VOLUME 22 NUMBER 25
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SEPTEMBER 24 2016
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews
DeKalb School Board urges citizens Atlanta City Council approves rideshare pickup operations to vote ‘No’ to state takeover at Hartsfield Airport
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By Mackenzie N. Morgan
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he DeKalb County School Board joined the growing list of school districts opposing Gov. Nathan Deal’s proposed plan to allow the state to take over “chronically failing schools” in Georgia. In a meeting held Monday, Sept. 19, the DeKalb school board voted against the governor’s plan and issued a statement urging citizens to reject Deal’s plan. “After careful consideration, the DeKalb County Board of Education urges voters to vote NO on proposed Constitutional Amendment #1, the Opportunity School District amendment,” the School Board’s statement says. “Local control of education is a bedrock American principle. We strongly believe citizens whose taxes pay for a majority of the cost of educating our children should exercise control over decisions relating to that education. We believe it is not only wrong but risky to give up local control to a new state bureaucracy.” “The board strongly believes that the
answer to improved academic outcomes and achievement is in the classroom and the schoolhouse, with motivated, well-trained teachers; engaged, challenged students; and involved, supportive parents, caregivers, and communities.” Verdaillia Turner, president of the Georgia Federation of Teachers, said she is pleased the DeKalb Board of Education passed the resolution opposing the governor’s plan. “We have been asking DeKalb to make a symbolic stand by passing a resolution, and yes, I am glad that they passed it,” said Turner. “There are so many crucial issues in DeKalb County. Amendment 1 is just one of them and we must defeat it. We want the DeKalb School Board to thoroughly educate the public. Voters must know that if they pass it, there is no turning back. It won’t make any difference who you elect as your school board member because the governor and his appointees will be running your schools.” Meanwhile, groups are spending big bucks to get their messages out to voters. The Committee to Keep Georgia Schools
See DeKalb School Board page 6
he Atlanta City Council has approved legislation legalizing and regulating pickups by rideshare companies such as Uber X and Lyft at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The measure gives rideshare, taxi and limousine drivers the option of having fingerprint-based background checks or private background checks conducted. Companies that use private background checks would be subject to an additional per-ride security surcharge of $2.35 per ride, for a total surcharge of $3.85. Under the new system, which would take effect Jan. 1, 2017, the airport would charge a $1.50 fee per ride for pickups at the airport by ride-share services — the same fee paid by taxis. Each ride-share company would also pay an annual permit fee of $50 per vehicle, up to $100,000 maximum per year. A ride-share assembly area will be set up for ride-share drivers. Ride-share vehicles and taxis cannot be over 7 years old, must display an airport decal when picking up at Hartsfield-Jackson. The legislation legalizing rideshare operation at the cityowned airport was approved by a vote of 14-1. “I’ve been a longtime supporter of Uber and Lyft since their initial entry into the Atlanta market,” said City Councilmember Kwanza Hall. “I have used the service at airports around the US, in many countries around the world; even mostly recently in South Africa. The ease and efficiency of accessing transportation is something that the world has come to enjoy. I am pleased that we are finally able to offer this wonderfully benefit to travelers and employees at the most traveled airport in the world.” City Councilmember Mary Norwood agreed. “The City Council’s decision to allow Uber and Lyft to meet passengers at our Airport will give our citizens and visitors important transportation choices,” she said. In other action, the Atlanta City Council approved a resolution by City Councilmember Michael Julian Bond requesting organizers of Class “A” Outdoor Festivals have a designated pick up area for taxis on a street adjacent to the festival. The City of Atlanta issues permits for several large events annually that attract thousands of attendees each year. Class “A” outdoor festivals (as defined in the City of Atlanta Code of Ordinances, Section 142-59(a)(l)), typically draw crowds of over 50,000 attendees.
