VOLUME 21 NUMBER 3
FREE
APRIL 18, 2015
Celebrating 20 Years In Our Community
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews
In The News
Hank Johnson blasts Congress He’s fed up with inaction over police shootings of unarmed black men
Profiles of Poverty” exhibit in Decatur Page 4
Heroes at Home Barber Shop Page 5
Congressman Hank Johnson, who represents Georgia’s District 4, ripped Congress for not addressing the mounting number of shooting deaths of unarmed citizens at the hands of police. Johnson was interviewed by CNN on April 16 concerning his floor speech in Washington, D.C. He said he felt like it was “open season” on unarmed black men and he criticized police for covering up wrongdoing. “We find an overabundance of black males who are being shot and killed by police officers. It’s too many episodes where people are quick to pull the trigger and ask questions later. That’s the problem that we
have in this country,” Johnson told CNN. Johnson has three bills dealing with criminal justice reform, including legislation dealing with the militarization of police, police accountability and grand jury reform. “I don’t want to impugn the professionalism of every police officer out there, but I will say that there’s a culture in law enforcement that you can see a police officer engage in some misconduct and then you don’t tell anybody about it, and you cover it up. Those are the types of things we need to root out of the system. I have a lot of friends in law enforcement and it hurts me to say that, yes, law enforcement has a problem,”
Congressman Hank Johnson
Johnson said during the CNN interview. During his speech to Congress, Johnson read aloud the names of people who have been shot and killed by police across the country since the Ferguson riots. The list of names is based on a New
Conyers Main Street program Page 10
Death Announcements Page 11
York Times article that ran on April 8: “Fatal Police Shootings: Accounts Since Ferguson.” To watch the speech, go to https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=hlQNW5LFN1g To read excerpts from Johnson’s speech visit www.ocgnews.com.
Summer food APS cheating scandal sentences draw program goes high tech mixed reactions from community to provide sites
By Valerie J. Morgan
Entrepreneur on a cloud Page 8
OCG News file photo
After Fulton County Superior Court Judge Jerry Baxter handed down prison sentences on April 14 to the 10 educators convicted in Atlanta’s cheating scandal, people in the community had plenty to say—on social media, radio talk shows, in the work place and just about everywhere. Baxter gave the three executives the most time in prison and the heaviest fines. Former School Reform Team executives Tamara Cotman, Sharon Davis Williams and Michael Pitts each were sentenced to 20 years with 7 to serve, 13 years probation, 2,000 hours of community service and a $25,000 fine. The state had recommended five years to serve three for each of the three defendants. Baxter showed some leniency, however, by sentencing all 10 of the convicted educators as first offenders, meaning they will be allowed to clear their records after their sentences are served and avoid being a convicted felon for life. Sobbing could be heard in the packed courtroom as Baxter admonished the executives saying they were at “very top” of the cheating scandal, “promoting it.” “There were thousands of children harmed by this thing…This is not a victimless crime,” Baxter said, his voice
Judge Jerry Baxter
rising in a heated exchange as defense attorneys tried to persuade him to allow the defendants to go free. Baxter refused, saying he had given the defendants the chance to accept a plea deal. Only two of the defendants took Baxter up on the plea deal, one of them receiving five years probation, a year behind bars, $5,000 fine and community service, the other receiving five years probation, six months of weekends in jail, $5,000 fine and community service. District Attorney Paul Howard held a news conference following the sentencing. “We never had a goal of putting people in jail,” Howard said. See APS, page 9
Needy families throughout Georgia can find out the closet locations for the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) free summer meals programs through an online web site and text messaging. The USDA is offering an interactive GPS map and “Free Summer Meals Page” at ga.nokidhungry.org. Those who need help can type in their address in the search box on top of the map and the closes site to the address pops up. Locations also can be sent to a cell phone by texting FoodGA to 877-877. “We are thrilled about this program, which will ensure no child goes hungry in Atlanta this summer,” said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. “My administration is dedicated to helping our youth realize their full potential, and the Summer Food Service Program will help them to stay healthy and be ready to learn when they return to school in the fall.” The federally-funded program provides low-income children with nutritious meals when school is not in session. The City of Atlanta and other municipalities and counties are working with schools, churches, recreation centers, parks and camps to provide summer meals from June 1 – July 31, 2015. See Summer food, page 7
