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VOLUME 24 NUMBER 4
APRIL 21, 2018
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Dr. Terry O. Oatts
DeKalb County School District Superintendent Dr. R. Stephen Green, along with other district officials, held a press conference addressing the absence of bus drivers on April 19. Photos by Travis Hudgons
DeKalb County School District fires seven involved in bus strike
Rockdale School Board picks Fayette leader as top candidate for Rockdale schools Superintendent
Dr. Terry O. Oatts, Assistant Superintendent for Student Achievement in Fayette County Schools, has been selected the child walked to his mother’s by the Rockdale Board of Education as By Valerie J. Morgan job at McDonald’s to tell her that and Travis Hudgons the school bus never showed up in the sole finalist for Rockdale Schools their neighborhood. Williams said superintendent. Information on Oatts will be available he overheard the conversation and he DeKalb County at the Board office and posted on the district offered to take the child to school. School District (DCSD) website at www.rockdaleschools.org, “There were people in the terminated seven effective Friday, April 20, 2018 and for the McDonald’s who knew me. I gave employees for violating following 14 days prior to the Board taking her my card and drove the little school district policies after nearly final action. boy to Bethune Middle School. 400 bus drivers participated in a Jim McBrayer, Board Chair, applauded I went inside the school to make strike on April 19. Shirley Chesser for serving as interim sure school officials knew that The district delivered superintendent. I was bringing him there,” said termination letters to the seven Superintendent R. Stephen Green. Williams. “On behalf of the Board of employees after reviewing events “The DeKalb County School Education, I want to express our sincere Williams said he was outraged leading to the “sick out.” While District does not compromise appreciation to Mrs. Shirley Chesser for the over the bus driver strike. the district does not discuss when it comes to student safety.” tremendous work she has done as interim “The adults need to sit down specific personnel matters, the Green said during a press superintendent,” McBrayer said. at the table and come to an employees were among a group conference held on the morning of agreement,” Williams said. “Our “Mrs. Chesser will continue in her role found to actively support or the strike that he did not know if as Chief Academic Officer as we strive to students should not be the ones encourage bus drivers not to report any students were stranded at bus fulfill our core mission of student success.” who are punished,” Green said. to work, officials said. The drivers stops as a result of the sickout . He Over the last several months, under the According to the school want better pay and benefits. warned, however, that bus drivers guidance of the Georgia School Boards system, 383 bus drivers did not District officials say DeKalb who did not have a doctor’s excuse report to work April 19, which is Association as search provider, the Board school bus drivers earn about would be punished. 42 percent of the district’s 908 bus completed a survey of its expectations for $19,400 annually and are among “Your actions will have the next superintendent, posted and reviewed drivers. the second-highest paid school bus consequences, and there will be the results of a survey of the community Parents were notified of the drivers in the state. repercussions for putting our driver shortage via text, email and and school district staff to seek input as “We have been clear from children in harms way, said Green. robo-calls; leaving many parents to the characteristics desired in a new the beginning. We will keep an “For every day missed due to the frazzled as they sought alternative superintendent, adopted qualifications for open dialogue with employees sickout, I'm requiring a doctor's the position, approved and disseminated a transportation. provided they work collaboratively note to validate that absence.” recruitment brochure, reviewed applications, The county provides bus and keep our children safe by Meanwhile, some students and interviewed candidates that appeared to service for approximately 66,500 reporting to work. Unfortunately, apparently were left stranded. Ed have closely met qualifications. students to 180 schools and some employees chose Williams, a watchdog in South Seventy-seven candidates viewed or centers. Substitute drivers were another route, and that carries DeKalb, said he took a young boy started an application for the Rockdale serious consequences,” said to Bethune Middle School after SEE STRIKE page 6 Superintendent position. Applications were received from a broad range of applicants from across the country. From these, 37 individuals fully completed and submitted an application and provided all required supporting documentation by the posted deadline. Following review and vetting of all submitted applications, four candidates A DeKalb County Grand Jury has indicted two men for sexually were disqualified for failing to meet required assaulting a 12-year-old boy. The 24-count indictment against 39-yearqualifications; two candidates withdrew; old Kelvin Jermain Armstrong and 47-year-old Kevin Walker includes nine candidates were selected for close charges of Aggravated Sexual Battery, Aggravated Child Molestation, Kelvin Armstrong Kevin Walker review by the board and six candidates were Child Molestation, Cruelty to Children in the First Degree, Enticing selected for interview, as the Board sought to a Child for Indecent Purposes, False Imprisonment, Reckless Conduct of an HIV Infected Person, and drug determine those candidates best qualified for possession. the position. The charges against the defendants stem from an incident on Jan. 29, 2018. According to the investigation, Following deliberations by the Board, the victim was grabbed and forced into a Buford Highway apartment while walking home after missing his one candidate, Dr. Oatts, was determined to school bus. Once inside the apartment, the child was threatened and then sexually assaulted by two men who be the best qualified for the position. later left him there before fleeing the scene in a vehicle. The child quickly escaped and ran to the leasing office The Board will provide further updates for help. Defendants Armstrong and Walker were later identified, questioned by police, and arrested. Both regarding Dr. Oatts, as well as activities remain jailed without bond. and events planned for welcoming him to The case will be prosecuted by the District Attorney’s Sexual Exploitation and Crimes Against Children the Rockdale community and his official (SECAC) Unit. A trial date has not been scheduled. reporting date.
