughter graduated with her son and spoke highly of them both.
All of the things people have mentioned about unfair distribution of resources to the non-IS/IB children is true.
But Mrs. Durham seemed like a stand up person. It’s too bad that she has not gotten any answers.
teacher
October 14th, 2012
10:49 pm
@ “NA Mom” 10:09– What resources did these IS/IB children receive that the others did not?
Former NAHS and Sutton Mom
October 14th, 2012
11:50 pm
…and another thing, if the “administrators” were here to help our kids, find out who went to the Homecoming game this past Saturday from the “new” take over administration…..NONE of the stand-ins. Who crowned the Homecoming Queen? Ms. Gautreaux, the assistant principal that was TRANSFERRED so rudely last week. (and she “won” the write-in vote for Homecoming Queen earlier in the week!) Talk about dedication…..
westside NA mom
October 14th, 2012
11:51 pm
APS has made a huge mistake by failing to approve Amy Durham’s contract. If Ms. Walden and her staff had taken the time to ask anyone other than the anonymous accusers about Amy, they would have been told she gave her all to help each student, regardless of skin color.
Cobb Friend
October 15th, 2012
12:05 am
I’ve known the extended Durham family for nearly 35 years and was introduced to Amy Durham when she was about to marry into the family some 25 years ago.
When the first of their children approached school age, I lobbied for them to move to Cobb to access the excellent schools here. My efforts didn’t stand a chance. Amy and her husband made a conscious decision – and a vocal one! – way back then that their children would go to Atlanta’s city schools, specifically to mature in and be contributors to student bodies that represented the Atlanta urban rainbow.
In the subsequent 15+ years, I’ve watched Amy throw herself into the APS schools her children attended in the energetic way that other posters have described – to the point we worried her health could suffer – and with the positive results that every school needs from involved parents. In that time, I’ve been to functions where many of their children’s classmates & friends were in attendance, and each time that group of young people was the ethnic melting pot the Durhams so value.
It was also crystal clear that Amy had a lot more children than her biological brood; through her school efforts she had many, many more of every ability & background that she sought to aid in any way she could. To hint, insinuate, or secretly allege (I notice no one was courageous or foolhardy enough to make an accusation publicly) that Amy Durham has one bone in her body that favors one child over another based on skin color is nothing more than a cynical ploy to achieve some unspoken agenda – the target and reason for which are equally hidden.
There are only two kinds of people who have anything to fear from Amy Durham – people who won’t try and people who lie. Other posters’ testimonials speak to her color-blind and intense efforts to help those in danger of slipping into the former group get out and stay out of that group. And from what I read, the APS folks who toyed with her hiring at her beloved NAHS fall into the latter group. That’s a big mistake. Too many of us know the truth about this wonderful woman and just won’t be quiet.
APS TEACHER & PARENT
October 15th, 2012
12:25 am
@TopSchool – really? Are u serious? are u discussing the Northside Schools in Atlanta? The Atlanta that’s in Georgia? I too have been teaching and am currently teaching in the schools you speak of. YOU DON’T HAVE A CLUE! there is no such thing that you speak of….absolutely ridiculous lies…sounds like you are just upset with something in your own life and you just want put down our schools that are very fair ….to all teachers and all students….and I speak for the cluster of the Northside Elementary Schools….as we all know each other because we all work TOGETHER to help make our community the best it can be….for everyone! Please don’t say things that JUST AREN’T TRUE! so, so sad!
Counting the Casualties
October 15th, 2012
1:04 am
I’m counting all the dedicated people that Davis and his henchmen (and women) have been willing to destroy, disparage, or diminish because someone made vague allegations against prospective hires. Mind-boggling.
The fact that Ms. Durham was accomplished, respected, and well-loved by students of all color and stripe didn’t matter a bit: Davis saw no need to bring the allegations or the accuser (though many at NAHS can probably figure out who this cowardly underachiever is) to light and give Ms. Durham (or anyone on her behalf) an opportunity to respond to the accusations. Same with Ms. Day, apparently.
Evidence of these charges? Unnecessary in Davis’s version of the Star Chamber. And how dare Mark MyGrant question the ethics/legality of actions taken by the almighty Davis and his bumbling staff.
How to punish a backtalking retired principal (whom he coaxed out of retirement and) whom he cannot “fire”? Start by humiliating him just before he rides off into the sunset. Stick it to his assistant principal and his administrative team, devoted educators with an array of gifts, talents, and accomplishments (to which many NAHS students–black, white, Hispanic, Asian–have offered testimony). Deprive the current students of stability and continuity. Gut the place in one fell swoop. In other words, hit the errant subject where it hurts–go after his family.
Some have called Davis an autocrat. No argument here. But his tactics at NAHS strike me as those of a thug.
