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Published Friday, June 26, 2009 in Local
School transfer law does not apply in Coweta
The Newnan Times-Herald
A new state law allows parents to transfer their children to a different school -- under certain circumstances -- but the new rules will not apply in Coweta County.
"Federal desegregation court orders that still govern the Coweta County School System" will prevent the system from implementing House Bill 251, according to Dean Jackson, public information officer for the Coweta County School System.
HB 251 -- also known as the Quality Basic Education Act -- was signed into law by Gov. Sonny Perdue on May 5. The law takes effect Wednesday and allows for transfers within a school district.
Alisha Morgan, Margaret Kaiser, Ed Setzler and Dee Dawkins-Haigler sponsored the bill in the Georgia House, and Dan Weber sponsored it in the Senate.
The new law "allows student transfers to schools where space is available," Jackson said.
The Georgia Department of Education has notified Coweta County -- and other systems still under federal desegregation orders -- that the desegregation order takes precedence over House Bill 251.
Coweta County has been working to satisfy U.S. Justice Department requirements to have the desegregation orders removed. The process that has required parents to prove residency each year is part of that process.
The school system has posted a letter to parents on the Coweta County Schools' Web site addressing the issue. The letter reads: "As the parent or guardian of a student in a Georgia School System, currently enrolled in our school district, we are writing to notify you that under a new state law you may be allowed to request to transfer your child to another public school in the same school district.
"Under this law, a parent or guardian, can request to have his or her child transferred to another public school within the assigned school district of residence as long as the school district has determined that there is available classroom space at the school after all assigned students have been enrolled, and as long as the school system is not under any court approved desegregation orders that would not allow the transfer.
"The Coweta County School System is currently under a desegregation order and will not be allowed to implement transfers under this new state law at this time. Once the Coweta County School System has been released from the desegregation order by the Justice Department, we will post guidelines for these transfers on this Web site."
The letter suggested parents with questions contact Dr. Steve Barker, the Coweta system's director of administrative services, at steve.barker@cowetaschools.org or at 770-254-2802.
A desegregation court order affecting the Coweta County School System and other school districts has governed the county's policies since 1973. In November 2006, the Coweta County Board of Education and the Justice Department's civil rights division "entered into a mutual consent decree in federal court in an attempt to resolve the 1973 court order," Jackson said. "To meet the terms of the decree, the school system has had to provide extensive documentation on school districting and other items over the course of a minimum two-year period."
Jackson said the Coweta system has met the requirements of the decree during that period, and is awaiting word from the Justice Department about the matter. "The terms of the decree and the 1973 court order still stand until the matter is resolved by the federal court," he said.
Information on the Georgia Department of Education's Web site indicated systems not affected by court orders must "adopt a universal, streamlined process available to all students to implement the new transfer requirements" by July 1 and notify parents by July 1 of each year regarding "which schools have available space and which of these schools parents may choose to request a transfer for their children."
Notification can be by letter, e-mail, posting on a Web site or publication in the local newspaper.
School systems can establish a transfer request period of at least 14 days or choose to "accept students throughout the school year as additional space becomes available," according to Georgia DOE.
School systems may consider such factors as projected enrollment, maximum class sizes and available teachers in deciding where space is available. Systems may also decide "if portable classroom space is or is not included in its definition," according to DOE. "Nothing in the Georgia Department of Education model framework requires local school districts to secure additional space."
Systems must put priorities on transfers relating to existing regulations. The provisions of House Bill 251 do not apply to charter schools or to schools that are less than four years old.
The Georgia Association of Educators urged passage of HB 251 in its original form. GAE also called for "a legislative study of the effect of intradistrict transfers" and the creation of "opportunities that encourage individuals to remain in their home districts for education purposes."
Comment On This Story
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School board says no to Charter School, says no to transfers, so obviously they make the choices for parents now.....truly, truly has to do with federal and state funding; As a tax payer with HB251, charter schools, transfers and home schooling are choices of parents that will change Coweta's Board of Educational funding. Parents have choices, Mr Bass should start allowing parents to get involved; teachers have no automy, either do parents; Coweta needs to get into the 21st Century. The people need to rise up, get to the school board meetings and ask the questions.
Posted by Parent at 5:51 PM
First, regarding the desegregation ruling, Congress should pass laws affecting the entire country, not just certain areas. Secondly, the transfer rule is wrong. The focus should be on "fixing" the problem school - and quickly. Next, there are many quality teachers, 70% or more of the total but they all face problems they have no control over. [If you want to know who the bad teachers are, ask the students or, better still, their fellow teachers. The same is true for students.] Finally, I am most familiar with the high schools, but all schools offer great opportunities. Just my opinion.
Posted by Peter Skrmetti at 10:34 PM
I can understand where you are coming from. Then, there is the conflict between home and school. You do a fine job, but there are only a few like you. Most of these kids are afraid to address the issue of needing help. Some parents are single parents, and probably work two jobs.