PAGE 2 • APRIL 18, 2015
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EDITOR/PUBLISHER Valerie J. Morgan editor@ocgnews.com GENERAL MANAGER Glenn L. Morgan gmorgan1@ocgnews.com STAFF WRITER Joshua Smith joshsmith@ocgnews.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill richardhill@ocgnews.com On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers. No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate. On Common Ground News
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APRIL 18, 2015 • PAGE 3
Rockdale couple sets eyes on offices for 2016 elections By Valerie J. Morgan
Tolbert and Janice Morris have formed an exploratory committee to determine whether they will seek two of Rockdale County’s top offices. Tolbert Morris is considering running for probate judge. Janice Morris is considering running for clerk of court. The husband-andwife team say several supporters who know their track record of community service have
encouraged them to run for office. The Morrises have been recognized by county, state, civic organizations and others for their work with the volunteer-run Helping Hands Free Health Clinic in Rockdale, a nonprofit they founded to serve uninsured and underinsured residents in the Rockdale area. The operation was initially launched in 2001 to provide free refurbished computers and tutoring to children of needy families and
history in 2004 after running unopposed. He currently works court services security detail for the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office. Janice Morris, 52, has never run for office. A former insurance adjuster, she currently is responsible for community outreach with Oakhurst Medical Centers in Rockdale. The Morrises have lived in Rockdale since 2000. They have been
Janice and Tolbert Morris then later, expanded Rockdale County its services to include School Board. He health care. became the second Tolbert Morris, black school board 61, has served on the member in Rockdale
See Couple, page 7
Rockdale BOC Chairman Oden announces bid for re-election
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners Chairman Richard Oden is ready to start kissing babies and shaking hands as he prepares to run for re-election for a third term in 2016. Oden said plans are in the making for a campaign kickoff event in May, when he will celebrate his 65th birthday. “We don’t have the exact date yet for the event. But that announcement will be
Richard Oden coming out soon,” said Oden, whose birthday is on May 31. Oden said he has selected Greg Pridgeon
DeKalb deputies arrest suspect in Panama City gang rape The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a suspect sought in connection with a widely-publicized sexual assault that was videotaped on a crowded beach during spring break in Panama City Beach, Florida. George Kennedy, 21, of Decatur, was arrested on April 14 without incident by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Field Services Uniform Division. Kennedy was arrested at LaVista Colony Court in Decatur on probable cause after being named in a warrant issued by the Bay County, Florida Sheriff’s Office. Investigators discovered that Kennedy had family in DeKalb County and contacted the DeKalb Sheriff’s Office. Deputies tracked down Kennedy and arrested him on a charge of sexual assault by multiple perpetrators. Kennedy is from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and has been a student at
to head his campaign. Pridgeon formerly served as Rockdale County’s chief of staff. Before leaving Rockdale in 2013, Pridgeon served as chief of staff under Mayor Shirley Franklin. Oden said he held a “soft” campaign launch last month for key people such as Pridgen and volunteers who will work with his campaign. Oden made history as Rockdale’s first African American elected as chair of the
Resources with its Large Agency Award (more than 500 employees) for overall quality, contributions and accomplishments of Georgia’s topperforming human resources programs. Oden is a graduate of Kent University in Ohio and is married with five children. He is a member of Saint Philip AME Church in Atlanta and has served as a usher at the church for more than 30 years.
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Middle Tennessee State University, CNN reported. He is being held in the DeKalb County Jail. Two other suspects--Ryan Calhoun and Delonte Martistee—were arrested on April 11 in Panama City, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office said. Both were charged with sexual battery by multiple perpetrators, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office in Florida said.
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Toney Wood on April 8 at the Stone Mountain Inn in Tucker. He wastaken into custody on April 14, 2015 without incident by Liberty County Sheriff’s deputies after DeKalb investigators determined his location.