I hope the wounds at NAHS will heal and the students will prosper. If indeed Davis refused to approve an internal hire at NAHS based on unsubstantiated accusations and improperly discussed/advanced/spread such allegations with others, I hope Ms. Durham will pursue a legal case against APS and expose its latest corruption. And I hope the Board will have the guts to send Davis off to HIS retirement.
bootney farnsworth
October 15th, 2012
1:05 am
@ Ron F
funny thing is, as a rule I don’t like unions. they have a tendency to create as many problems as they resolve. that said, the way the state has mistreated educators, sometimes you gotta choose the better of two options
Top School
October 15th, 2012
2:26 am
So close to the problem…you can not see. I too was once blind. Did the research and now I see. CLEARLY. They are not ridiculous lies. Northside schools do not adhere to the same set of rules. The records I have clearly show the manipulation of money, teacher positions, attendance, payroll records…Any other Principal in the APS system that did such …and testified to such wrong doing would have been dismissed for much less. Do your research before you accuse me of not telling the truth or calling me a liar. The TRUTH has surfaced, and Buckhead has been squelching the truth for some time now. Nothing fair about the way the APS system conducted investigations…or for that matter the manipulation of the Professional Standards Commission. It is all true. Do your research. You obviously have not a clue. GOOGLE : TOP SCHOOL ATLANTA and sit down with some popcorn. It will take you some time to digest the truth.
know the truth
October 15th, 2012
3:47 am
I know exactly who Top School is…and he is indeed a disgruntled former employee of a Northside elementary school who continues to be bitter, vindictive, and dishonest. I don’t think that he would want all his antics written about on this forum, but there are many who know the truth….and it is not anywhere close to what he writes.
NAHS Parent
October 15th, 2012
6:15 am
Well, it figures – my son’s favorite teacher, Ms. Durham, is a casualty of the dysfunctional APS government system. Why am I not surprised.
Mary Sue
October 15th, 2012
7:24 am
Karen Walden came to APS from Henry County.
Buckteam
October 15th, 2012
7:32 am
I know Amy Durham.
I know that she has had four children in the APS system and I know that she has put hours and hours of her own time towards improving our schools. She is a wonderful person and an asset to our community. She is certainly not a racist. To learn that her attempt to teach at NAHS was derailed by a slanderous and un-investigated claim is horribly shocking.
Right one
October 15th, 2012
9:53 am
@ Mary Sue, would they take her back?
Private Citizen
October 15th, 2012
10:13 am
1. I Googled “top school Atlanta.” Similar result to googling “top pizza atlanta” or “top hairdresser atlanta.” What are you talking about? If it’s a website, say so.
2. Re: “SACS” “AdVancED” and all of that. I thought it was kind of weird that the state has privatized governance of schools. I know SACS markets that school must qualify to the SACS for accreditation, but SACS is a private company and in the greater sense has no legitimacy to govern over government agencies, even if the state Attorney General is a big zero in Georgia and nothing more than a private lawfirm for when needed. I think this is part of the APS Wild West management problem, there is no state agency keeping agencies in line.
Anyway, I see SACS differently after, in regard to Clayton County, someone said that SACS mandates / requires superintendent searches to be done in a certain manner, nationally, big name (?) etc. This was in regard to my question, “Why don’t they hire the local person, so&so as the superintendent?” So this is this bizarre thing going on where superintendents have to come from far away exotic places and local persons are basically prohibited from being superintendent of a school system. I do not see superintendent as some magic swami. Why all of this cult of personality? It reminds me of the cult of executive compensation were are supposed to accept, where we pay the top five guys at Comcast $100 million / year ($20 million each) so they can have a monopoly over high speed internet service. Why does SACS mandate searching for a “Comcast” type superintendent? How many principals subscribe to the methods of http://www.ascd.org/professional-development/principal-compass.aspx ? Seems the management is practicing one thing but not sharing it with the workers.
3. Let’s talk about race. Now, I know we are not talking about the Japanese and Chinese hating on each other, as is the sub-context of at least one Bruce Lee movie where the Chinese guy compare Japanese with dogs and the dogs win (or is it the other way around?). On the British and the French who have hated each other’s guts for a long time, going back and forth across the channel to attack each other. I learned this the hard way. I had no idea how much the British and French completely despise each other. See, I thought “out there” the world is in harmony, but here we must “clean everything up.” It is no matter that there is racial strife in India between the Hindus and the Moslems. They just keep blowing each other up with bombs and burning down each other’s buildings. Race! (Race to the Top? Intesting). Racism. Let me get to the point.
