What the PTA Really Stands For: Protecting The Administration

1.22.13 by Get the Cell Out - ATL

P.rotecting

T.he

A.dministration

Does the PTA still deserve your membership dues?  Think about all the terrible news that was contained in the SACS report recently and consider the fact that it has come to this - nearly losing accreditation - before any group calls out the problems and brings them to light?  

Where are the watchdog groups that are in our schools?  What has happened to the PTA?  It may surprise you to learn these groups are more about getting favors for the few (the officers and select volunteers) than they are about ensuring the children and teachers are supported in a system that is acting in their best interest.

As we were cleaning out the email storage drive at Get the Cell Out - ATL and we ran across this older email that we did not post at the time (since we did not have a website at the time).  

Basically, we got the runaround from the PTA on the issue of cell towers (per note below).  We followed up a few times, but got more of the same.  

Later we learned there was more PTA involvement than we originally suspected with some backing the administration or school board possibly in exchange for being promised $25K in funding for them to direct at their school.

We got so busy trying to stop the towers that we did not have the opportunity to take this issue any further, but that does not mean it is an issue that does not warrant some consideration.  Is the school system or the board using the PTA as an official arm of their communication strategy?  If so, to what extent?  Is the PTA a legitimate method for distributing flyers about important meetings or collecting feedback to send to a board member, review with the principal or just ensure that it does not go any further?  

The PTA has some explaining to do!

**************************************

June 15,2011

Dear (GTCO-ATL)

Thanks so much for your email.  I have forwarded this on to our Resolution Committee that would look into this or except resolutions from our members.  We are in flux as a New Board and New Committees were installed last weekend.  Please be patient as we get these new groups up and running. 

Thanks again.

Best regards,

Heather Dean

Controller

National PTA

From: National PTA Information
Sent: Wednesday, June 15, 2011 3:47 PM
To: Heather Dean
Subject: FW: Cell Phone Safety

Please see email below.

Thank you,

Natalie Jones

Information Center RepresentativeT  1.800.307.4782 E    info@pta.org  |www.pta.org
________________________________

National PTA has moved to Alexandria, VA. Please update your address book.

National PTA
1250 N. Pitt Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

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From: Get the Cell Out - ATL
Sent: Tue 6/14/2011 5:02 PM
To: National PTA Information
Subject: Cell Phone Safety

Hi there,

I am a parent and member of my local PTA.  I was reviewing your website to determine if the PTA had an official position regarding the placement of cell phone towers at schools.  I am trying to help the parents and teachers who are concerned about the potential health issues associated with cell towers, among other concerns, find a way to speak up and ensure their voices are heard by the administration and school board officials.

In my efforts to learn more on this topic, I was surprised to see how many other parents and other schools are struggling with the same issues across the country.  There are grass-roots groups popping up everywhere as the cell companies seem to be approaching schools with offers of large sums of money in exchange for leasing space on school grounds for their massive structures that emit radiation at low levels continuously, something that is quite possibly a hazard to children in particular. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) just labeled cell phones as possible carcinogens and suggested:

"Given the potential consequences for public health of this classification and findings," said IARC Director Christopher Wild, "it is important that additional research be conducted into the long‐term, heavy use of mobile phones. Pending the availability of such information, it is important to take pragmatic measures to reduce exposure such as hands‐free devices or texting. "

Full text can be read here:  http://www.iarc.fr/en/media-centre/pr/2011/pdfs/pr208_E.pdf

So, the reason for my email ...

First, with all of this going on, I was disappointed to see that the national PTA has not considered this an issue that warrants an official position.  I am hoping that it is one you are considering so that you can help advise the members who are finding themselves in a situation like ours.

Second, I am also concerned that you have a page on cell phone safety:

http://www.pta.org/topic_cell_phone_safety_tips.asp 

and yet it does not mention the fact that cell phones might cause brain tumors or cancer and that it is advised that children use them sparingly.  I am hoping that this is simply a page that needs to be updated since the classification

by the WHO is so recent.  Doctors from the United Kingdom have issued warnings urging children under 16 not to use cell phones, to reduce their exposure to radio frequency (RF) radiation.

I was hoping that the national PTA here might take a similar cautionary stance since it is the health of our children that is at stake.