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DeKalb murder suspect arrested in Hinesville The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Squad, in cooperation with the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, has arrested Zaki Rauf Musheem in Hinesville, Georgia. Musheem is charged with felony murder for the shooting death of Keith
board when he was sworn into office in 2009. He was re-elected in 2012 for a second, four-year term. Under Oden’s leadership, Rockdale’s bond rating maintained an AA2 to AA3 rating for the past six years, despite statewide and national economic turmoil. In 2014, the Georgia Local Government Personnel Association recognized the Rockdale County Department of Human
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Coming Up
Safety Jam comes to Gresham Park Recreation Center The Gresham Park Recreation Center, 3113 Gresham Road, S.E., Atlanta will host the free Safety Jam on Saturday, April 25, 12 – 3 p.m. The Safety Jam is a trademarked American Medical Response (AMR) program that will feature games, food, giveaways and community exhibitors. DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson and State Sen. Gail Davenport are hosting the event in partnership with American Medical Response. In addition to the other planned activities, fitness coaches also will provide free fitness classes throughout the day. “I am elated that AMR has brought Safety Jam to South DeKalb,” said District 3 Commissioner Johnson. “Safety in our communities is vital. I welcome any opportunity to showcase that it is possible to have fun and stay safe this summer.” Community exhibitors for the Saturday afternoon event include DeKalb County Police and Fire, No Text No Drive, the Grady Hospital Burn Unit, Going and Growing Green, American Association of Retired Persons and Atlanta Medical, to name a few. DJ “Uncle Paulie” will provide music and entertainment throughout the event, along with Comedian “NO.” Photo by Jeoff Davis
“Profiles of Poverty” exhibit in Decatur St. Vincent de Paul Georgia, DeKalb County and Georgia Power will present a free exhibit, “Profiles of Poverty,” on Thursday, April 23, 6 – 8 p.m., at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. The “Profiles of Poverty” exhibit includes more than 50 photographs taken by local photojournalists depicting the diverse and often unexpected, face of poverty in the community. The exhibit captures the challenges facing the poor as well as moments of hope and progress. DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May and District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson will be a part of the program. Although the event is free, registration is encouraged. Register at www. eventbrite.com/e/profiles-of-poverty-reception-tickets-16250712318.
ATLANTA
Councilmember invites District 4 to sneak peek of inspirational film City of Atlanta Councilwoman Cleta Winslow is inviting the residents of District 4 to a free short version of the film, “Little Boy: Believe the Impossible,” on Monday, April 20, 6 p.m. at the West End Library, 525 Peeples St., S.W., Atlanta. Set in World War II, “Little Boy” captures the wonder of life through the eyes of a 7-year-old boy, played by Jakob Salvati, who is willing to do whatever it takes to end the war so he can bring his father home safely. “Little Boy is a powerful and moving American war comedy-drama that will capture your heart and lift your spirits,” Winslow said. “Join us for a film that will make you laugh, cry and think about what matters most.” The film is scheduled to hit theaters on April 24. Light refreshments will be served. 404-752-8740.
Village Theatre offers free ladies night with unreleased films Village Theatre, 349 Decatur St., S.E., Atlanta, will host a free “Ladies Night,” on Thursday, April 30, 10:30 p.m. Organizers say this is a chance for women in film to not only network but check out some films from some of Atlanta’s filmmakers. The event will feature stand-up comedians and between six and 10 new unreleased shorts from Atlanta filmmakers. None of the shorts have ever been on Youtube or Vimeo. A winner among the comedians and the filmmakers will be picked at the end of the event. There will be free parking in the parking garage attached to the theatre. 404-688-8858.
DEKALB
Stone Mountain women group to host community cleanup The National Coalition of 100 Black Women Stone Mountain-Lithonia Chapter will join forces with DeKalb County District 4 Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton to host a community cleanup with Keep DeKalb Beautiful on Saturday, April 25, 10 - 11:30 a.m., at the Mountain Oaks Subdivision Clubhouse, 553 Mountain Oaks Parkway, Stone Mountain. Members of the community are invited to clean up Rockbridge Road, South Deshon Road and the surrounding community. Community service hours will be available for students. The DeKalb County Sanitation Department will provide gloves, sticks and bags. A limited supply of T-shirts also will be available. Advance registration is suggested for T-shirt purposes. For more information and to register, e-mail alesiabrooks@ymail.com.
GWINNETT
Commissioners to host town hall in Berkeley Lake The Gwinnett Board of Commissioners will host a town hall meeting on Thursday, April 23, 6:15 p.m., at the Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Building, 4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Berkely Lake. The meeting begins with representatives from county departments hosting an open house to answer questions and discuss the different services they provide. At 7 p.m., the commissioners invite residents to share their thoughts and ideas about county government services and ways to improve them.