Posted by DJ at 8:23 PM
Captain thank you for your insightful words full of truth. I fight this battle with my students daily. No matter how good I try to be or how I try to reach each student I can not compete with the influence of their families. If the home doesn't value education to the highest then the child won't either and the investment will not be there. That is not to say there are not problems with our system that need to be addressed, but until homes and teachers work together to value and educate children they can not form a strong team to change the system.
Posted by thankful educator at 3:50 PM
I have been a part of the Coweta County School System for over 15 years. I am also a military retiree and have literally traveled around the world to more countries than many have heard of. What I have learned is that in many cases it is not the lack of the ability of any educational institution to teach it's children it's the demographics of the families within that institutions boundaries. Unfortunately, throughout this country we still have generations of parents that are victims of the lack of importance of education. Some because of the fact that running a farm didn't require someone to have a "formal" education. This doesn't mean these folks were ignorant. They just lack the techniques it takes to successfully complete a structured environment. Does this hurt them? Probably not. But it does hurt the children of this generation required to compete in this structured environment. Until we can depend on the families of our students to be able to support the structure our school system is providing our students we will not move forward. So before you place the blame on the School System and it's staff that have to deal with "your" inadequacies, take a look in the mirror and ask how you have influenced you child's education. The school systems responsibility is to educate your children, not raise them. Let's stop calling each other names and putting blame on others. As parents we brought our children into this world. We are responsible for them.
Posted by Captain at 1:14 PM
At 3 different parent/teacher conferences at Arnall Middle School, we were told by the teachers that the principal would not allow them to give a grade lower than 65.. even if the student only earned a 30. "65 is still failing, why make it look worse." Gee, I dont know... because it's honest? Our son carried a B average thru Elem, has always scored Above Average on CRCTs, yet couldnt get above a "D" in the classrooms at Arnall. Looking at graded papers, he should have failed, yet every teacher passed him. Wonder what the state would think?
Posted by CB at 2:59 AM
Our generation is spoiled and used to getting everything that we want. When change comes about and we don't like, we will find a way, pull some strings, complain enough, and we expect to get our way. Well, it isn't going to happen this time. I don't care who you know, how long you have lived in Coweta, or who your daddy is. The Federal Government says no and that is that. Get over it and focus on educating your child. Things could change this school year and then the foot stomping can begin again.
Posted by NS at 12:22 AM
For your info Bubba is a straight shooter. I am sure your not smart enough to know what that means.
Posted by Dash Riprock at 11:10 PM
Great comments you all hit the nail on the head. Big Cat for your info I didn't grow up in Georgia. I have lived here since 2000 since retiring from the military. I don't brag just state the facts. From your comment you must have grown up around here. Are you the one of the ones sitting on your front porch on hwy 16 that I see everyday when I go and come from work? I bet you are. Waiten on the mailman to bring that welfare check I bet.
Posted by Bubba B Bad at 11:08 PM
I'm told "there are plenty of students in the Coweta County School System, not just" mine. Let's see who accepted some of the others. I'll name just a very few: UGA, Georgia Tech, Georgia State, LaGrange, Wake Forest, Florida State, Alabama, Ole Miss, LSU, Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, West Point, Nebraska, Iowa, Northwestern, Boston U, New York University, Mount Holyoke, Dartmouth, and Penn.
Posted by Peter Skrmetti at 8:48 PM
Yes he does happen to be an educator. He was one of my favorite teachers in High School and he took time to really teach. If every student would take the time to study and apply themselves they could go to good schools. I attended a very good private college. You get out what you put in, it's that simple. The problem usually lies in the homes and parents of kids who don't do well in school. blame them for their disinterest in the lives of their children not the school system.
Posted by Chad at 6:33 PM
I think it would be interesting to analyze the number one state (in education) and Georgia. Obviously, there are areas where we could improve, but I would like to know where they go right and how that compares to Georgia and where we are going wrong. It would serve as an opportunity for learning.
Posted by simplyput at 5:28 PM
He knows all and braggs. Must be a true home grown good ole boy. What a joke you are. Good reflection on Coweta County you are.Keep em coming, Your a HOOT. These people are jerking your chain big time.
Posted by Big Cat at 4:12 PM
You and I have talked before and I know you have lived all over. Its funny how these people will slam ya then when you do it back they get all bent out of shape. Its like the liberal slam Bush for 8 years and conservatives slam Obama and all of a sudden its wrong. I think the clueless Randy is the hysterical newnan mom's husband. lol
Posted by Bubba B Bad at 2:29 PM
I agree with you Bubba, Coweta county has biggest bunch of cry babies in the state.
Posted by Dash Riprock at 1:44 PM
Would you like for me to name the 20 foreign countries I have traveled to? ALso all of the states I have traveled to? I spent over 20 years in the Air Force. If you think it is so bad here then move out. I believe a worldwide tour for you is Senoia, Griffen etc. I also work for a major airline. Aren't you the one that works at the Wendys drive=thru? Let me know and I will name the countries and states I have lived in and traveled to.
Posted by Bubba B Bad at 1:42 PM
Bubba B Sad, you are right about everything. We can get everything straight with your help. Have traveled the world also and you are joking. Took you serious until you said that. Coweta is behind and most of us that have traveled know this. Sad Bubba B. Newnan Mom said it best. Don't agree with Bubba B Sad and get his wrath. I am waiting.