Third, I was hoping to be put in touch with someone at your office who might help me understand how the local PTA decides to get involved or stay out of matters such as a cell company wanting to put a cell tower at a school.  Is it common for them to "stay out of it" or should they step up to allow parents a chance to discuss the issues at hand?  Do they have an obligation to inform the members and speak on their behalf?  Or, is it just left up to the officers at the time to decide how to handle the situation on a case-by-case basis?  What if the issue arises after the start of Summer?  Which board should step up - the outgoing or incoming?  And, what should I do if I have concerns that the officers may not be acting in the best interest of the majority of the members?  I would really like to speak to someone who can help me understand the role of the PTA so that I can determine how I can best help my school with this issue. 

Thank you very much for your time.  I can be reached at the numbers listed below.  At this time, I would like to keep the name of my child's school confidential since I do not want to create any problems for the people involved or for my child.  I am just looking to understand the policies.

Sincerely,

(GTCO-ATL)


To read a resolution adopted by the California PTA, please click here.

DeKalb Board of Education Submits Consent Agreement, Asks State BOE for Three More Months

State Board of Education members ask questions of DeKalb Board Chairman Dr. Eugene Walker about the proposed consent agreement on the table that would allow them to remain in office three more months.

Today’s state hearing of the DeKalb County Board of Education began at 1 p.m. sharp with a brief outline of the charges made by SACS that has placed the school system on Probation.  Then, the attorney representing the board, from Sutherland, Asbill and Associates, responded in words rarely heard in DeKalb: 

“All of the members of the DeKalb County Board of Education have agreed …”  

He then continued to lay out the proposed consent agreement that would allow the board to remain in place for another three months before any recommendation is made to the Governor about whether or not the board should be suspended.  

For several hours now, the DeKalb County Board of Education has been standing before the state Board of Education, one by one, making personal statements and then answering questions.  The attorneys for both sides have tentatively agreed to a three-month period of status quo to allow the board to work on addressing the issues brought forward by SACS in order to prove they can save the county’s accreditation.  

Armed mainly with the SACS report, state board members have asked direct, yet respectful questions that centered largely upon whether the board is capable to do in three months what they have not been able to do for years.  

Each DeKalb member has been given time at the podium to voice his or her commitment to the plan to save the accreditation.  Several have voiced concerns with the “interpretation” of the SACS findings, but stated they were committed to working together on the action items put forth by SACS.

“I am committed to the actions laid out in the SACS report,” said chairman Dr. Eugene Walker. “I may not agree with the interpretation of all the items that SACS says led up to those actions, but I do agree with the actions that the reports tell us to address.”

There were concerns voiced by the state board members, in front of a small audience of fewer than 50 reporters and county stakeholders, about how they individually may or may  not have been guilty of the items in the report.  

Issues about a north / south or racial divide in the county were explained by new board member Marshall Orson as being partially a part of the county’s history but also more focused upon by those who might benefit from putting forth the image of a divide.  Orson stated that one of the reasons he ran for office was to bring consensus to the board and help bring about a culture change.  He was then asked about reports of visiting schools in his district which he admitted to doing, as did another new member Melvin Johnson.

The state BOE is only able to recommend to the Governor to either suspend the entire board or allow them to execute the consent agreement. Essentially the consent order, which has not been made pubic, should be an admission of the board’s role in the items that have led to the Probation status.  

Still streaming live here:  http://www.gadoe.org/External-Affairs-and-Policy/State-Board-of-Education/Pages/Live-Webcasts.aspx

UPDATE: State BOE Hearing Today at 1 p.m. (and LIVE Webcast)

DeKalb County's board of education must defend itself in front of the state BOE today at 1 p.m.  If you would like to attend, follow these directions:

Excerpt from School Watch Blog:

If you are planning on going to the hearing tomorrow (1:00 PM, Thursday, January 17, 2013), here are a few things to know:

Take MARTA

We strongly recommend that you take MARTA because of parking and weather challenges. Take the Red Line or the Gold Line to Five Points Station downtown. Exit the train at Five Points and get on the Blue Line or Green Line and go EAST one stop to the Georgia State Station (inside Twin Towers). Follow the signs to the State Office Building.

The hearing will be held in Room 2070 on the 20th Floor of the EAST Tower. It’s a relatively small room. Not at all as grand or self-important as the DeKalb County Schools’ Board Room. So, we recommend that you arrive early – close to noon – to get a seat.

There will be an overflow room where the hearing may be watched on closed-circuit television. But, there is a catch. The overflow room is on the 10th Floor of the WEST Tower. Allow plenty of time to get from the 20th Floor of the East Tower to the 10th Floor of the West Tower. Twin Towers’ elevators are not speedy.