DeKalb issues moratorium on residential water shutoffs
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eKalb County Interim CEO Lee May has issued a moratorium through the end of 2016 on the disconnection of residential water accounts that have been contested through the county’s Utility Customer Operations Center. ICEO Lee May May said he is taking steps in an abundance of caution because of the numerous complaints the county has received concerning the accuracy of water bills. “I have always said that one incorrect water bill is too many, and we have a number of issues that could factor into many errors on bills,” said Interim CEO Lee May. “We must ensure that the process is accurate,
and we have to err on the side of caution until we are confident that it is.” County officials are urging customers who believe their bill is in error to contact the Utility Customer Operations Center at 774 Jordan Lane in Decatur, or call 404-378-4475 to speak with a customer service representative. Those who report a billing error will have their account reviewed by an independent third party. Account holders with disputed balances would be required to pay their average amount due until the case is resolved, with the balance, if any, due at the time the investigation is complete. There will be no water service disconnections for accounts with balances in dispute and those who have paid their average bill through the end of 2016. “I have ordered COO Zach Williams to draft a
comprehensive action plan to vet the details of the review process,” said May. DeKalb has a water meter conversion program underway. Approximately 70,000 water meters have been replaced with new digital units that can be read electronically. Nearly half of the digital meters have transmitters that relay water usage in real time. The remaining 120,000 water meters are expected to be replaced by 2021. DeKalb Commissioners Kathie Gannon, Nancy Jester and Jeff Rader say they will host a community town hall meeting to discuss the water problems on Thursday, Oct. 6, 7 p.m., at the Maloof Auditorium 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. Gannon said representatives from Watershed Management will be on hand to answer questions.
PAGE 2 •SEPTEMBER 24, 2016 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
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SEPTEMBER 24,2016 • PAGE 3
ICEO Lee May appoints Dianne McNabb as interim CFO
EDITOR/PUBLISHER Valerie J. Morgan editor@ocgnews.com
GENERAL MANAGER Glenn L. Morgan gmorgan1@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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eKalb ICEO Lee May has appointed Dianne McNabb to serve as the county’s interim Chief Financial Officer through Dec. 31. McNabb is familiar with DeKalb’s finances, having previously worked as a financial advisor for the county. “Ms. McNabb brings with here a wealth of experience in the public finance arena,” Interim CEO May said. “Her stellar career has given her a unique familiarity with DeKalb County not only as a resident but working as an auditor with KPMG and subsequently as our financial advisor.” May said McNabb has been instrumental in the county’s bond rating upgrades, general obligation
bond reconciliation and the 2015 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. “McNabb will assist the county in developing specific action plans to move the county’s finance department forward,” May said. “Additionally, McNabb will review the financial controls, staffing, policies and procedures of the county’s finance department.” DeKalb County Commissioner Nancy Jester said while she is pleased McNabb has been appointed, the Board of Commissioners should have been involved in the process and criticized the fact that the CFO position was vacant since last December. “DeKalb County has been without a CFO for 265
days. This has been an unacceptable and avoidable situation. The administration was well aware of the impending retirement of the previous CFO and should have embarked on a national search before she left on December 31, 2015. The fact is we could, and should have, had a CFO in place as of January 1, 2016,” Jester wrote in a news release immediately following May’s announcement of his appointment of McNabb. “…I am pleased that CEO May has decided to try to fill the leadership void in the Finance Department. Certainly, a half measure is better than nothing. I am pleased that he listened and responded to my call for the Finance Department to have a Chief. I am, however,
disappointed that, pursuant to the county’s Organizational Act, CEO May has not fulfilled his obligation to nominate for the Board of Commissioners, a candidate for our approval as the Director of Finance. The Organizational Act thoughtfully invests authority in both the CEO and BOC regarding this position, precisely because the CFO is so important,” Jester stated.
