An online movement to have DeKalb County's school board replaced is gaining momentum just as the school board prepares to go before the state Board of Education to fight for their jobs.
Last month, the state's third largest school district was put on probation for a year. On January 17, school board members will have to present evidence explaining why the governor should not suspend the board with pay.
Lakeside High School sophomore Grace McKenna said that she is so frustrated with the situation that she has launched an online petition to have the school board replaced by the governor.
"I didn't think that it was fair, that we were being punished as students for the things that the school board has done," said McKenna.
The 15-year-old created the petition on Dec. 17, the same day the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools put DeKalb on probation, citing gross financial mismanagement and rampant problems in personnel and hiring procedures.
"The decline of the DeKalb County school system has absolutely nothing to do with the schools and the incredible people who work in them," said Julie McKenna, Grace's mother.
DeKalb Schools Chairman Eugene Walker promised that the board would work closely with SACS to address their concerns and avoid losing accreditation.
Grace's mother isn't convinced. Neither are the more than the nearly 800 people who have signed Grace's petition.
"I personally do not believe that the people who created the problem can fix the problem," said Julie McKenna.
Walker told FOX 5's Portia Bruner on the phone that it would be inappropriate to comment about the upcoming meeting with state officials or any other matters related to the district's probation.
Parents plan to attend the Jan. 17 meeting in droves to hear the board defend why they should stay in office.
Thursday, May 23 2013 1:33 PM EDT2013-05-23 17:33:35 GMT
The wives of first responders in Atlanta took to the picket line on Thursday morning to demand a salary hike for city workers.
The wives and family members of first responders in Atlanta took to the picket line on Thursday morning to demand a salary hike for city workers. They say their loved ones are forced to work extra jobs just to make ends meet, leaving little time for family.
Thursday, May 23 2013 1:06 PM EDT2013-05-23 17:06:09 GMT
The fox responsible for biting two Newton County elementary school students while they played on their school's playground remains on the loose.
The fox that bit two Newton County elementary school students while they played on the playground is still on the loose. Animal control authorities tell FOX 5 someone from Rocky Plains Elementary School reported a fox sighting on campus one day before the boys were attacked.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:31 AM EDT2013-05-23 12:31:23 GMT
Later today, Georgia State Rep. Tyrone Brooks is expected to speak publicly about his recent arrest on fraud and tax charges. Brooks was arraigned in federal court on Wednesday.
Later today, Georgia State Rep. Tyrone Brooks is expected to speak publicly about his recent arrest on fraud and tax charges. Brooks was arraigned in federal court on Wednesday.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:32 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:32:32 GMT
As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, we'll pause to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, we'll pause to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It's also a great time to thank veterans for their service to our country—veterans just like World War II American hero Lew Fern.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:56 AM EDT2013-05-23 04:56:30 GMT
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:55 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:55:59 GMT
A local woman says she's trying to rebuild her life after storms hit this past weekend and destroyed her home.
A local woman says she's trying to rebuild her life after storms hit this past weekend and destroyed her home. Just one day later, some of her family members were in Oklahoma near where the tornado hit.