T
HIV positive men indicted in sexual assault of 12-year-old
PAGE 2 • APRIL 21, 2018 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Conyers Police rescue victim of sex trafficking On Friday, April 13, officers with the Conyers Police Department located a female who had been held at the Horizon Extended Stay hotel for the purpose of providing sexual services in exchange for money. The Police Department received a phone call from a friend of the victim who was concerned for her welfare. The investigation that followed led to the arrest of Brad Gaskin, a 36-year-old male from New Jersey. The 20-year-old female from Washington State had recently moved to the Atlanta area, police said. She and Gaskins met in DeKalb County and he offered her a place to stay. For the next two weeks, the victim remained at a hotel room that was provided to her by Gaskins in exchange for answering calls from an ad for sexual services that Gaskins created for her. Officers responded to the room to conduct a welfare check at the request of the victim’s friend and were able identify indications of human trafficking. Gaskin’s returned to the hotel room several hours later and was arrested. He he was charged with trafficking of a person for sexual servitude and aggravated sodomy. 4Sarah, a nonprofit organization that focuses on providing support for women who are victims of sex trafficking, was able to provide housing and resources for the victim.
Montrais Boyd indicted in stabbing death of 5-year-old son A DeKalb County Grand Jury has returned an indictment against a father accused of killing his 5-yearold son. The six count indictment against 25-year-old Montrais Boyd includes charges of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Knife during the Commission of a Felony, and Cruelty to Children in the First Degree (two counts) in connection with the stabbing death of Montrais Boyd, Jr. Montrais Boyd The victim’s body was discovered in a shallow grave at the child’s paternal grandmother’s home on Rocky Pine Drive in Lithonia on Feb. 21, 2018. He had been violently stabbed in the neck and buried outside. The child’s mother, alerted to the crime by other children in the home upon her return, retrieved his body and flagged down police for help. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Defendant Boyd was apprehended by authorities on-site. He remains jailed without bond. The case will be prosecuted by the District Attorney’s Sexual Exploitation and Crimes Against Children (SECAC) Unit. A trial date has not yet been scheduled.
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Pictured L-R: Arabia Principal Rodney Swanson, Patra Williams, Aranta Pena Popo, Samirra Smith, Former DeKalb Tax Commissioner Claudia Lawson and Rotary President Ceasar Gaiters.
Rotary Club of South DeKalb honors six Arabia Mountain High students The Rotary Club of South DeKalb honored its “Laws of Life” essay winners on April 18 at the Community Achievement Center, 4522 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur. DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Courtney Johnson, who served as the keynote speaker, encouraged the students to immerse themselves in literacy, sharing that effective communication is a necessary tool that would help them in their career paths. Johnson told the students that her love for literacy helped her to find “her voice” and led her to the career path that she enjoys today. She said she learned persuasive communication through reading—tools that she needed as an attorney in presenting closing arguments early in her career and tools she now uses as a judge. “As a young girl, one of my most favorite things to do was to read a good book or visit the library
on the weekend to pick out books. My library was the Scott-Library on Candler Road,” said Johnson, who said she was an introvert who was quiet and shy as a child. After Johnson spoke, the Rotary Club of South DeKalb presented $17,000 in awards to the students and their teachers. The awards program, open to high school students in grades 9-12, asks students to write about their life experiences and values such as loyalty, generosity, compassion and courage. The Rotary Club of South DeKalb presented $17,000 in awards to the following students at Arabia Mountain High School in the city of Stonecrest and their teachers: 11th Grade Winner and School Wide Winner: Patra Williams 12th Grade Winners: Samirra Smith along with Jalen Ellzy, Aranta Pena Popo and Janai Tucker
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PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan
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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.