Four arrested for murder after meeting on dating site
Authorities say online dating may have played a role in the Sept. 1 shooting death of Jordan Collins, 23, and injuries to his brother at a home on Tunbridge Wells Crescent in Lithonia. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Fugitive Unit said four suspects were arrested in the murder: Clarissa McGhee, 21, of McDonough; Nashae Poole, 21, of Hampton; Antonio Avery, 25, of Atlanta; and Demarco Butler, 27, of Jonesboro. Each is charged with murder and aggravated assault for their alleged involvement in the shooting death of Collins and the shooting injury of his brother,
Guilty verdict for man who killed Rockdale teacher A DeKalb County jury has found Antione Hood, 31, guilty in the shooting death of his fiance, Candace McGriff, a physical education teacher in Rockdale County. Hood was convicted Sept. 19 of felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Police said Hood called 9-1-1 on Feb. 17, 2015 to report that McGriff fatally shot herself. Hood told police that McGriff was upset because “he was attempting to leave her and she did not want him to leave,” according to the report. A medical examiner’s forensic investigator testified during
Antione Hood
the trial that evidence showed that McGriff did not fire the fatal gunshot. McGriff was a teacher at C.J. Hicks Elementary School in Conyers. She was employed at the school for four years. Hood is now awaiting sentencing.
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Chad Collins. All are being held in the DeKalb County Jail. According to warrants, Jordan Collins met Poole and McGhee on the dating site plentyoffish.com on Sept. 1. The suspects allegedly came to the murder victim’s house under the pretense of a date. Jordan was lured outside where Avery and Butler waited, resulting in the shooting death of Jordan. Chad was shot and wounded when he went to check on Jordan. All four suspects fled the location after the shooting. Detectives believe robbery was the intended motive.
PAGE 4•SEPTEMBER 24,2016
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Coming Up
Saint Philip A.M.E. to host 5K and wellness festival Saint Philip A.M.E. Church is hosting the 7th Annual Rev. George Moore, Sr. Stroke Awareness 5K Run/Walk, and 12th Annual Wellness Festival on Saturday, Oct. 1, 8 a.m. to noon, 240 Candler Road, S.E., Atlanta. The race will start and end on the Candler Road side of the church and wind around the historic East Lake Golf Course. The festival will feature over 50 vendors focusing on traditional and alternative medicine, cooking demonstrations, fitness training, preparedness training and a healthy cooking competition. Proceeds from the race will be donated to the American Stroke Association in honor of the Rev. George Moore, Sr., who served as St. Philip’s pastor from 1970-2011. St. Phillip A.M.E. is under the leadership of the Rev. William D. Watley. Register for the race at www.Active.com, or register on race day.
Georgia State University presents natural hair art exhibit
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he Center for Collaborative and International Arts at Georgia State University will present a limited time exhibit entitled “The Hair Craft Project” opening Thursday, Sept. 29, at the Welch School Galleries, 10 Peachtree Center Ave., Atlanta. The exhibition strives to bridge the boundaries between hair salons and art galleries as sites of aesthetics, craft, and skill. The exhibition, which runs through Nov. 11, explores hair as an indicator of race, social status, a symbol of age and authority, a statement of contemporary style, an object of beauty, and adornment. The exhibit is curated by Sonya Clark, an African-American multimedia artist and Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts professor. Clark will give critiques and lectures as part of the Welch School Visiting Artist and Scholar Series on Nov. 9 and Nov. 10. The gallery is open to the public free of charge Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.cencia.gsu.edu.
ATLANTA
Sweet Auburn Music Fest offers free food, fun and music The Sweet Auburn Music Fest will take place Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 1– 2, in the Historic Auburn Avenue District at 320 Irwin Street N.E., Atlanta. The two-day music fest is a blend of music, food and culture featuring upcoming hip-hop acts along with nationally-known R&B, rap and alternative music artists. Attendees can enjoy an art expo and a variety of food trucks and vendors. The event is free and open to the public. Event organizers expect high attendance and recommend taking MARTA to Auburn Avenue. For more information, visit www.sweetauburnmusicfest.com. .DEKALB
Join poet Gwen Russell Green at Stonecrest Library Join award-winning writer Gwen Russell Green as she shares her poetry collection, Woman’s Work, on Monday, Oct. 3, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia. Green is celebrating more than three decades as a professional creative writer in South DeKalb County. An open mic segment will culminate the evening. For more information: 770-482-3828.