“Break the Cycle” youth forum in Lawrenceville Gwinnett County, the Gwinnett alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and county law enforcement officials will host “Break the Cycle: Bridging the Gap Between Law Enforcement and Teens” on Saturday, April 25, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., at the Rhodes Jordan Park Community Center, 100 East Crogan St., Lawrenceville. Law enforcement officials from the Gwinnett County Police Department and Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office will speak at the forum. The forum is open to youths ages 11 to 18 and uses open dialogue in an effort to create better understanding and improved interaction between youth and law enforcement. The forum will familiarize students with law enforcement officers as real people, reasons for police stops, appropriate and inappropriate behavior during police stops, citizens’ rights, filing complaints, and students’ responsibility and accountability for behaviors that may result in police contact. For more information or to register, visit www.gwinnettdst.org/events3. htm.
ROCKDALE
Mini train rides offered for family fun The North Georgia Live Steamers invites you to step aboard its miniature train on Saturday, April 18, 1 – 4:30 p.m. The miniature railroad, located at the Georgia International Olympic Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers offers rides on trains pulled by steam, diesel and electric locomotives. Train rides are $2 per ride. Since opening to the public in the fall of 2013, the train has had more than 2,000 passengers. The mini train location has new public restroom facilities, and will continually expanding the railroad and work on a permanent loading platform. www.northgeaorgialivesteamers.org.
Free planting class in Conyers The Rockdale County UGA Extension Office will offer a workshop on how to plant a flower garden on Thursday, April 23, 10 a.m. - noon., at the Nancy Guinn Memorial Library, 864 Green St., S.W., Conyers. The Master Gardeners will teach the hands-on workshop. Bring gloves and hand trowels to join in on the fun. “Spring has Sprung” is free of charge, but the workshop requires registration. To register, call the Rockdale extension office at 770-278-7373.
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APRIL 18, 2015 • PAGE 5
Rockdale Clerk of Courts real estate team staff recognized by the state
Morehouse, New Life to offer diabetes education Morehouse School of Medicine is partnering with New Life Community Ministries in Decatur to offer a series of diabetes educational workshops. The free workshops will be held April 25, May 9 and May 23, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at New Life, 3592 Flat
Shoals Road, Decatur. The April 25 workshop is entitled “Diabetes: The Basics;” the May 9 session is entitled “Diabetes” Preventing & Living with the Condition,” and on May 23, “Diabetes: Resources for a Healthier You” will be presented. 404-381-6731.
Heroes at Home Barber Shop honors local students with scholarships
The Rockdale County Clerk of Courts Ruth A. Wilson real estate indexing team is now 100 percent certified by the State of Georgia as experts in real estate indexing standards. The team of five women passed the State of Georgia Indexing Certification Exam this month. The exam is a professional development opportunity the Clerk of Courts Office offers to employees in its Real Estate Division. “This is no small accomplishment. This test is integral to providing superior service to citizens in Rockdale County,” said Rockdale County Clerk of Courts Ruth Wilson. “The citizens of Rockdale County deserve the assurance that elected officials are making every
effort to serve public interests by improving operational efficiency and integrity.” Wilson says the state certifications are a great benefit to title searchers and citizens who depend on the accuracy of real property records. Members of the fully certified Real Estate Indexing Team include veteran Deputy II employees Janet Williams, Linda Moss, Teri Jones and Chief Deputy for Real Estate and Operations Mary Burgess, who shepherded the team to this achievement. “This team adds value every day on behalf of the public while demonstrating the highest professional standards and exemplary customer service,” said Wilson.
Heroes At Home Barber Shop in collaboration with Heroes In Action, Inc. this year is honoring seven high school seniors who have supported the barbershop over the years by giving each a $500 scholarship. The barber shop also is giving $500 to last
year’s recipients who maintained a 3.0 GPA. The awards this year and last year bring the total to $10,000 given back to the community. Here are the seven seniors honored this year: Jordan Bentley, Shiloh High School Jordyn White, Decatur
High School Delmer T. Jones, III, Brookwood High School Reginald Bynum, Jr., Wesleyan School Austin Sanders, Stephenson High School Jaylon Smith, Brookwood High School Jaelaan Gore, Rockdale County High School
Rockdale Sheriff’s Office to host open house The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office will have an open house on April 25, noon to 5 p.m., to give citizens a behind-the-scenes tour of the Sheriff’s office and jail facility. Sheriff’s office vehicles and other equipment will be on display for citizens to get a better understating of what it takes to keep the county safe. Along with the tours, open house participants will have the chance to meet with the
command staff and others at the Sheriff’s office. Tours will start at the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office
Headquarters at 911 Chambers Drive. “The sheriff’s office belongs to all of the citizens of Rockdale County” said Sheriff Eric J. Levett. “The open house is an opportunity to come see the buildings and different equipment that is used by deputy sheriff’s every day. Everyone will be able to interact with the hard working men and women who serve this great county.”