If you would like to attend via your computer and Internet connection, here's the scoop:

Today’s hearing before the Georgia State Board of Education will be WEBCAST, thanks to Rep. Scott Holcomb!

Go to: http://www.gadoe.org/External-Affairs-and-Policy/State-Board-of-Education/Pages/Live-Webcasts.aspx

Tune in on your computer at 1:00 PM.

For an overview of today's hearing objectives:  Ty Tagami at the AJC has written an update on the situation:  DeKalb school board tries to hang on to jobs

First, Do No Harm: Leading Medical Associations, Doctors and Scientists Call for Safe Technologies in Schools

Excerpt from the Safe Schools document sent to the DeKalb County School Board and the Superintendent on January 14, 2013, prior to their public meeting.

More Medical Associations, medical doctors and scientists, many of whom work on the biological effects of wireless technologies, have expressed their concerns about the safety of wireless devices for schools. They are asking for wired information and communication technologies to be used in order to safeguard children and young people, protect and promote healthy development and maximize learning and achievement.

These experts do not agree with the health protection agencies which currently support or allow the use of microwave, radio-frequency emitting technologies by children and young people in schools.


For example:  The American Academy of Environmental Medicine approved the following statement on Wi-Fi in schools January 2012:

"The Board of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine opposes the installation of wireless “smart meters” in homes and schools based on a scientific assessment of the current medical literature (references available on request).

"Chronic exposure to wireless radio-frequency radiation is a preventable environmental hazard that is sufficiently well documented to warrant immediate preventative public health action.  

"The Board of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine also wishes to note that the US NIEHS National Toxicology Program in 1999 cited radio-frequency (RF) radiation as a potential carcinogen.

"Existing safety limits for pulsed RF were termed “not protective of public health” by the Radio-frequency Inter-agency Working Group (a federal inter-agency working group including the FDA, FCC, OSHA, the EPA and others)."

An update to its statement was published on June 9, 2012:

"Adverse health effects, such as learning disabilities, altered immune responses, headaches, etc. from wireless radio frequency fields do exist and are well documented in the scientific literature.

"Safer technology, such as using hard-wiring, must be seriously considered in schools for the safety of those susceptible individuals who may be affected by this phenomenon."

This document serves to inform schools, Governing Bodies, Academy Trusts, School Boards, Education Authorities, teachers and parents of the professional, medical and scientific concerns about children using wireless technologies in schools.

The information can be used to implement safe school policies, practices and guidance in order to safeguard the health and development of children and young people and to aid cognitive abilities, learning and achievement.


Other authorities have also called for the protection of children from wireless technologies:

Council of Europe:  Mobile phone use by pupils in schools to be strictly regulated and wired Internet connections to be preferred (Resolution 1815, 2011).

World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified radio-frequency radiation as a possible human carcinogen, class 2B (2011)

UK Trades Union Congress (TUC): Caution should be taken to prevent exposure to Class 2B carcinogens in the workplace.

European Environment Agency:  All reasonable measures to be taken to reduce exposures to electromagnetic fields, especially radio-frequencies from mobile phones and particularly the exposures to children and young adults. Current exposure limits to be reconsidered.

International Commission for Electromagnetic Safety (ICEMS): Strongly advise limited use of cell phones, and other similar devices, by young children and teenagers.

Russian National Committee on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection have recommended the use of wired networks in schools and educational institutions, rather than wireless broadband systems, including Wi-Fi.

 “It is our professional obligation not to damage the children's health by inactivity.”

 German Government and Israeli Parliament recommended wired computer networks for schools or workplaces.

Several countries have advised children and young people to limit their use of mobile/smart/cell phones.  Several medical associations have also taken this precautionary stand:  Austrian Medical Association, American Academy of Environmental Medicine, International Society of Doctors for the Environment, Irish Doctors Environmental Association, Interdisciplinary Society for Environmental Medicine and the Swiss Doctors for Environmental Protection.

For more information, view the entire document sent to DeKalb County's School Board and Superintendent here.

For the latest Get the Cell Out - Atlanta video promoting safe wireless and attendance at Thursday's state BOE hearing, please click here.

DeKalb State Senators Question School Board Members

DeKalb State Senators Question School Board Members (from Crossroads News)

by Ken Watts

DeKalb School Board Chairman Eugene Walker addresses state senators on Jan. 8. Looking on from left: Jay Cunningham, Dr. Melvin Johnson and Marshall Orson.