GWINNETT
Gwinnett County Library System offers fall planting workshop Join the Gwinnett Public Library on Thursday, Sept. 29, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., for a workshop on fall gardening at the Five Forks Library, 2780 Five Forks Trickum Road, Lawrenceville. The fall months are the best time of the year to plant trees, shrubs and several other types of plants. Take advantage of cooler weather to give plants a greater chance of surviving and thriving. Registration is required by Sept. 27 by contacting the Gwinnett Public Libraries at events@gwinnettpl.org.
Emory University commemorates 50th anniversary of the Black Panthers The James Weldon Johnson Institute at Emory University will host a public conversation commemorating the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense on Thursday, Sept. 29, 6:30 p.m., at the Glenn Memorial Church Auditorium, 1660 N Decatur Road, NE, Atlanta. The dialogue will offer reflection on the Party’s legacy in ongoing struggles for racial justice and honor black women’s leadership in the black power movement. Featured guest Elaine Brown, legendary activist and former chairperson of the Black Panther Party, will be joined by Spelman College professor Beverly Guy-Sheftall in this powerful one-on-one exchange. Doors open at 6 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Free parking is available in Fishburne lot next to the church school. For more information: jamesweldonjohnson.emory.edu .
ROCKDALE
Conyers-Rockdale Library to host local Author Expo Join the Georgia Conservancy and the Yellow River Water Trail for a peaceful 7-mile paddle on the Yellow River and music festival, Saturday, Oct. 1, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Porterdale Train Depot 2001 Main St., Porterdale. Play and picnic along the way while drifting through quiet wooded areas. Enjoy close encounters with some of the local wildlife such as blue herons, kishfishers turtles, deer and otters. This lazy section of river is shallow, sandy-bottomed and slow—great for kids, newbies, and anyone who wants to kick back. Park your boat and grab some craft beer and food at the music festival. For more information or to make reservations: www.georgiaconservancy.org/yellowriver.
Pine Lake to host 16th Annual LakeFest The 16th Annual LakeFest will be held in the city of Pine Lake at the lake on Saturday, Oct. 1, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 2, noon to 6 p.m. The two-day festival showcases handmade art and crafts by 45 local and regional artists, live music, and poetry by Georgia writers and lots of fun activities including crafts for kids, chalk art and sandcastle contests on the beach, a pet show, and “Floatzilla!” a wild water parade led by the “Seed and Feed Marching Abominables.” The music lineup features a variety of styles, with rock n’ roll by Uncle Don’s Band on Saturday night and headliner A.J. Ghent leading a blues safari to close the program Sunday night. Admission and parking are free. For directions and a full schedule of events, visit: www.pinelakefest.com.
Coming Up is compiled by Mackenzie N Morgan. Event details may change at any time. Please always check with the event organizer before you go. To submit your event to Coming Up, email editor@ocgnews.com. We choose events that are free or a nominal cost to our readers. Calendar events are published weekly as space permits.
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DeKalb Firefighters to host 14th Annual Fire Safety Festival
DeKalb County firefighters will host the 14th Annual DeKalb Fire Safety Festival on Saturday, Oct. 1, at The Gallery at South DeKalb, 2801 Candler Road, Decatur. The family fun event will promote fire safety and prevention, kicking off National Fire Prevention Week. The Southwest DeKalb High School Drumline will kick off the festivities at noon. The free festival will feature Cheddar, a Dalmatian who enjoys teaching fire safety, entertainment, demonstrations, a junior firefighter combat challenge, inflatable gyms, rides and other activities. Participants can practice crawling low in a smoked-filled room in the fire safety house. Teens can learn about distracted driving on an obstacle course. DeKalb County firefighters will demonstrate how to rescue someone from a wrecked car in a vehicle extrication exercise. Lowes® will sponsor an interactive build station. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sponsors the National Fire Prevention Week. This year’s theme is “Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years!” A recent survey conducted by NFPA revealed that only a small percentage of people know how old their smoke alarms are, or how often they need to be replaced. That lack of awareness is a concern for the DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department and NFPA. Smoke alarms do not last forever. For more information about the festival or smoke alarms, contact the Public Education Unit at 770-406-7491.