Wade Walker YMCA sets Healthy Kids Day The Wade Walker Park Family YMCA is hosting its annual Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 25, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 5605 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain. The event will feature active play and educational activities, group fitness classes, obstacle course, swimming pool games, Kids Zumba, arts and crafts, face painting and healthy snacks. YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day is
supported this year by national sponsor – Humana. Local sponsors include Chick-Fil-A (Memorial Drive location) and radio station V-103. The event will be held rain or shine. For more information, contact Wade Walker Park Family YMCA at 678-781-9622 or visit www. ymcaatlanta.org/wwy or ymca.net.
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PAGE 6 • APRIL 18, 2015
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Keep Conyers-Rockdale Beautiful receives two awards
DeKalb school district, county partner on recycling initiative DeKalb County Schools Superintendent Michael Thurmond and Interim CEO Lee May on April 15 launched a joint recycling effort they hope will include all public schools across DeKalb. The DeKalb County School District and the DeKalb County Sanitation Division kicked off “DeKalb Makes Recycling Simple,” a partnership that provides collection, disposal and heightened recycling education to the school district’s facilities and schools. “This partnership helps divert tons of trash from DeKalb’s Seminole Road Landfill and keeps us a healthier and sustainable DeKalb,” said May. “We currently
have 50 schools signed on, and we hope to have all 139 DeKalb County Schools on board by the end of the year.” The kickoff was held at the school district’s headquarters in Stone Mountain. DeKalb County Board of Commissioners Presiding Officer Larry Johnson, District 7 Commissioner Stan Watson and DeKalb Schools Director of Business and Warehousing Services Toney Blackmon attended the event. For more information about the initiative, contact DeKalb County Sanitation Division Public Information Officer Pauline A. Andrea at 404-971-2892 or paandrea@dekalbcountyga.gov.
Keep Conyers-Rockdale Beautiful (KCRB) was recognized on a national and state level for its unwavering efforts in making the community cleaner, greener and more thriving. For the third year, Keep America Beautiful awarded the President’s Circle Award to KCRB. The award, which recognizes exemplary performance made by certified affiliates of the national nonprofit in building and sustaining vibrant communities, was presented during the Keep America Beautiful 2015 awards dinner in Washington, D.C. Regionally, Gov. Nathan Deal and the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation presented to local affiliates the Governor’s Circle Award during Keep Georgia Beautiful Day at the Capitol last month. The Governor’s Circle Award
recognizes exemplary performance made by certified affiliates of the state nonprofit to reduce litter, minimize waste, and beautify and improve their local communities. Each year, KCRB continues to enhance the health, safety and economic viability of Conyers and Rockdale by empowering hundreds of volunteers to take greater responsibility for litter prevention and cleanup, recycling, waste minimization and all forms of beautification and community improvement. More than 300 volunteers participated in a Rockdale cleanup day on April 11, said Tisa Smart Washington, who chaired the KCRB event. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, please email kcrb@rockdalecounty.org or call 770-278-7052.
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APRIL 18, 2015 • PAGE 7
More than 100 apply for DeKalb Schools’ chief As of April 10, the application deadline, PROACT Search received applications from 120 candidates for the DeKalb Schools superintendent’s position. An overwhelming majority of the candidates are male and
nearly 60 percent African American, according to PROACT . About 20 percent of the candidates have ties the school district, the school district reported in a news release.
Here’s a breakdown of the demographics provided by PROACT Gender Male................................................ 65% Female............................................. 29% Do Not Wish to Disclose................... 6%
Current or Past Ties to DCSD or GA? No.................................................... 78% Yes................................................... 18% Do Not Wish to Disclose................... 4%
Race Black/African American................. 58% White/Caucasian............................. 27% Hispanic............................................ 3% Multi-Racial...................................... 2% Do Not Wish to Disclose................. 10%
Next Steps
Years of Relevant Experience 0-5................................................... 15% 5-10................................................... 4% 10-15............................................... 13% 15-20............................................... 19% 20-25............................................... 17% 25-30............................................... 16% 30+.................................................. 16% Current Geographical Region East Coast........................................ 27% Midwest.......................................... 25% South............................................... 24% West/Southwest............................... 17% Do Not Wish to Disclose................... 7%
• Screening of candidates, including interviews, rubrics, reference checks, and other information • Presentation of top 20-25 candidates to the Community Liaison Group on April 23, 2015 • Presentation of top 8-12 candidates to the Board of Education on April 23, 2015
Summer food continued from page 1
The USDA provides free or reduced-price meals to 39,000 children in Atlanta, and 22 million children nationally, during the school year through the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program. Additionally, the City of Atlanta provides more than 162,000 meals and snacks to children each year at the Centers of Hope through
Summer Meals Programs Details • Meals are free to children and teens ages 18 and younger who come to a summer meals site. • Parents do not need to enroll their child in a camp or program to receive a free meal. Parents don’t need to apply for their child to participate in the summer program. They can simply bring their child to a summer meals site in their community. • Food served at summer meal sites follows USDA nutrition guidelines and are paid for by the USDA.