DeKalb’s Senate delegation to the Georgia General Assembly called School Board members to the State Capitol on Jan. 8 to help the district avoid a threatened loss of school accreditation.

In a scathing Dec. 17 report, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools put the district on a one-year probation. The report cited poor and ineffective governance, declining student performance, and “depletion of financial resources of this system” to a dangerous level. SACS said probation is one step away from loss of accreditation.

At a hearing before the state Board of Education on Jan. 17, the DeKalb board will have to present evidence as to why the state board shouldn’t recommend to Gov. Nathan Deal that he suspend the DeKalb board under Georgia law 20-2-73(a) enacted in 2011.

At Tuesday’s hearing, Senate delegation Chairman Emanuel Jones said accreditation loss would have a devastating impact on DeKalb’s children, business growth, property values and general quality of life.

“We’re committed to working with you through the process,” Jones told the School Board members during the meeting. He said the delegation will have input with Deal on how to handle the crisis.

School Board Chairman Eugene Walker attended the session along with new members Marshall Orson, Dr. Melvin Johnson and veteran member Jay Cunningham.

Four of the five-member Senate delegation – Jones, Gail Davenport, Steve Henson and Jason Carter – were in attendance. Sen. Ronald Ramsey, the DeKalb School District’s chief legal officer, recused himself.

Carter said he’s no fan of SACS but said some issues were valid. He wanted to know how “things got to this point.”

Responding to Carter’s question, Orson said that he is new to the board but is aware of some of the things highlighted.

“There was a perception of divisive attitudes and personal agendas of people no longer on the board,” he said.

Cunningham, who has served for seven years, said he’s seen the governance style evolve. He suggested that SACS tries to “micromanage” board operations but agreed that members need to improve their communication with each other and with the public.

“We as a board are evolving our collective mind on how we are going to approach [this crisis],” Walker said before delivering a prepared statement. “We are going to do whatever is necessary to maintain our accreditation and get off probation.”

Walker said he accepted Jones’ invitation to reassure the Legislature and the DeKalb community that “we are working closely with SACS on the issues raised in its report on the DeKalb County School District.”

But he took issue with SACS’ charge that the district has mismanaged funds for 10 years even though the agency renewed DeKalb’s accreditation in 2007.

“We are perplexed by this,” Walker said.

The public apparently feels the same way. At the School Board meeting Monday, several parents called on the two sides to resolve the issues quickly for the sake of the children.

“We all have to take responsibility for where the school system is today,” said Viola Davis, co-founder of the Unhappy Taxpayer Voter organization. “If that means removal of the board, then so be it.”

Henson asked about alleged misappropriation of $12 million in textbook funds. Walker said an audit by KPMG accounted for all funds and blamed allegations on rumors by disgruntled parents or employees.

SACS has given DeKalb until Dec. 31 to show progress and avoid losing accreditation. Board members will learn their fate soon.

Jones said the DeKalb delegation will meet again with board members after the Jan. 17 hearing to prepare its own recommendations to the governor. He said Deal will consult the delegation and read its report before making a decision on replacing the board. Jones believes that decision could come within weeks of the state board hearing.

“We have to get this done sooner rather than later,” Jones said. “It’s too important to the community and too important to the school system.”

Read more:CrossRoadsNews - DeKalb state senators question School Board members

Wireless "Placeholder" - GTCO-ATL's Letter to the Board

To the Board of Education and Superintendent Atkinson,

Get the Cell Out - Atlanta is a large and still growing group of concerned residents, taxpayers, parents and voters who have brought to your attention the serious concerns we have with your efforts to place cell phone towers on our public school grounds.  Now, it has come to our attention that the Superintendent has placed an item as a "Placeholder" on tonight's agenda entitled "Wireless" initiative.

We brought to your attention in November 2011 that the wireless plans you have for the schools will have serious implications for our students since the same form of radiation emitted from cell phone towers is also used in wireless routers.  Please see our latest video on this subject:  http://www.getthecelloutatl.com/2013/01/gtco-atl-youtube-video-ground-zero.html

We also request urgently that you educate yourselves on this subject matter and look into the trends across school districts in the U.S. and throughout the world where they have had to spend considerable amounts of money to take the wireless technology OUT of their schools after reports of health problems among the students.  Children are known to be the most vulnerable to a variety of side effects from constant exposure to this radiation because it affects DNA, which is still rapidly developing and changing in the systems of our young children.