SEPTEMBER 24, 2016 • PAGE 5
KCRB accepting registrations for river cleanup Registration is underway for the Keep Conyers-Rockdale Beautiful (KCRB) Rivers Alive countywide cleanup on Saturday, Oct. 15, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Check in, cleaning supply assignments and other activities will be headquartered at Pine Log Park Pavilion, 1500 GA Highway 138, Conyers. Created by the Department of Natural Resource’s Environmental Protection Division and Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation, Rivers Alive targets waterways as part of an ongoing statewide campaign to clean and preserve more than 70,000 miles of Georgia’s rivers and streams. Volunteers in Rockdale will support the effort locally by helping prevent the pollution of the County’s rivers, streams, creeks, lakes, and wetlands. KCRB encourages civic and neighborhood groups, businesses, Boy and Girl Scout troops, churches, youth groups, individuals, and families to participate. Last year, more than 200 volunteers, including nearly 100 youths, removed tons of garbage and more than 14 tires from several locations throughout the County, as well as covered several miles of waterways. Cleanup supplies will be provided and volunteers will receive free lunch and a T-shirt for participation until noon while supplies last as a thank you. Property owners in unincorporated Rockdale who volunteer are eligible to receive a 5 percent credit on their next Rockdale County storm water utility bill. Registration forms are available online at www.rockdalecountyga.gov and can be sent to kcrb@rockdalecountyga.gov, faxed to 770-278-8914 or dropped off in-person at 958 Milstead Ave., Conyers. The deadline to sign up is Monday, Oct. 10. For questions about Rivers Alive, please email kcrb@rockdalecountyga. gov or call 770-278-7052.
DeKalb Tax Commissioner: Property tax installment due Sept. 30
Hot Flashes? Mood Swings? Night Sweats? Weight Gain?
DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson is reminding DeKalb taxpayers that the due date for the first installment of 2016 real estate and personal property taxes is Friday, Sept. 30. First installment taxes that are not received or postmarked by Sept. 30 will incur a 5 percent late payment penalty, which applies by law. There are drop boxes located on the front and side of the Central Office, located at 4380 Memorial Drive, Decatur. These may be used for overnight and last-minute drop-offs. Another convenient option is payment by electronic check or credit card at: www.dekalbcountyga.gov/taxcommissioner. There is a 2.35% processing fee for all credit card payments on the site. Check payments, however, have no additional fees. Walk-in customers to the Central office, North, or South satellite offices, may pay by cash, check, debit card ($1.50 service fee) or credit card (2.35% service fee). For more information or assistance: www.dekalbcountyga.gov/taxcommissioner; 404-298-4000; or email proptax@dekalbcountyga.gov.
Is this Menopause or Perimenopause? Learn how to distinguish the difference and what options are available.
MARTA to open Fresh pop-up market at Five Points MARTA is celebrating the second year of its Fresh MARTA Market with the opening of a market at the Five Points MARTA Station. “With the expansion of the Fresh MARTA Market concept, we can offer our customers an opportunity to shop for fresh produce without having to make an additional stop,” said MARTA GM/CEO Keith T. Parker. “Our partners at the USDA and the Atlanta Community Food Bank have helped us provide another great amenity to our customers.” The weekly pop-up markets will provide low-income customers access to fresh, healthy foods in transit accessible locations. In addition, customers will be able to double the amount of produce they can purchase per dollar with the Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). “I applaud MARTA’s innovation in partnering with local and community farmers to increase access to Georgia grown foods in Atlanta,” said USDA Food and Nutrition Service Southeast Regional Administrator Robin Bailey, Jr. “Increasing the number of SNAP authorized markets, like MARTA’s Fresh Market, helps make shopping at farmers’ markets an option for all Americans.” The pop-up markets will be managed in partnership with Food Oasis, Community Farmers Market and the Southwest Atlanta Growers Cooperative. The Fresh MARTA Markets also will be at the College Park, H. E. Holmes and West End stations. For more information: www.itsmarta.com.