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS April 24 Annual Wrap-Up with state lawmakers, 7 p.m., St. Paul A.M.E. Church, 1704 Stone Mountain-Lithonia Road, Lithonia. The forum will be hosted by Rep. Karen Bennett, Dist. 94; Rep. Doreen Carter, Dist. 92; Rep. Billy Mitchell, Dist. 88; and Sen. Gloria Butler, Dist. 55. Learn how laws passed affect you. April 25 Serving the Underserved: The Road to Economic Self Sufficiency Roundtable, 10 a.m. to noon, Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson, NACO Large Urban County Caucus Chairman, will present the discussion, which is open to the public.
APRIL 21, 2018 • PAGE 3
Six DeKalb churches partner with health department to open exercise facilities to public DeKalb County residents can now get a work-out at church facilities that have partnered with the DeKalb County Board of Health. Through a partnership with the Board of Health and funding from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) grant, six DeKalb churches are now offering fitness classes and open gym hours to the public. Thanks to shared use agreements, each faith-based organization will open its facility to engage community members in physical activity. Adults and youth can participate in activities such as Zumba, basketball, indoor soccer, weight training and walking groups. The goal of the shared use agreement initiative is to reduce the prevalence of chronic disease by increasing physical activity among DeKalb residents.
“This initiative is yet another great example of making access to physical activity resources easier for residents in DeKalb,” said DeKalb County District Health Director S. Elizabeth Ford, M.D., M.B.A. “We challenge other communities of faith to join the movement, as we work together to improve health outcomes in DeKalb County.” According to the Board of Health’s 2015 Status of Health Report, 38 percent of adults are overweight or obese can be a precursor to other chronic diseases, including diabetes and heart disease. Providing access to recreational spaces in communities with limited facilities can help reduce these numbers. The participating churches are: • Saint Philip Community Development Corporation, 240 Candler Rd., SE, Atlanta, 404-371-0749
• K.D. Moore Community Development, Inc., 4007 Church St., Clarkston, 404292-5686 • The Beulah Community Family Life Center, 2340 Clifton Springs Road, Decatur, 678-553-6039 • The Bridge at Austin, 1989 Austin Dr., Decatur, 770-713-5315 • Stronghold Christian Church, 724 Rock Chapel Road, Lithonia, 770322-9010 • Tabernacle of Refuge Ministries, Inc., 6954 Braswell St., Lithonia, 770-484-3498 For a complete list of facilities and hours of operation, visit https://www. dekalbhealth.net/office-of-chronicdisease-prevention/picture-yourselfhealthy. For more information on shared use agreements and other DeKalb County Board of Health wellness initiatives, call 404-508-7847 or e-mail dekalb.ocdp@dph.ga.gov.