Please review the research specific to schools that is attached to this email.  And,  please remove the wireless initiative until you can determine a better way to improve technology without it having to be wireless in nature.  At the very least, we suggest that you reconsider adopting wireless delivery in the elementary schools as it affects our most vulnerable children.

Thank  you,

Cheryl and Paul Miller

Get the Cell Out - ATL

www.GETtheCELLoutATL.org

**************

Your request has been received and is being reviewed by AdvancED Customer Service.

****************************

Attachment below:

Safe Schools 2012 Wireless Iniative by

Wireless (Placeholder??) on DeKalb BOE Agenda Again Tonight

From DeKalb School Watch:

Tune in to the board business meeting tonight: Jan. 14 at 6pm

Posted on January 14, 2013by dekalbschoolwatch

Tune in Monday at 6:00 PM to the DEKALB BOARD OF EDUCATION BUSINESS MEETING. (A separate business meeting often follows the previous week’s work session in order to vote on consent items. However, the agendas for the business meetings sometimes do not follow the work session exactly and we are treated to surprises.  Watch for them. Click here to read our post on last week’s work session for comparison.)  You can stream it online [click here] or watch live on PDS Comcast 24. Or for some real fun – go in person!

Here is the agenda – there are some key decisions being made tonight.

A. CALL TO ORDER
By: Dr. Eugene P. ‘Gene’ Walker, Chair

B. ROSTER
BOARD MEMBERS:
Dr. Eugene P. ‘Gene’ Walker, Chair
Ms. Sarah Copelin-Wood
Mr. Jesse ‘Jay’ Cunningham, Jr.
Ms. Donna G. Edler
Ms. Nancy T. Jester
Dr. Melvin Johnson
Mr. James L. ‘Jim’ McMahan
Mr. Marshall D. Orson
Dr. Pamela A. Speaks

Dr. Cheryl L. H. Atkinson, Superintendent

C. RECOGNITIONS

1. Executive Leadership Academy Candidate Recognition
Presented by: Ms. Kendra D. March, Deputy Superintendent, Division of School Leadership & Operational Support

2. Dunwoody High School Girls Cross Country ~ Class AAAAA Champions
Presented by: Ms. Nancy T. Jester, Board Representative, District #1

D. ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD
1. Election of Chair and Vice Chair for the 2013 Calendar Year
Presented by: Dr. Eugene P. ‘Gene’ Walker, Chair

E. ACTION ITEMS
1. Establishment of Dates & Times of DeKalb Board of Education Meetings for 2013
Presented by: Board Chair-Elect

2. Official Functions of the Board for Calendar Year 2013
Presented by: Board Chair-Elect

F. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

G. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

H. CONSENT AGENDA

1. Approval of Minutes
Presented by: Dr. Cheryl L.H. Atkinson, Superintendent

2. Approval of Financial Monthly Report
Presented by: Mr. Michael J. Perrone, Chief Financial Officer, Division of Finance

3. Approval of Human Resources Monthly Report
Presented by: Dr. Tekshia M. Ward-Smith, Chief Human Resources Officer,
Division of Human Resources

4. Purchase of Multicultural Libraries for Schools Serving English Learners (ELs)
Presented by: Dr. Kathleen S. Howe, Deputy Superintendent, Division of Curriculum
& Instruction

5. Math Science Partnership (MSP) Grant Reimbursement to Georgia Tech Research
Corporation
Presented by: Dr. Kathleen S. Howe, Deputy Superintendent, Division of Curriculum
& Instruction

6. Chamblee High School Technology Package
Presented by: Mr. Gary L. Brantley, Chief Information Officer, Division of Management
Information Systems

7. Martin Luther King High School Renovation Technology Package
Presented by: Mr. Gary L. Brantley, Chief Information Officer, Division of Management
Information Systems

8. Instructional Data Management System (IDMS)
Presented by: Mr. Gary L. Brantley, Chief Information Officer, Division of Management
Information Systems

9. Wireless Access for all Schools (Placeholder)
Presented by: Mr. Gary L. Brantley, Chief Information Officer, Division of Management
Information Systems

10.New Bus Title Transfer
Presented by: Mr. Stephen M. Wilkins, Chief Operations Officer, Division of Operations

11.Kingsley Charter Elementary School Sports Court Donation Approval
Presented by: Mr. Stephen M. Wilkins, Chief Operations Officer, Division of Operations