If you are going to have a concept, you must define your terms so everyone has a solid referent. Therefore, for the purpose of racial prejudice in Atlanta, Georgia (my apologies to Atlanta citizens from India, Asia, Latin America, and all those people in work in the various farmer’s markets, people with names like “Rupee” who are from the same continent as Eritrea. For the sake of science, I suggest we try and find example of the whitest white person in existence. Here is my entry and yes, the hair is natural http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSLP1FCREBA For purposes of science and locating the blackest black person (wasn’t this a topic of “science” circa 1880? For purposes of making this topic current circa 2012, we need to know these “races” for the “race to the top.” The blackest black http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wztjtD4i02k#t=3m30s . See, this is Atlanta, not rural and we do not fear. We open doors and get to the bottom of things. I know there’s some “value added” in there, not sure about the part of putting a number on it and making the meter move. I once had an education statistics professor tell me to go into a church and do an quantitative inventory of people’s behavior – any church will do. There’s a lot of weird stuff going on.
Another Mom
October 15th, 2012
10:41 am
@NA Mom – Could you please explain exactly what you mean by “unfair distribution of resources?” I have kids at NAHS right now in the International Studies program. Neither has a math text book. One has a science book they can use in class, but can’t bring home becuase there are not enough for all the students…
Neal J. Quirk, Sr.
October 15th, 2012
11:02 am
I have known Amy Durham for decades. She is a kind and decent lady who is none of the things as alleged in some hostile and cowardly whisper campaign of degradation. It is a real shame for our City and the School system. I can only hope that this wrong is fully, promptly and properly corrected. God Bless Amy, her family and the entire school community affected here.
Prof
October 15th, 2012
11:18 am
@ Private Citizen. I know SACS from its work on accreditations of colleges, where it is quite reputable. I think that it is mainly trying to be sure that the school being accredited is not unduly influenced by special inside interests. I would think that is the reason that they emphasize the necessity of having national searches for superintendents. Local “friends and family” politics gets eliminated that way, as well as it can be eliminated..
For the same reason, Universities that are trying to get beyond entrenched longtime political cliques usually have national searches for top-level administrative positions such as President, and sometimes for Associate Provosts and Deans.
I don’t understand your points about race in #3 above. One should start, I think, with the different racial/ethnic definitions by the U.S. Census. In any case, all races are “self-identified,” not objectively determined. And the only way that one could say a person is “white,” “black,” etc. is through DNA testing, for everyone is a blend if one goes back far enough.
As to your other comments about Japanese, Chinese, British, French, etc. you need to know your history. Both the Japanese-Chinese and the British-French have had violent wars with one another. Hindus and Muslims (religions, not races) have histories in some countries of violent war with one another. In fact, as I think about it, that could also explain some of the black/white animosity in this country……………..
Counting the Casualties
October 15th, 2012
12:46 pm
@ westside NA mom: “If Ms. Walden and her staff had taken the time to ask anyone other than the anonymous accusers about Amy”–but that would have been acting ethically, professionally, and in the interest of the students, wouldn’t it have been? Not quite in their wheelhouse.
Ms. Waldon seemed more concerned with getting her former colleagues and cronies into principalships, and when that didn’t work out at NAHS, MAYBE she had a particular axe to grind and was perhaps more, shall we say, predisposed to listening to the nasty whispers from certain people looking to benefit from Waldon’s largesse–that is, her (ab)use of her power to grant favors. Just sayin’.
@Former NAHS and Sutton Mom: you mean the new transition team of “committed professionals” didn’t make it to Homecoming? Well, I’m sure they were absolutely pooped after all that “transitioning” they’ve been up to; after all, it takes twice as many of them to do what the former real educators did, must be hard work And, remember, these folks understand little about educating the whole student–supporting them in their extracurricular activities, encouraging and welcoming parental involvement, taking a true interest in the precious lives they affect.
If only Davis, Waldon, et al, understood: had they allowed for the natural progression, MyGrant would have greeted the new principal and helped him get acclimated at NAHS, the current disruption would have been avoided, and a calm and natural transition would have occurred. The “transition team” would have been unnecessay–and they could have continued in all that important work they do up in APS.
Sandy Springs Parent
October 15th, 2012
1:01 pm
When I moved to Atlanta 29 years ago after having gone to undergraduates school at a private University in Washinton, D.C., I was aghast at how racist it was.
Today, this Liberal who was tagged a ni—r lover in the 80’s for dating a black professional football player for 3 years. See, it has only gotten worse with the black power brokers getting ready to hand out large settlements for blatant reverse discrimination. So sad !