• Coordination of first round interviews
Couple
• First Round CONFIDENTIAL Interviews—Early May
continued from page 3
• Selection of Finalist Candidate(s) • Coordination of finalist interviews and processing of full background checks • Finalist Interview(s)—TBD • Deliberation and selection of new Superintendent of Schools
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its Hot Meals program. “The Summer Food Service Program is important because many children are considered food insecure. Preventing hunger is a top priority of the USDA,” said Robin Bailey, USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service Southeast Regional Administrator.
married for 16 years and have four adult children and three grandchildren. The Morrises say if they are successful in their bid, they plan to campaign together. They’ve even come up with a slogan: “Doubling the efforts to benefit Rockdale County.” “Janice and I are not looking to destroy anyone’s reputation or livelihood but to restore and rebuild our Probate Court System and Clerk of Court to one that the great people of Rockdale County deserve and will have.
We will serve the interest of the people and not our own self interest,” said Tolbert Morris, adding that as a former school board member he has dealt with budgets, policy and people. “I have been involved as a community advocate and providing resources for the community and I believe that is one of my greatest assets,” said Janice Morris. Anyone interested in working with their campaign may contact them at trenise06@gmail.com or 770-483-7931.
PAGE 8 • APRIL 18, 2015
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Entrepreneur on a cloud after DeKalb’s “Shark Tank” auditions
By Joshua Smith Jason Warner works as a public relations freelancer and an Uber driver to make ends meet, but he may be on the verge of a million-dollar idea that he hopes to pitch on the hit ABC show, “Shark Tank,” in the near future. Warner, who lives in Atlanta and is a former employee of DeKalb County, was one of 50 people to try out for “Shark Tank” on April 13 when casting directors came to the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center in Decatur. The event was invitation-only. Potential contestants applied online prior to the event, and those who selected were notified by e-mail. “Shark Tank” has helped reinvigorate entrepreneurship, attracting millions of viewers each week and is regularly the #1 show on Friday nights. Into its sixth season, the “Sharks” have invested more than $50 million in innovative companies seeking funding. “The whole experience was great. Our company, Your Safety Box, could be best described as Dropbox and Google Drive on steroids,”
said Warner. “We’ve combined the uploading capabilities of sites like those, but we have brought them to a secure area for your cloud. Now, precious documents like wills, birth certificates, pictures of property and tax information can be uploaded and housed in one secure location.” Warner said he did a about a two-minute pitch in front of Scott Salyers, casting director of the show. Warner said he needs money to rev up advertising for his idea, including buying radio and television ads as well as billboards. “We are stuck in the start-up phase and have used all our funds to get it going. I consider it an honor to be chosen to go this far and to be around so many other great minds from our community,” said Warner, who is a father of two. “We feel this service will address a real need. If you have a fire or burglary at your home, if you cannot prove you owned that great camera or your computers, the insurance companies will not reimburse you.” Warner has two partners. One is a computer security wiz
who creates secure firewalls for companies such as Disney and Blue Cross Blue Shield. The other specializes in creating websites. DeKalb officials said a large number of businesses from across metro Atlanta applied online for the chance to appear on the nationally televised program. Value Partnerships, Opportunity Hub, DeKalb County Government and the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce sponsored the casting call. President and CEO of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Katerina Taylor said the Chamber was very
excited that “Shark Tank chose DeKalb to host the casting call. “Metro Atlanta is bursting with bright progressive entrepreneurs. I am confident that the show’s producers were pleased at the innovative talent they found here,” Taylor said. Besides Warner’s virtual security box, the April 13 auditions drew a wide range of businesses including food ventures, a device to prevent ladders from tipping over, and a black book service, among others. According to the budding entrepreneurs, the casting process was very similar to what happens on television.
