The Georgia State Board of Education agreed to give DeKalb school board members time to address issues set forth by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The state board summoned DeKalb board members to the hearing after SACS put the district on probation last month.
"I assure you that we fully realized the seriousness and gravity of this situation, and we are wholeheartedly committed to taking the appropriate steps necessary to address each of the 11 actions with plans and progress before this committee reconvenes," DeKalb County School Board Chairman Gene Walker told the state board.
Walker said they are willing to do what it takes to get off of probation.
"This is a sincere, conscious and collective choice, the board made to accept and work successfully to satisfy the required actions by SACS. We truly believe that in accepting and following this course of action, ultimately we will be more functional and effective board," Walker said.
The State Board of Education summoned the board members to the hearing, requesting evidence as to why they should not recommend the governor suspend them with pay.
"I'm disappointed, angry and embarrassed at our plight. Disappointed that my number one goal of ensuring a quality education for all DeKalb County students has taken a back seat to adult issues," said DeKalb County School Board member Pamela Speaks.
Board members asked to grant a consent order giving the school board a chance to address and rectify the issues laid out in the December SACS report. The non-governmental agency placed the school system on probation after uncovering violations, including having inappropriate behavior at meetings and mismanagement of supervision of funds.
A second hearing has been set for Feb. 21 for a progress report on how the school system is addressing those problems.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:45 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:45:08 GMT
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground.
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground. Both victims are 6-year-old boys who are in kindergarten at Rocky Plains Elementary School, where the attack happened.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:32 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:32:36 GMT
Testimony continued Wednesday in a Fulton County courtroom in the case of a Sandy Springs man accused of gunning down his wife.
Testimony continued Wednesday in a Fulton County courtroom in the case of a Sandy Springs man accused of gunning down his wife. Prosecutors say Michael Parson shot his wife, Adina, eight times in April 2012 outside their apartment.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:28 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:28:25 GMT
Authorities have canceled an Amber Alert for a 1-year-old girl after she was found safe.
Authorities have canceled an Amber Alert for a 1-year-old girl after she was found safe. They say 1-year-old Annya Buchannon was in the back of a car that was stolen just after midnight from the Playskool Daycare on Conley Road in Forest Park.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:24 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:24:23 GMT
Atlanta fire crews are battling a huge, two-alarm blaze at an automotive business downtown.
Atlanta fire crews battled a huge, two-alarm blaze at an automotive business downtown on Wednesday morning. Authorities say the fire sparked at United Transmission Service, which is located at 350 Marietta Street NW.
State Representative Tyrone Brooks appeared in federal court on Wednesday morning to answer to fraud charges. Brooks pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Judge Alan Baverman.
State Representative Tyrone Brooks appeared in federal court on Wednesday morning to answer to fraud charges.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:53 AM EDT2013-05-22 15:53:01 GMT
Five people made a quick escape from a MARTA bus just before it was hit by a train Tuesday morning.
Five people made a quick escape from a MARTA bus just before it was hit by a train Wednesday morning. Fire crews say the bus stalled on the railroad tracks in downtown Decatur, and those onboard had just seconds to get out before an oncoming train hit it.
The Gainesville City Council is moving ahead with a study to determine the feasibility of a new convention center and hotel in the northeast Georgia city.
The Gainesville City Council is moving ahead with a study to determine the feasibility of a new convention center and hotel in the northeast Georgia city.