Sandy Springs Parent
October 15th, 2012
1:12 pm
@ Neal Quirk Sr. I hope that you, or someone in your firm represents Amy in her obvious suit against the Atlanta board of Education
Private Citizen
October 15th, 2012
1:43 pm
@prof, thank you for your perspective re: SACS. As far as national search for admin. talent and categorically proscribing regional talent, I do not know what is the answer. In the USA, if you are professional it seems like you are supposed to uproot and play “checker board.” For example, I can reasonably apply for a position in Connecticut or San Diego but not in my own back yard? This makes it hard for caring for family. I’ve seen some great families get blasted apart with the kids all going to different states. Meanwhile, seems like there are homeboys and homegirls who grow up, stay in region and raise hell and get what they want. It is strange, indeed. I’ve seen the same thing in government university, where foreign students are respected / doted on but if you are local, you’re dirt. So what, do I need to get higher education outside of the USA to be able to study seriously? Seems the farther you travel, the more respect you get. Never mind if the aged members of your family fall over at home and someone finds them three days later if they’re lucky. Btw, I know a very talented / keen science teacher who just dumped the US system and went to Asia to teach. A second science teacher left Georgia to go work in a state with better worker conditions and less politics for labor, and a third didn’t have to retire but was able to do so and said, “to hell with this” and a few other things, too. That’s three first rate science teachers. Bye bye.
Top School
October 15th, 2012
5:35 pm
@know the truth …video testimony and open records that clearly show corrupt wrong doing … misuse of money…falsifying documents during an investigation… falsifying attendance records…witnesses that testified under oath …and awards achieved without the proper involvement of staff… an administration that used the state teacher evaluation tool to harass numerous staff members and the list goes on and on…
As I said…Administrators of other schools in APS have been dismissed for much less.
Buckhead APS schools have been functioning under their own set of rules for many many decades.
I don’t know the situation or the people involved in Northside High School. But, I can tell you…the attitude. “Above any set of rules that are written by the STATE, Professional Standards or the APS SYSTEM”
Hiring without approval… Jackson Principal hired her daughter.
Falsifying attendance records…Jackson Principal paid select teachers when they were absent.
These are just a few of the FACTS disclosed through open records and those testifying.
I am not bitter or vindictive…posted the information so someone could eventually connect the dots and figure out what is going on.
The dots have slowly been connected…I know the truth…
The TRUTH is…Buckhead likes to have Principals they can manipulate with money and favors to do ANYTHING they want by any means possible. Change grades…manipulate attendance of students…( created an entire Latin school “Garden Hills” ) etc. etc.
The information is there for those willing to do the research.
Not vindictive or bitter…the paper trail does not lie.
Hoping for a better APS system…based on total truth and realness.
Which is what we should want in leadership for our schools.
The children of ALL schools deserve better.
The records and testimony stand …I don’t have to explain … any many know what these Open Records expose the…TRUTH.
Google: Top School You Tube …
Do the research… It will explain the NORTHSIDE attitude.
These are not my words and actions… I am just the messenger.
Top School
October 15th, 2012
6:15 pm
@Private Citizen LOL talk about professionalism. That last post was indeed a fine example.
Point/Counterpoint
October 15th, 2012
6:27 pm
Ms. Downey, I’m just curious if something was wrong with my comment at 4:35 p.m. yesterday that its still awaiting moderation. You don’t have to post it, just wondering.
Hope everyone has had a great start to their week!
Private Citizen
October 15th, 2012
8:52 pm
@Top School, I don’t live in world of LOL. I live in world of “explain it to me like I’m a five year old.” If you’ve got something to say, say it. I don’t think I was talking about professionalism, I was talking about geography demographics and working. Hey Top School, just a couple of months ago I sent my first text message, LOL. I did it from my home computer using a pbx/ voip set-up, LOL. I didn’t pay a carrier to send the text. I can speak in acronyms all day long like a foreign language, IYKWIM. AFAIC you can take your professionalism down to the Harley Davidson dealership and make vroom vroom.
Private Citizen
October 15th, 2012
9:07 pm
PS The Harley Dealership is located off 20 a little past Six Flags.
Top School
October 15th, 2012
9:22 pm
So, Maureen, how do you decide what will be allowed to post …and what you will censor?
Just wondering???
Those last two by Private Citizen??? Really How does that have anything to do with a response to the original info on the table for discussion.
My points are relevant to the ongoing question…What is going on with the Buckhead Schools?
You might be tired of hearing about it…but not everyone knows the low down…and many more than you might think… believe it is relevant to solving the problems with the APS system.
Why not release my posts and let the comments stand for themselves.
You often wanted to know how RACE issues were a component in the APS.
Let the response to my posts show you how race is very much part of the issue.
Top School
October 15th, 2012
9:27 pm
@ private citizen redirects to these two you tube videos that have nothing to do with the post…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSLP1FCREBA For purposes of science and locating the blackest black person (wasn’t this a topic of “science” circa 1880? For purposes of making this topic current circa 2012, we need to know these “races” for the “race to the top.” The blackest black http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wztjtD4i02k#t=3m30s .
and you don’t censor it?
Oh well censor what you want. It is your blog.
Take care. I appreciate your efforts to expose problems in education.
All of it…no matter what we think…helps in some small way.
Over and out.
Top School
October 15th, 2012
9:31 pm
Thank you Maureen… for releasing my posts.