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PAGE 6 •SEPTEMBER 24, 2016 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Your Voice, Your Vote Elections 2016 DeKalb Democratic Party to host panel discussion with Michael Thurmond
The DeKalb County Democratic Party will host a breakfast meeting featuring Michael Thurmond, Democratic nominee for DeKalb CEO.Thurmond will lead a panel discussion with Democratic leaders and community activists on Saturday, Sept. 24, 9 a.m., at the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. The topic: “Let’s Talk: Local, State and National issues and what is at stake in the upcoming Presidential Election, and how you can help turn out the Democratic voters in DeKalb.” The community is invited.
Forum set for candidates in DeKalb’s District 7 race The Lindmoor Woods Civic Association will host a forum for the eight candidates running for the District 7 seat vacated by Stan Watson. The forum will be held Monday, Sept. 26, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the Tucker Recreation Center, 2803 Henderson Road, Tucker. Each candidate will have five minutes to introduce themselves and their vision for the county. An open house format will follow where each candidate will have a table set up to allow attendees to ask questions and meet one on one. All eight candidates have confirmed they will attend.
Important Dates Oct. 11: Voter Registration Deadline Oct. 17: Early voting begins Nov. 8: Election Day
Rockdale candidates’ forums scheduled
Write-in candidate Courtney Dillard said he is looking forward to two upcoming candidates’ forums that he has been invited to attend. The Global Church Chamber of Commerce is hosting a forum for all Rockdale candidates running for office on Thursday, Oct. 6, 7 p.m., at Nehemiah Empowerment Ministries, 1012 S. Main St., Conyers. The Rockdale-Newton League of Women Voters is hosting a forum on Oct. 13, 7 p.m., at the Rockdale Auditorium, 903 N. Main St., Conyers.
Gwinnett candidate’s forum set Sept. 29 Several community organizations are presenting the 2016 Gwinnett County Candidate’s forum on Thursday, Sept. 29, 6:30 p.m., at New Jerusalem Baptist Church, 422 E. Crogan St., Lawrenceville (one block from the downtown Post Office). The purpose of the forum is to give Gwinnett voters an opportunity to hear candidates discuss the issues of importance to them in this election. The event is free and open to the public. The non-partisan forum will be moderated by former Mayor Kelly Kautz of Snellville. Races on the ballot include: Georgia House District 81, Georgia House District 96, Georgia House District 101, Georgia House District 102, Georgia House District 105, Georgia House District 108, Gwinnett County Board of Commission Chairman and Gwinnett County Board of Commission District 3. The forum is presented by New Jerusalem Baptist Church; the Ebony Society; Gwinnett County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; and Raising Empowered Voices Uplifting People, Inc. DeKalb School Board continued from page 1
Local has spent over $700,000 on television advertising opposing Amendment 1. Opponents say that Deal’s plan cuts money from local schools and makes taxpayers pay for a “whole new set of bureaucrats and an unaccountable political appointee.” Deal’s allies have spent $1 million for television ads featuring state Sen. Freddie Powell Sims, an Albany lawmaker who is one of a handful of Democrats to back the plan in the Legislature. Turner said she is not surprised that Deal’s allies have cranked up their campaigns. “He’s getting money from beer companies and outside of the state,” Turner said. Turner said voters should make sure they have read and understand the question on the ballot, which reads: “Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow the state to intervene in chronically failing public schools in order to improve student performance?” The amendment, which voters will decide on Nov. 8, would allow the state to establish a special Opportunity School District (OSD). In the governor’s proposal, the amendment would authorize the state to temporarily step in to assist public schools the state has identified as “chronically failing.” Chronically failing schools are defined as those scoring below 60 on the Georgia Department of Education’s accountability measure, the College and Career Performance Index, for three consecutive years. DeKalb currently has the largest number of failing schools in Georgia with 26 schools categorized as “failing,” – more than any other school system in the state. DeKalb’s school district is Georgia’s third-largest school system with 102,000 students. In recent months, district officials said it is making strides toward improving these schools and that they will be ineligible for state takeover. “To accomplish our goals of restoring DeKalb’s national