Posted by Randy of Newnan at 10:48 AM
Newnan mom is the perfect example of a hysterical womam who doesn't know what the real world is like except through the soap operas that she watches on TV. For your info I wasn't ugly to anyone that wasn't ugly to me first. You said what I said it is a federal issue. I have lived all over the world and believe me Coweta County is a lot further ahead then a lot of places in this country. Try to get out more and you will see there is a big world out there.
Posted by Bubba B Bad at 5:19 PM
Bubba B Bad is a good example of why our county is running in reverse. If you don't agree with him then he has nothing else to fall back on, but being ugly. He is the kind we don't need in this county. Time to catch up people. It is a federal issue that could have been taken care of years ago. Bubba B Bad will keep Coweta County right where they are now. Running behind.
Posted by Newnan Mom at 1:19 PM
It may have something to do with you being an educator. I'm sure that you want everyone to think that it's Bread & Butter. Let's be real. It's about the money that these students can bring this system. There are plenty of student in the Coweta County School System, not just yours.
Posted by DJ at 12:33 PM
This civil action case required the review for 2006 and 2007; if Coweta County did not pass their review with flying colors, then please investigate why or why not? If they did pass the review, then the County has not done the right legal request for release from the Court Order; if they did not pass, then let the school board tell the good citizens and tax payers why not? I am told all should go to the school board meeting and demand transfers or they possibly can legally sue the county? When is the next open school board meeting?????
Posted by CJ Evans at 11:06 PM
I hate to inform you but you are wrong. It is a federal issue. I never said it happened overnight. Go take your medication and lay down.
Posted by Bubba B Bad at 7:05 PM
"As long as you are in this school system, your children will learn less." Really? Then why did mine, all graduates of this system, get accepted to quality colleges and universities in six different states? Education is available in this system if you want it.
Posted by Peter Skrmetti at 1:54 PM
The justice department should do whats right. How about Coweta County do whats right. Godd ole Coweta County ,blame someone else for their shortcomings. All the businesses that have come to Coweta County and those considering will think twice. This is a diverse nation and you can join or get left behind.
Posted by Randy of Newnan at 11:07 AM
Bubba B Bad, Do you think that this just happened over nite. The feds usually don't get involved unless they are pushed to having no choice. Coweta County has had years to comply. Keep thinking its a joke. The law applys to Coweta County also. Jayne doe and Coweta County see the light. When are you Bubba B Bad?
Posted by John Evans at 10:52 AM
As long as you are in this school system, your children will learn less. Coweta need to up their game. Kid may graduate, and know nothing going to college. We have so many Division I Athletes in Coweta County, but on a small percentage can actually get into a D-I School. So instead of fighting about tax money that you won't see. Fight for better education for all of Coweta County Schools.
Posted by Dj at 12:59 AM
I'm the first one to admit that our county is still living in the dark ages. However, when it comes to this matter, our school board's hands are tied whether they like it or not. I'm not saying they approve or disapprove of the way things are currently but they have no control over the way the law is at this moment. Let's just all pray that the Justice Department does what is right and lets everyone have a choice.
Posted by Concerned Parent at 11:37 PM
It is a federal court issue not Coweta County. Fulton COunty went through the samething years ago.
Posted by Bubba B Bad at 8:04 PM
Jayne Doe, has hit the nail on the head. Still living in the past and will fight to keep it that way. Coweta remains in the past, not just in education but athletics. We are a county of backward ways and want to keep it that way. Bless you Jayne Doe. You have guts.
Posted by Coweta County at 6:10 PM
Once again Coweta county "chooses" to remain in the past. How sad for the children of this community. For an area that claims to be all about growing and looking toward the future, it is so sad that the leaders are so determined to keep the children firmly mired in the past. This isn't about laws concerning desegregation. In fact it's all about segregation. Segregating the haves from the have nots.
Posted by Jayne Doe at 4:14 PM
What about the people who don't pay taxes? If your tax dollars didn't cover education for everyone, where would their children go to school? Also, it's not YOUR tax dollars, it's the community resources.
Posted by Stay Right at 4:11 PM
I feel that part of education reform involves parental choice as to what type of school their children attends- whether charter, public, private, or homeschool. When the public schools have to compete for tax money, services should improve or parents take their children somewhere else.
Posted by Mary at 2:39 PM
I pay my taxes, I should be able to decide where my kids go to school. Whether it be a Charter School, Public, or Private. My taxes should follow my children, and let me decide what is best for my children. Thank goodness we are in a decent area, but things change.
Posted by sss at 12:55 PM
The whole order is nothing but BS. Just let the parents transfer their kids where they want to already. GEESH!
Posted by get real at 11:58 AM
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Mr. Bass What have you done lately?
7/8/2009
Link To This Comment
If we have met the governments requirements and a lot of time has passed since we have met them, why isn't Mr. Bass doing his job and inquiring or pushing for this issue to be resolved so the county can move on? Maybe he likes the status quo, seems to be easier for him to have something convient to place blame on.
Posted by Tired of it all at 1:33 PM