Stonecrest City Council deadlocks on rezoning request, SPLOST contract The Stonecrest City Council may have set a record for deadlocks at the longest council meeting it has held since the city government was born a year ago. The council met for seven hours on April 16, starting at 6 p.m. and ending a little past 1 a.m. The Stonecrest City Council deadlocked 3 to 3 on a rezoning request for a 16.79-acre tract at 1882 Coffee Road from M (light industrial) to heavy industrial (M-2). Several questions were raised by the public as to whether the proposed site would be used for industry that might create environmental waste and pollutants after Attorney Bernard Knight said his clients did not yet know how the site would be used. Knight, who represents Daniel H. Kelley, James W. Kelley, Jr. and Judy Keley, said he was seeking the rezoning namely for uniformity with other tracts the family owns in the industrial park. Faye Coffield said during public comments that without knowing what type of business would go on the tract, she could not be in favor of a rezoning. “When you approve it, you can’t change it back,” said Coffield. “I understand we need to have economic
Several zoning questions were raised by the public during the seven hour Stonecrest city council meeting. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan
development. But we were first told this land was going to be given to Amazon.” Dr. Barbara Lee, who also spoke during public comments, concurred. “We need to be careful when we don’t know what the plans are,” Lee said, noting that would be like giving someone a blank check. Knight acknowledged the public’s concerns, but said he felt it was important to show activity. “Ms. Coffield actually makes a good point about Amazon. We have not rejected Amazon. This is not something inconsistent with Amazon. We continue to hope that lightning will strike and Amazon will come, but if it doesn’t, you don’t want to have sat and done
nothing,” said Knight. The council also deadlocked on awarding a multi-million dollar contract to Grice Consulting for the management of the city’s SPLOST program. Mayor Jason Lary urged the council to consider other options after explaining that Grice Consulting invoiced the city for large sums of money immediately after being brought on board in August 2017. Lary said the city received the first invoice of $56,840, just 10 days after the City Council voted for the firm. The second invoice of $14,840 was received on Oct. 1, 2017. The mayor said Grice billed the city a total of $162,000 through November 2017, including $20,000 for handling SPLOST public meetings. He said John Funny, who is CEO of Grice Consulting, provided no details for the scope of work or evidence of deliverables. “I want you to tell me: What did (he) do for my entire year’s salary?” Lary said referring to the $20,000 bill related to the SPLOST public meetings. “Citizens, it’s my job and the council’s job to take care of your money.”
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Conyers says goodbye to “The Originals,” welcomes more Warner Brothers films By Valerie J. Morgan The Originals, filmed in Conyers since 2013, has finished its five-year stint in the city. Conyers officials marked the premiere of the fifth and final season of the vampire episodes, which aired on April 19, tweeting that the white oak stake prop used in “The Originals” is now on loan to the Carter Library. The prop is part of an exhibit highlighting President Jimmy Carter’s role in the creation of the first Georgia Film Commission in 1973 when he was governor. “That stake, apparently, is the only thing that can kill a vampire,” said Jennifer Edwards, director of the city’s PR and Tourism Department. “We haven’t figured out yet what we’re going to do with it, but we are planning to get it back and use it in our tourism efforts.” People come from around the world to Conyers to see the places where the scenes were shot from The Originals, Edwards said. The city received several other props used in the series after production was completed in December 2017. “They gave us some gravestones, angels, pieces of wrought iron gate, and boxes of Mardi Gras beads,” said Edwards. City officials say although the
Olde Town Conyers served as the New Orleans’ French Quarter setting for The Originals.
production of “The Originals” has ended, the film industry is still booming in Rockdale County. “Warner Brothers, which filmed The Originals, has already signed up to lease another 300,000 square feet for productions,” said Gina Hartsell, Conyers-Rockdale Economic Development Film Office and project manager. “They’ve committed to another five years. They have boosted not only economic development but tourism, with people coming from as far away as Germany wanting to see the places where films such as The Originals have been made here.” Over the years, Warner Brothers and 20th Century Fox, Hartsell said, have leased a combined total of
about 500,000 square feet for their productions in Conyers. “Conyers and Rockdale County have benefited greatly from the film industry. When film crews come, they spend lots of money,” Hartsell said. “Just to give you an example, The Originals’ Georgia Power bill was over $40,000 a month. “They had 300 full-time employees and hundreds of extras who worked on set. Just about everyone who lives here has someone in their family who has worked in or been involved with film.” Hartsell pointed out that several residents have opened their homes or properties for filming crews, while others have provided services
such as catering, construction and makeup artistry. “We’ve got a lot of people in our community who are film friendly and we have a range of landscapes that can be used in films. We’ve got homes from the 1800s to modernday mansions,” Hartsell said. Film crews also have found ideal sets in places such as Rockdale County’s Costley Mill Park, which offers beautiful, rustic landscapes that are adaptable, as well as the International Horse Park. Hartsell said even businesses that were not part of the set have benefited, receiving compensation for their inconvenience when streets were closed for filming.