12.Arabia Mountain Green Cleaning Program Service Contract Award
Presented by: Mr. Stephen M. Wilkins, Chief Operations Officer, Division of Operations

13.CMAQ Georgia Diesel Retrofit Project
Presented by: Mr. Stephen M. Wilkins, Chief Operations Officer, Division of Operations

14.Approval of Bread Products, Bid #13-23
Presented by: Mr. Stephen M. Wilkins, Chief Operations Officer, Division of Operations

15.Approval of Sanitation Services & Materials Award, Bid #13-20
Presented by: Mr. Stephen M. Wilkins, Chief Operations Officer, Division of Operations

I. OTHER\BOARD COMMENTS (2 minutes each)

J. ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. School Organization Community Meeting, 6:30pm, Tuesday, January 15, 2012[sic: 2013], Tucker High School, 5036 LaVista Road, Tucker

2. School Organization Community Meeting, 6:30pm, Wednesday, January 16, 2013,Dunwoody High School, 5035 Vermack Road, Dunwoody

3. School Organization Community Meeting, 6:30pm, Thursday, January 17, 2013, Auditorium, Robert R. Freeman Administrative & Instructional Complex, 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard, Stone Mountain

4. Schools & Administrative Offices Closed ~ Monday, January 21, 2012[sic: 2013] ~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Holiday

5. DeKalb NAACP 11th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Rally, 1:00pm,Monday, January 21, 2012 [sic: 2013] ~ Rally at Martin Luther King, Jr. High School, 3991 Snapfinger Road, Lithonia (for additional details, call  404.371.1490)

6. DeKalb Board of Education Called Meeting, 2:30pm, Wednesday, January 23, 2013, J. David Williamson Board Room, Robert R. Freeman Administrative & Instructional Complex, 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard, Stone Mountain

K. ADJOURN

YOUTUBE VIDEO: Ground Zero in DeKalb County, GA

GROUND ZERO in DEKALB COUNTY, GA

TAXPAYERS and VOTERS are urged to SHOW UP THIS THURSAY, Jan. 17, 1 p.m.  

State BOE Boardroom

Georgia Department of Education

2070 Twin Towers East,

205 Jesse Hill Jr Drive

Atlanta GA 30334

I Promise It's Not Goodbye (Chris Cornell)

Musician and former front man for the band Soundgarden,

Chris Cornell is helping the victims of Sandy Hook 

Elementary School.  GTCO-ATL has requested his permission

to use his song "Ground Zero" on our latest

video to be released before Monday, Jan. 14, to encourage

attendance at the Jan. 17 state board hearing in Dekalb County.

Jan. 12, 2013

Dear Management of Chris Cornell, musical artist:   http://chriscornell.com/,

DeKalb County, GA, is a suburb of Atlanta and our schools are in trouble.  The board of education and superintendent are corrupt and have been using our tax dollars for their own gain and the children are caught in the middle of a political battle.

Our group was formed in May 2011 to stop dangerous cell phone towers from going up illegally on public school grounds, harming property values, destroying neighborhoods and placing hazardous materials near our children.

This Thursday, Jan. 17 and important hearing will take place as the state Board of Education considers recommending to the Governor of Georgia that he suspend the board.

We created an awesome video to promote attendance at this hearing and would like to use Chris Cornell's song "Ground Zero" off the live acoustic album.

We have placed a copy of the video on YouTube and on our website, www.GETtheCELLoutATL.org (COMING SOON!)  and will remove it if we are violating your copyright on the song.  But, we are hoping you will understand the importance of bringing attention to our struggle and will provide us with your permission.

Thank you for what you and Mr. Cornell are doing in support of the families of Sandy Hook.  We are fighting for the survival of our children here, too, in a different way, but the outcome may still be as life changing.  We hope to make a difference.

Kind regards,
Longtime fans,

Founders of Get the Cell Out - ATL

on behalf of the
100,000 children in DeKalb County, GA's public schools

contact us:  sayno2celltowers@yahoo.com

I Promise It's Not Goodbye
 (Listen to "I Promise It's Not Goodbye" here:  http://chriscornell.com/news/detail/sandy_hook_i_promise_its_not_goodbye/)

A few years ago, Texan fan Rory de la Rosa lost his six-year-old daughter Ainslee to cancer. Shortly afterwards, he himself was diagnosed with the same illness. But Rory didn’t fall into despair. He wanted “to tell Chris Cornell how much his music impacted his life and of the bond it helped create for him and his daughter," says Karen, a carer at Rory’s hospice. Chris was touched by the story and wrote back - eventually resulting in a unique creative collaboration. Rory had written a poem about his daughter. Moved by the words, Chris suggested they turn the poem into a song. “It was a pleasure to put it to music and an honor,” he says. Sadly, Rory passed away shortly afterwards, but the proceeds from downloads of the song he wrote with Chris were able to help his family through a terrible time.