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Those making a pitch entered a large room, appeared before one of two casting agents and were told to make their minute to two-minute pitch. The pitch needed to include how much in investment money they were asking for, how much percentage of the company they were willing to give up and what that money would specifically be used for. Once the presentation was over, the agents asked the “Shark Tank” hopefuls several follow-up questions about their business. The show is shot on the set of Sony Pictures Studios lot in Culver City, California.
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APRIL 18, 2015 • PAGE 9
APS continued from page 1
Judge Jerry Baxter handed down the following sentences: 1.Tamara Cotman, former School Reform Team executive, sentenced to 20 years, 7 years to serve, 2,000 hours community service, $25,000 fine 2. Sharon Davis Williams, former School Reform Team executive director, sentenced to 20 years, 7 years to serve, 2,000 hours community service, $25,000 fine 3. Michael Pitts, former School Reform Team executive director, sentenced to 20 years, 7 years to serve, 2,000 hours of community service, $25,000 fine 4. Donald Bullock (accepted the plea deal), former testing coordinator at B.E. Usher/Collier Heights Elementary, 5 years probation, 6 months of weekends in jail, 1,500 hours of community service, and a $5,000 fine 5. Tabeeka Jordan, former assistant principal of Deerwood Academy, sentenced to 5 years, 2 years to serve, three years probation, 1,500 hours of community service, $5,000 fine 6. Angela Williamson, former teacher at Dobbs Elementary, 5 years to serve 2 years, three years probation, 1,500 hours community service, $5,000 fine. 7. Diane Buckner Webb, former teacher at Dunbar Elementary, sentenced to 5 years, 1 year to serve,
1,000 hours of community service, $1,000 8. Theresia Copeland, former testing coordinator of Benteen Elementary School, sentenced to 5 years, 1 year to serve, 1,000 hours of community service, $1,000 fine 9. Dana Evans, former principal of Dobbs Elementary, sentenced to 5 years, 1 year to serve, four years probation, 1,000 hours of community service, $1,000 fine 10. Pamela Cleveland (accepted the plea deal), former teacher at Dunbar Elementary, 5 years probation, 1,000 hours of community service, 1 year home confinement, curfew 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., $1,000 fine
Viewpoints on the APS Cheating Scandal Elaine Davis-Nickens, Rockdale County Democratic Party President: “I must say this, even at the risk of getting bottles and bricks thrown at me. All of the pleas for leniency for the educators caught up in the cheating scandal are not sitting well with me. I am who I am because of dedicated teachers who inspired me, mentored me, and believed in my ability to do great things. I will admit that I came up in an era where educators were both supported and appreciated. But here’s the rub: not one of them would stoop to the level of changing test scores for their personal gain, or to boost their
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evaluations. What they did is called cheating and any other professional caught doing what they did would be brought up on charges… Stealing is stealing. Should they be treated differently because they are educated?” Raven Kaiser, substitute teacher, Jonesboro resident: “I really do feel bad for the teachers because of the time their facing, but they had to know that consequences could more than likely follow those actions. I would never sign up for cheating. I would rather change professions or go to another school district before cheating myself, my school and especially the students I’m teaching.” Sherrod Gordon, Atlanta barber and product of APS: “I went to elementary, middle and high School in the Atlanta Public School system. I played football in the Atlanta Public School System. I will says the worst wrong a teacher could do would be cheating or changing grades, but I don’t think you can give teachers, not murders, not rapists, teachers prison time. Worse, people could fill those cells and the DA in the case could have come up with better ways to punish the teachers where they can use their stories to help other educators and students.” Dee Dawkins-Haigler, State Representative for District 91: “I recognized they cheated and that
was wrong but the punishment does not fit the crime. So let me get this straight: If a teacher cheats or fails to educate a child then the punishment should be jail? What happened to a principal/school system terminating a teacher? So now we need to prosecute teachers instead of firing them and/or suspending or revoking their license? Really? When did we as a people get so heartless that we feel a bad teacher needs to go to jail rather than lose their job or certification? When did doing a poor job equate to being a criminal and going to jail? And I don’t want to hear anything about they cheated. People cheat on their jobs all the time. They cheat on time sheets, they cheat on doing tasks or assignments, they cheat by not being productive. And you know what generally happens when they get caught cheating? They usually get fired, but they don’t go to jail.” Brenda Hill Sims, retired DeKalb County School teacher: “As a happy, retired educator, I am very happy that my daughter teaches in Kuwait because the pressure is too much here in Georgia. I see these statements as being very similar: ‘Either take the plea deal or go to prison,’ equals ‘Either pass the kids or lose your job.’ Do these statements sound similar in that both are pressuring educators with life-changing decisions.”