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CITY OF STONECREST PLANNING COMMISSION, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, MAY 1ST 2018 AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD LITHONIA, GA 30038
DeKalb restocks Clarkston Lake with nearly 1,600 fish DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond, Department of Watershed Management and the City of Clarkston leaders restocked Crystal Pond in Clarkston with more than 1,600 fish Wednesday, April 18. Thurmond committed to fully restocking the pond after a Feb. 18 sewer spill, caused by a blockage of grease, disposable diapers and wipes, resulted in fish loss. Immediately after the incident, the county began a 28-day restoration project that included cleaning nearby sewer mains, removing debris and water testing. The county will continue proactive efforts in this location to prevent future spills, including routine sewer main cleanings every three months and thorough assessments to make needed infrastructure repairs in six months.
PET OF THE Week
LifeLine Animal Project presents its DeKalb County Animal Services Pet of the Week, Tia. This three-year-old is short and sweet and full of personality. If you’d like a new family member who is always happy and doesn’t complain, Tia is the one! She has a five-star personality, and enjoys making human and doggie friends wherever she goes. She also loves all dog toys and can entertain herself with them for hours. Come fall in love with Tia today by dropping by LifeLine’s DeKalb County Animal Services shelter at 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, emailing adoptions@ dekalbanimalservices.com or calling 404- 2942165.
CITY OF STONECREST MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, MAY 21ST 2018 AT 6:00 P.M. CITY OF STONECREST, 3120 STONECREST BLVD STONECREST, GA 30038 The following Land Use Petition located within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above. LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED ZONING:
RZ-18-002 Beverly J. Searles Foundation 6757 Covington Hwy C-1 (Local Commercial) District MR-2 (Medium Density Residential) District Conditional PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT: Request to rezone property to construct senior living facility LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
SLUP-18-002 Pawanjit Kavr 6721 Covington Hwy C-1 (Local Commercial) District C-1 (Local Commercial) District Request Special Land Use Permit to construct liquor store.
TEXT AMENDMENT: PETITIONER: PROPOSED AMENDMENT:
TMOD 18-0003 City Staff Amendment to Article IX, Section 9.1.3 to add a definition for “Short Term Vacation Rental”.
TEXT AMENDMENT: TMOD 18-0004 PETITIONER: City Staff PROPOSED AMENDMENT: Amend IV, Table 4.1 Use Table as to the permitted locations of Short Term Vacation Rentals, Amend Article IV, Section 4.2.5.8 to provide supplemental regulations for Short Term Vacation Rentals, Amend and Adopt. TEXT AMENDMENT: TMOD 18-0005 PETITIONER: City Staff PROPOSED AMENDMENT: Chapter 14, in its entirety, relating to Land Development, subdivision, soil and erosion, and tree regulations.
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APRIL 21, 2018 • PAGE 5
Local ambassadors share March of Dimes mission
The Goss family—Stephanie, Matt, Colton and Blakely—have been named the 2018 March For Babies Ambassador Family for Rockdale, Newton and Walton counties. Ambassadors bring to life the mission of the March of Dimes, sharing how they have been affected and helped by research, programs, advocacy, or educational campaigns funded by the organization. Since 1946, families have represented the
organization in this distinct volunteer role. The Goss family Journey with March of Dimes began in 2016 when at 21 weeks, Stephanie Goss was admitted to the hospital on complete bed rest due to a slow rupture in the amniotic sac surrounding the baby. After some situations that could have threatened both the life of mother and baby, the decision was made to induce labor. At 23 weeks, baby Olivia Goss
was born at 1 pound, 1 ounce and 11 inches long. Sadly, for the Goss family, Olivia did not survive. But this is not the end of their story. Stephanie has since given birth to a healthy and thriving baby girl named Blakely who is now a year old. While the Goss family had been involved with the mission of the March of dimes for many years prior, they formed their own fundraising team in honor of Olivia and to date have raised
more than $6,100 to improve the health of mothers and babies. The Rockdale / Newton / Walton March for Babies 5K walk event will take place May 5 at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers. Registration opens at 9 a.m. and the walk starts at 10 a.m. For more information regarding this family friendly event visit www. marchforbabies.org/event/rockdale or call JaNice Van Ness at 770-356-7301.