reputation for academic excellence and for providing world-class services to our students, staff, and communities, DeKalb County Schools will continue to invest in our children and our teachers,” a statement issued by the board says. “We have demonstrated our commitment over the last year by eliminating all teacher furlough days and granting multiple pay increases for our teachers and staff. We are steadfast in our commitment to improve educational outcomes for all DeKalb students as we transform our schools through rigor, relevance, and relationships. Voting NO to a state takeover of our local schools will allow DeKalb to continue its progress for all our children.” According to Public Education Matters Georgia, a public advocacy group, 32 school boards have gone on the record opposing the Opportunity School District including some high performance school systems. For an updated list of school boards in Georgia opposing Amendment 1, visit the Facebook page Public Education Matters Georgia. Meanwhile, the State Board of Education (SBOE) announced its support of the legislation. The board unanimously passed a formal resolution in support of the Opportunity School District constitutional amendment on Sept. 22. Gov. Nathan Deal applauded the SBOE’s decision. “I commend the members of the State Board of Education for their formal resolution in support of the Opportunity School District,” said Deal. “… Students across our state have been left behind to languish in failing schools for far too long, and I believe Georgia can and must do better. By supporting the Opportunity School District, the State Board of Education is taking a stand against the failing status quo.” The creation of the Opportunity School District would authorize the state to temporarily step in to assist chronically failing public schools and the 68,000 children required by law to attend them. These are schools that have scored an “F” on standardized tests for three or more consecutive years. “The State Board of Education is focused on one thing, and that’s the education of Georgia’s children,” said SBOE Chairman Mike Royal.
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ACA recommends highest ratings for DeKalb Sheriff’s Office
Auditors from the American Correctional Association (ACA) told DeKalb Sheriff Jeffrey L. Mann on Sept. 22 that the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office deserves the national accrediting organization’s highest ratings. The announcement followed an intensive three-day assessment of operations at the DeKalb Sheriff’s Headquarters and Jail that included tours, reviews of some 388 standards files and policies, observation of jail operations, and random interviews with staff members and jail inmates. “This very positive review by the ACA auditors is an extremely proud moment for us,” says Sheriff Mann. “It underscores our commitment to achieving and maintaining the highest possible levels of excellence in public service to DeKalb County.” ACA accreditation is a voluntary assessment program that takes place every three years for participating agencies. The DeKalb Sheriff’s Office was first accredited by the ACA in 2007, and it has been accredited in each cycle since then. ACA accreditation is intended to improve facility operations through adherence to clear standards relevant to all areas/operations of the facility, including safety, security, order, inmate care, programs, justice, and administration. Auditors assess agencies and make a recommendation to the ACA Board for final accreditation decision, scheduled for March 2017. Assessors say the agency is in compliance with 100 percent of mandatory standards and with 99 percent of its non-mandatory standards. Current ACA accreditation places the agency among the only 41 of the 3,083 sheriff’s offices nationwide that merit “Triple Crown” status by the National Sheriffs’ Association for consecutive, simultaneous recognition by all three law enforcement’s accrediting organizations.
Illegal sign cleanup sweep set Sept. 24 DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May and the Board of Commissioners will hold its annual “Sick of Signs” campaign, part of a national effort against the proliferation of illegal signs that blight communities. DeKalb’s “Sick of Signs” sweep will take place on Saturday, Sept. 24, 9 a.m. to noon, beginning at Walmart, 5935 Memorial Dr., Stone Mountain and Walmart, 3580 Memorial Dr., Decatur.
SEPTEMBER 24, 2016 • PAGE 7
Coffee With A Cop DeKalb County Police Department will host Coffee With A Cop on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 8 to 10 a.m., at the IHOP, 2910 Stonecrest Circle, Lithonia, near the Mall at Stonecrest. Community police officers, detectives, Code Enforcement officers and the Precinct Commander will be on hand to answer any questions or concerns. The community is invited.