PAGE 10 • APRIL 18, 2015
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Business News New DADC head ready to re-create DeKalb as a ‘destination for business’ By Valerie J. Morgan Ray Gilley, the new president of the Development Authority of DeKalb County, says he and his staff are working on plans to create a new economic development agency to take the county to the next level. He said DeKalb is a prime “destination for business” and he’s excited about DeKalb’s future. “We’re looking at a new name to tell our story. We’re looking at marketing, branding, and a new web site,” Gilley told the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce at its April 15 luncheon meeting. “My goal is not just to have a web site, but to have the best—the most robust—web site to tell our story in the most compelling way possible.” Gilley said the DADC currently shares a web
presence with the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce but it hopes to have its own web site in a few months. Gilley, who took the helm of the DADC about two months ago, formerly served as CEO of Solodev, an internet software company, and he was president of the Metro Orlando (FL) Economic Development Council for nearly 10 years. Gilley said in addition to creating a new web site, one of his immediate priorities will be to expand his staff of five by hiring someone to oversee marketing—a position he said is critical to executing DeKalb’s strategic plan, which also focuses on job growth. “We want to create as many highways, high value jobs as we can. We want to be as competitive as possible,” said Gilley. Gilley said also among his priorities is identifying
Ray Gilley
the top 100 companies in the county—those with 50 or more employees. He said he and his staff are reaching out to the top companies to learn more about their concerns and to address those issues. He said he believes it is important for those companies to have good success stories to tell, which in turn will attract more businesses and jobs to the county. He said the DADC is
recruiting businesses and other stakeholders in the community to serve on committees that will help roll the county’s economic strategic plan forward. Over the next several weeks, Gilley’s staff will be evaluating the county’s assets, looking at ways to enhance tourism, focusing on how employment centers might be better utilized to help businesses seeking to come to DeKalb and the redevelopment of defunct or underutilized commercial districts. Gilley announced the city of Lithonia, which has been working on redevelopment of its downtown, recently received a $184,400 federal grant to remove asbestos from the Lithonia Plaza. The city’s grant was made available through the EPA’s Brownfield Revolving Loan Program, which focuses on the removal
of hazardous pollutants. “We’re going to have to take the assets that we have to help spur job creation and economic development,” said Gilley, adding that DeKalb’s success will require “human capitol”—everyone working together. DeKalb ICEO Lee May said Gilley’s background in economic development and marketing makes him ideal for executing DeKalb’s strategic plan. “He has done what we are charging him to do here in DeKalb. We’re excited about having him aboard,” May said. Following the meeting, May said he plans to soon announce his recommendations for the Development Authority’s board of directors. The sevenseat board currently has five members, all with expired terms.
Conyers Main Street program receives national accreditation Conyers Main Street Program has received accreditation by the National Main Street Center, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “National accreditation affirms that the organization is meeting all of the necessary criteria to be successful in its efforts to revitalize Olde Town Conyers,” said Main Street Manager Brittany Evans. “From promotional events like our upcoming Taste of Conyers and Conyers Car Show and training opportunities for our new board members to partnering with the Conyers Downtown Development Authority on preservation initiatives like façade grants for eligible downtown businesses, we are on the right track to sustaining and preserving our historic Olde Town Conyers.” The Conyers Main Street Program’s performance is evaluated annually by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs’ Office of Downtown Development, which works in partnership with the National Main Street Center to identify local programs that meet 10 performance standards. These standards reflect the program’s commitment to historic preservation and community revitalization through the Main Street Four Pont Approach. Conyers was first named a Main
Street City in 2007 by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. The city has achieved National Main Street Accreditation every year since being named a Main Street City. The Conyers Main Street Board of Directors meets on the second Thursday of each month at noon to discuss revitalization efforts among the Olde Town merchants and historic district. Meetings are open to the public and the public is encouraged to attend. Main Street board members include Chairman Scott Hartsell, Brandi Wells, J.P. Alexander, Debbie Nash, Caleb Delong, Alec Smith and Dr. John Fountain. For more information about Main Street meetings or to volunteer for the Conyers Main Street Program, contact Brittany Evans at 770-929-4239 or brittany.evans@conyersga.com.
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