DeKalb community leader David Manuel thankful for organ donor, encourages others to give the gift of life
R
ecently, David Manuel posted a picture of himself on Facebook sporting a dapper striped jacket and checked dress shirt, announcing proudly: “Today is National Donate Life Blue & Green Day! I am wearing my colors!!” Manuel, Recreational and Cultural Arts Manager, received nearly 100 “likes” on the photo from friends cheering him on with thumbs up and hearts on his social media page. Those who are close to Manuel know that he has come a long way. Three and a half years ago, his future was bleak. He didn’t know if he would live. He says God granted him grace and a new lease on life after he received a liver transplant. The sudden
death of a 21-year-old man who had a seizure made it possible for Manuel to receive the liver he needed to live. As April is observed across the country as National Donate Life Month, Manuel is doing his part to spread the message that organ donors are critical and he is especially encouraging African Americans and Hispanics to sign up to become donors. “Everyday 22 people die waiting on organs and 60 percent of them are African Americans and Hispanics,” said Manuel. Manual said he can’t thank his donor family enough for saving his life. Their unselfish decision to give the organs of their loved
David Manuel
one meant someone else could live. Dylan, a young white man, gave his organs to five men, including Manuel. “Dylan was the same age as my son and I will be forever grateful for him,”
said Manuel, who received his gift of life on Oct. 29, 1014. Two weeks after his surgery, Manuel wrote a letter to the donor family to express his deep gratitude for his second chance at life. He did not receive a response, however, until Mother’s Day of 2017 when the phone rang unexpectedly. It was his donor’s mother. She shared that in life, Dylan had been creative, outgoing and funny. He loved paintball and horses. Because Dylan had not made a decision about organ donation before he passed, the opportunity was presented to his family and his parents chose to save lives—like Manuel’s— through organ donation.
Manuel and his wife, Karren, traveled to Dylan’s hometown in Louisiana, to meet Dylan’s mother and sister (Dylan’s father had passed in 2015) and to thank them in person. The four spent the day sharing stories. Now, these two families are connected for life and consider each other to be extended family, Manuel said. “I wouldn’t be here today, if someone hadn’t given me the gift of life,” Manuel said in retrospect. “Everything I do in my life, I do for my family, and now my extended family, in memory of Dylan.” Contact Donate Life Georgia to find out how you can become a donor at 866577-4273.
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used to help cover the 899 routes. Additionally, the county received drivers from City Schools of Decatur and third-party vendors. Green applauded and thanked the bus drivers who came to work Thursday morning, saying that some drivers were threatened by their peers. “You demonstrated that you felt it was a higher priority than a list of demands that you be here for our children and not put them in harms way, he said. You have shown the district good faith by addressing your concerns without sacrificing your duty.” Green said that he met with more than 300 bus driver on April 18 to listen to their concerns over pay, benefits and retirement. Green told reporters he is committed to addressing those concerns. Parents are encouraged to stay
informed with the district through robo-calls, text messages, the district’s web site (http://www. dekalbschoolsga.org/) and news reports. Parents should discretion as to whether to provide their own transportation for their students. The district is working with other local school systems and firms that provide temporary drivers to ensure safe and effective travel for students. Some buses, Green said, may arrive and pick up a little later than usual. There will be no consequences to students scheduled to take the Georgia Milestones and arrive late as a result of bus transportation issues. The District will work to find time for students to take the test. For transportation questions pertaining to a late or missed bus, please call 678-676-1200 during normal business hours.