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People
Kayla McGee surpasses $1,000 goal to raise money for CURE Childhood Cancer
Movers & Shakers in the Community
AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: SUGUNDA JACKSON
K
ayla McGee, the 12-yearold daughter of Kevin and Attorney Dionne McGee, wanted to do something to recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness this month. So the DeKalb County girl set a goal of raising $1,000 to support the CURE Childhood Cancer Foundation. Her mom, however, was happy to report to Facebook friends recently that Kayla surpassed her goal with donors giving more than $3,000 so far. With a few days left in September, she’s hoping more people will show their support. “She is still going strong…. Thanks so much for all of the support,” Dionne McGee said in a Facebook post. Kayla was featured on 11Alive’s Facebook page for her courageous battle with cancer. Kayla was diagnosed with kidney cancer in April 2015. Her whole world suddenly changed and so did that of her mom, dad, and younger sister Amaya, who was 9, after the family learned Kayla was gravely ill. Kayla was trying on dresses for her 7th grade dance when her mother noticed that Kayla’s stomach was slightly enlarged. Concerned, her mom made an appointment for Kayla to see a doctor. Initially, the doctor didn’t think anything was abnormal
Kayla McGee
but after several scans over the next 24 hours, the diagnosis changed--dramatically. Kayla was diagnosed with Wilms Tumor, a form of kidney cancer. She was admitted to the hospital for emergency surgery on her right kidney. Doctors removed a 3-1/2 pound tumor along with Kayla’s right kidney. That was the start of her journey and battle with cancer. Eight weeks later, doctors removed half of her liver. She had to have radiation and chemotherapy. Today, Kayla has had three cancer-free scans and she and her family are excited about her future. They feel a greater sense of compassion for others and a willingness to help others.
Atlanta remembers Atlanta rapper Shawty Lo
A
tlanta rapper Carlos Walker, popularly known as “Shawty Lo,” died in a car crash early on Sept. 20 after leaving a nightclub. Fulton County police said the crash happened around 2:20 a.m. when the 2016 Audi that Walker was driving crashed over a guardrail, hit several trees and caught fire at the Cascade Road exit. Police said the 40-year-old rapper was ejected and died at the scene. Initially, the accident was thought to have been a hitand-run, but was later confirmed as a single car accident. Two women in the car were injured and taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The cause of the accident is still under investigation. Thousands of fans gathered for a vigil the day that Walker was killed to honor the “King of Bankhead”. Known throughout the westside of Atlanta as a leader, the artist was well known for his philanthropic spirit. Shawty Lo rose to fame in the early 2000s and formed the hip-hop group D4L with fellow Atlanta rappers Fabo, Mook-B and Stoney. The group released the popular songs “Betcha Can’t Do It Like Me” and “Laffy Taffy.” Walker was born in Moultrie, Georgia and leaves behind 11 children.
S
ugunda Jackson is receiving kudos and positive feedback on her newly-released children’s book, “At the Fishing Hole.” An “elementary educator in Atlanta, Jackson recently visited Roddenberry Memorial Library in Grady County, where she read her book to a group of children. A native of Climax, Georgia, Jackson has strong ties with the Grady County community. Jackson’s life in the small Southern agricultural town of Climax inspired her to write about her childhood there. Weekends with her grandparents modeled the simplicity of life and the precious moments shared with her grandparents. Jackson says the book is a steppingstone to a movement she has launched. Eager to help children tap into their passions and dreams, Jackson says she is on a mission to encourage literacy one book at a time. With her platform, “SugaLuv Library Project,” Jackson is encouraging families to create personal
libraries in their homes for their children. She believes when children are exposed and modeled to reading, dreams are unlocked. “At the Fishing Hole” is available for purchase at Amazon, Xlibris, Barnes & Noble. For booking inquiries and more information, call 404-939-7621 or email sugaluvgroup@gmailcom.
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