Muhammad: APS May Come off Probation This Month

Atlanta Board of Education Chair Brenda Muhammad told members of The Georgia Coalition for the People's Agenda Tuesday afternoon that the Atlanta Public Schools expects to come off of probation later this month.

"There will be a response from SAC's in regards to the CRCT scandal at the end on the month (October)," said Muhammad, who was elected as board chair this summer after District 2 representative Khaatim Sherrer El stepped down from the post in July. "Hopefuly, APS will be removed from probationary status." 

SACS put the district on probation in January in the wake of an escalating school board feud and the news of the CRCT cheating scandal. District officials were required to make improvements in policies, board administration and programs benefiting students.

Muhammad also provided the People's Agenda an update on the fate of the first 11 educators investigated in the CRCT cheating scandal. "We should expect to hear about the prosecution of those educators involved in the scandal from the D.A.'s (District Attorney Paul Howard) office this week," Muhammad said, at the meeting, held at the Auburn Avenue Research Library. "Also, we are waiting to hear from the inquest from the Professional Standards Commission."

During a Q & A session, Muhammad responded to a question of how Atlanta Public Schools will address the children that were affected by the scandal. She said, "all the children involved in the schools affected by the scandal will take part in free tutorials." Parents should contact their children's school or visit the APS website for more information:  http://www.atlanta.k12.ga.us 

Furthermore, Muhammad strongly urged parents to be more observant and be more engaged. She said, "Successful schools are where parents are engaged." 

She commended the parent advocacy group, for being very active within the community by being present at all the Board of Education meetings. Also, she recommended that parents let SACS know how the Board of Education is doing.

Muhammad spoke before the , presided and founded by . The coalition is an organized group of representatives from all of the major civil rights/human rights/peace and justice organizations, plus concerned people of conscience.

It is for those individuals interested in achieving a better government, quality education, and criminal, environmental and civil justice.

The agenda is a growing list of political, economic, and racial concerns voiced by the people around the state of Georgia, and the Southeast, with an emphasis on justice.

In regards to the APS scandal, Lowery said, "It is challenging in regards to the Board of Education. There is so much going on. We must show Mrs. Muhammad and the other board members our support. The final results are a reflection on our kids."

The Georgia Coalition for the People's Agenda meets at noon every Tuesday at SCLC Women's Building, 328 Auburn Ave.