DeKalb County School District announces Class of 2018 valedictorians and salutatorians The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is proud to announce, celebrate and honor the valedictorians and salutatorians for the 2017-2018 school year. Each year, at every DCSD high school, the senior student with the highest cumulative grade point average is named as the class valedictorian. The student with the second-highest grade point average is named the salutatorian. In rare cases, when students’ grade point averages are tied, the students are named co-valedictorians or co-salutatorians. “It is with great pride that I congratulate the valedictorians and salutatorians for the Class of 2018,” said Superintendent/CEO Dr. R. Stephen Green, adding the students named today will play a pivotal role in shaping the future. The following individuals are DCSD’s Class of 2018 valedictorians and salutatorians: Arabia Mountain Magnet Valedictorian - Camille Jones Salutatorian - Richard Taylor Arabia Mountain Resident Valedictorian - Odette Nawoue Salutatorian - Chandler Shaw Cedar Grove Valedictorian - Chancelor Mitchell Salutatorian - Ceneida Brown Chamblee Charter Magnet Valedictorian - Sakshi Sehgal Salutatorian - Brian Kang Chamblee Charter Resident Valedictorian - Aminur Ali Salutatorian - Khawla Nirjhar Clarkston Valedictorian - Richard Tran Salutatorian - Iradukunda Tresor Columbia Magnet Valedictorian - Kariyah Muhammad Salutatorian - Genet Woldtsadik Columbia Resident Valedictorian - Rayeanna Motley Salutatorian - James Karanja Cross Keys Valedictorian - Mario Becerra Aleman Salutatorian - Yuyan Ke DeKalb Early College Academy Valedictorian - Sydnie Cobb Salutatorian - Kelis Johnson DeKalb School of the Arts Valedictorian - Richard Wagner Co-Salutatorians - Emilie Brandt Amy Coon - Ella Leeth Druid Hills Valedictorian - Maya Rajan Co-Salutatorians - Lisa Medford Lydia Medford Dunwoody High Valedictorian - Shreya Nainwal
Co-Salutatorians - Alexandra Buhl Caitlin Howie Martin Luther King, Jr. Valedictorian - Jamie Dillard Salutatorian - Hannah Petty Lakeside Valedictorian - Neha Sehgal Salutatorian - Adrina Bradley Lithonia Valedictorian - Mariama Marble Salutatorian - Erys Murchison-Wyche Ronald E. McNair Valedictorian - Skyler Walker-Harris Salutatorian - Amanda Ogletree Miller Grove Valedictorian - Imani Morrison Salutatorian - Zaniah Dameron Redan Valedictorian - Liliana Reyes Salutatorian - Benjamin Holmes Southwest DeKalb Magnet Valedictorian - Morgan Banks Salutatorian - Kayla McKinney Southwest DeKalb Resident Valedictorian - Tea’ White Salutatorian - Janay Minor Stephenson Valedictorian - Franklin Smith Salutatorian - Jada Raphael Stone Mountain Valedictorian - Cameron Moore Salutatorian - Lyndy Le Towers Valedictorian - Midjina Richard Salutatorian - Michael Pollard Tucker Valedictorian - Revaz Sharma Salutatorian - Makeda Dereje
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APRIL 21, 2018 • PAGE 7
Rockdale school social workers honored with Laura Barnes award Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) school social workers named Katy King, art teacher at Gen. Ray Davis Middle School, and the Bible Church of God—Atlanta in Conyers, led by Pastor William L. Robinson and First Lady Victoria Robinson, as the 2018 Laura Barnes Honorary Social Workers. This is the 11th year of the award, which recognizes one person or organization in the community and one person in the school system for exemplifying the traits of a social worker in their tireless efforts to help the families of Rockdale County. The award is named in memory of beloved RCPS social worker, Laura Barnes, who passed away in 2012. Katy King was honored for launching the Empty Bowls dinner fundraiser seven years ago at Ray Davis Middle School to fight hunger in the community. Ticket proceeds
benefit Rockdale Emergency Relief's food pantry. The event features a meal of soup, salad, and dessert donated by the school, local businesses, and local churches. Participants take home a handmade ceramic bowl created by art students to remind them of the "empty bowls" families face in the community. Members of the Bible Church of God - Atlanta located in Conyers, led by Pastor William L. Robinson and First Lady Victoria Robinson, serve the community in a variety of ministry and outreach activities, including volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House and local assisted living facilities in Rockdale. The church has provided many meals, personal care kits, holiday assistance, temporary housing/shelter, and financial assistance to many RCPS students and families in need.
Pictured left to right: School social worker Angela Asprino; Director of Community and Support Services April Fallon; School Social Worker Stephanie Griffin; DMS art teacher Katy King; RCPS School Social Worker Rena Glass-Dixon; Bible Church of God - Atlanta in Conyers First Lady Victoria Robinson; RCPS Homeless Liaison Kathia Brown; School Social Worker Nancy Bogardts; and Bible Church of God Atlanta in Conyers Pastor William L. Robinson.
On Common Ground News Marketplace LAWN CARE
CHURCH
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HEALTH SERVICES
LEGAL
TRAVEL
CREDIT REPAIR
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
PAGE 8 • APRIL 21, 2018
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