Since the recent tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, people have been asking to hear the song again. In response, we have made the song available on chriscornell.com. In return, Chris hopes you will make a donation in memory of the children who lost their lives and do something to help those bereaved by this terrible tragedy.

Donate via any of these sites:

https://newtown.uwwesternct.org/

http://www.newtownyouthandfamilyservices.org/donate.php

http://www.20children.org/

http://demandaplan.org

Rep. Scott Holcomb: Update on DeKalb Board of Education

Local Voices

Scott Holcomb

State Representative, District 82

Important Update on the DeKalb Board of Education

Posted on January 10, 2013 at 10:10 am  on The Tucker Patch

The crisis in our county school system is the single most important issue facing our community.  I want to update you on what’s happened so far, and be sure we all understand the decisions that will be taking place in the next few weeks.  This is an issue that affects us all, whether you have children in the school system or not.

Background:

On December 17, 2012, the DeKalb County School District was put on probation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).  This was a consequence of the findings in a report prepared by a Special Review Team.  A copy of the report, which is worth reading, can be found by clicking here.  

The review was conducted because of formal complaints made against the school district.  The school district was placed on “Advisement” status in January, 2011, following a special review that followed complaints.  There were two subsequent reviews, in October, 2011, and March, 2012.  The final review, which resulted in probationary status, was conducted from October 17-19, 2012. 

What did SACS find?

The findings are damning.  The report describes numerous areas in which the DeKalb County Board of Education, both collectively and by the actions of individual members, has been failing in its responsibilities.  SACS found numerous occasions where Board members have behaved unprofessionally, unethically and beyond the scope of their authority.  Despite extensive training in how a competent and professional Board must operate, SACS reports that Board members have persistently acted as advocates for “their own” schools rather than as stewards for the system as a whole, interfered in day-to-day school operations,  and engaged in harassment and intimidation of district employees.  The report found not only that these violations are taking place, but that they are having serious consequences for the effectiveness of our schools. The report found evidence of declining academic achievement.

The length of the probationary period is one year, during which the governance of the district must improve across the areas cited.  Otherwise the district will lose accreditation.  

What does this mean?  

To be blunt, it is not good.  If the district were to lose accreditation, students attending district high schools would be ineligible for the HOPE scholarship and would likely be compromised in other ways in applying to the colleges of their choice. In addition, there is a real concern that some residents may move away from DeKalb and prospective residents may settle elsewhere.

In most cases (90% according to Mark Elgart, CEO of AdvancED, the parent organization of SACS) a district on probation is able to regain accreditation at the end of the one year period.  As encouraging as that statistic may be, it does not lessen the seriousness of this situation.  It is critical that meaningful changes are made in the management and oversight of DeKalb County schools. 

What happens next and what can you do?

The State Board of Education has called a meeting for January 17, 2013 at 1 PM pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 20-2-73.  This statute, which is pasted in its entirety below, spells out the procedures that will be followed and possible remedies.

The hearing will be open to the public and it will be in Room 2070 on the 20th Floor of the East Tower Sloppy Floyd Building. The public is invited to attend but there will not be an opportunity for public comment at the hearing.  If you would like to provide a statement for the State Board to consider, you can email it to either Justin Pauly at jpauly@gadoe.org or Brenda Turner at brturner@doe.k12.ga.us.  

At the hearing, the State Board members will hear evidence as to whether the State Board should recommend to the Governor that he suspend the DeKalb School Board.  After the hearing, the State Board will make its recommendation to Governor Deal.  Governor Deal then has the discretion to accept or reject the Board’s recommendation.  If the Governor chooses to suspend the Board, by law every member of the Board would have to be relieved of responsibility.  The Governor would have the power to appoint new Board members. 

