As of Monday, August 26, 2013,

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  • Over the summer, our school system received a letter from SACS stating that we have made progress on our goals. Most people (including Michael Thurmond) feel that we will not lose our accreditation when SACS returns for their official visit in December.
  • Also over the summer, an administrative judge heard arguments regarding the Governor’s removal of DeKalb’s BOE members. Five out of the six removed argued that they should get their jobs back. The administrative judge agreed with the Governor, so the members will not be reinstated and they will not continue on the County payroll. Eugene Walker has filed a lawsuit that will be decided by the Georgia Supreme Court.
  • Last week, parents in the Druid Hills cluster voted overwhelmingly in favor of the Druid Hills Charter Cluster. The petition has been presented to the DeKalb BOE; they will consider it within 60 days. This is the first time that the new charter law is being used in the state. Druid Hills parent organizers hope that their charter will become a model for other clusters. At this time, Lakeside is not pursuing a charter cluster, but Lakeside parents are interested in the the outcome of Druid Hills’s effort.
  • You may have noticed signs around our neighborhood supporting the City of Briarcliff or the City of Lakeside. These movements have gained momentum, but many citizens are calling for a compromise between the two groups. Both groups are commissioning feasibility studies. When the State Legislature is back in session, our legislators will decide which (if any) city lines will be presented to voters.
  • Leaders of DeKalb County’s parent councils recently met for their second Parent Councils United (PCU) summit. PCU is working with Michael Thurmond on a family engagement initiative. The group is also focusing on the 2014 Board of Education elections.
  • Mark your calendars for the next Emory LaVista Parent Council meeting featuring the State of the System address with Superintendent Michael Thurmond. The meeting will take place at Druid Hills High School on September 17th. Refreshments will be served at 6:30 PM with the meeting starting at 7:00 PM.