Conclusion

My impression is that the State Board’s recommendation will be highly persuasive to the Governor. As a result, the hearing on January 17th will be extremely important.  I believe that the State Board of Education and the Governor should take whatever action they determine is necessary in order to rectify this critical situation.  Their sole priority must be competent school governance.  Along with other members of the DeKalb delegation, I will do everything in my power to see that the situation is properly addressed.  The bottom line is that I am concerned that those who caused this situation may not be able to fix it. 

If Board members are suspended and ultimately removed, then the replacements must be credible, competent, and capable of fixing the issues and moving our county forward.  

I would very much like to hear your views on this serious matter and you can email me at scott@repscottholcomb.com. I also encourage you to make your views known to the State Board of Education.  They need to hear what you think.

GEORGIA CODE (available at http://www.lexisnexis.com/hottopics/gacode/)

Copyright 2012 by The State of Georgia All rights reserved.
*** Current Through the 2012 Regular Session ***
TITLE 20.  EDUCATION  CHAPTER 2.  ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION  ARTICLE 3.  LOCAL BOARDS OF EDUCATION
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-73  (2012)
§ 20-2-73.  Suspension and removal of local school board members under certain circumstances

   (a) (1) Notwithstanding Code Section 20-2-54.1 or any other provisions of law to the contrary, if a local school system or school is placed on the level of accreditation immediately preceding loss of accreditation for school board governance related reasons by one or more accrediting agencies included in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (6) of Code Section 20-3-519, the State Board of Education shall conduct a hearing in not less than ten days nor more than 30 days and recommend to the Governor whether to suspend all eligible members of the local board of education with pay. If the State Board of Education makes such recommendation, the Governor may, in his or her discretion, suspend all eligible members of the local board of education with pay and, in consultation with the State Board of Education, appoint temporary replacement members who shall be otherwise qualified to serve as members of such board.
   (2) Notwithstanding Code Section 20-2-54.1 or any other provisions of law to the contrary, if a local school system or school has been placed on, as of April 20, 2011, the level of accreditation immediately preceding loss of accreditation for school board governance related reasons by one or more accrediting agencies included in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (6) of Code Section 20-3-519 and does not reattain full accreditation status by July 1, 2011, the State Board of Education shall conduct a hearing in not less than ten days nor more than 30 days and recommend to the Governor whether to suspend all members of the local board of education with pay. If the State Board of Education makes such recommendation, the Governor may, in his or her discretion, suspend all members of the local board of education with pay and, in consultation with the State Board of Education, appoint temporary replacement members who shall be otherwise qualified to serve as members of such board.
(b) Any local board of education member suspended under this Code section may petition the Governor for reinstatement no earlier than 30 days following suspension and no later than 60 days following suspension. In the event that a suspended member does not petition for reinstatement within the allotted time period, his or her suspension shall be converted into permanent removal, and the temporary replacement member shall become a permanent member and serve out the remainder of the term of the removed member.
(c) Upon petition for reinstatement by a suspended local board of education member, the Governor or his or her designated agent shall conduct a hearing for the purpose of receiving evidence relative to whether the local board of education member's continued service on the local board of education is more likely than not to improve the ability of the local school system or school to retain or reattain its accreditation. The appealing member shall be given at least 30 days' notice prior to such hearing. Such hearing shall be held not later than 90 days after the petition is filed and in accordance with Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act," except that the individual conducting the hearing shall have the power to call witnesses and request documents on his or her own initiative. For purposes of said chapter and any hearing conducted pursuant to this Code section, the Governor shall be considered the agency, and the Attorney General or his or her designee shall represent the interests of the Governor in the hearing. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that the local board of education member's continued service on the local board of education improves the ability of the local school system or school to retain or reattain its accreditation, the member shall be immediately reinstated; otherwise, the member shall be permanently removed, and the temporary replacement member shall become a permanent member and serve out the remainder of the term of the removed member or until the next general election which is at least six months after the member was permanently removed, whichever is sooner. Judicial review of any such decision shall be in accordance with Chapter 13 of Title 50.
(d) Paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of this Code section shall apply to a local school system or school which is placed on the level of accreditation immediately preceding loss of accreditation on or after April 20, 2011.
(e) This Code section shall apply to all local board of education members, regardless of when they were elected or appointed.
HISTORY: Code 1981, § 20-2-73, enacted by Ga. L. 2010, p. 452, § 8/SB 84; Ga. L. 2011, p. 1, § 12/HB 326; Ga. L. 2011, p. 26, § 3/SB 79; Ga. L. 2011, p. 752, § 20/HB 142.