Sen. Fort: Community Wins Victory but Demands Atlanta Board of Education Refuse Tainted Money

ATLANTA (Oct. 8, 2013) – Senator Vincent Fort (D-Atlanta) has released the following statement regarding the recent events surrounding the Atlanta Public Schools superintendent search:

“We are gratified that the Atlanta Board of Education heard the cry of the people and voted not to accept $146,000 from the business community to finance the superintendent search.  I believe accepting that money would of tainted the superintendent search as the Chamber of Commerce’s involvement tainted the Blue Ribbon Commission/CRCT cover up.

The Atlanta Board of Education needs to go further and refuse the proposal to supplement the new superintendent salary with $300,000 annually from private businesses.  If that were to happen, the superintendent would be beholden to the same interests that created the CRCT fiasco.  The Atlanta Board of Education should not put off making that decision until after the election in November as the board members would be less accountable then.  They should make it clear that the superintendent will answer only to the board of education, students, parents and people of the City of Atlanta.”

RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
October 8, 2013

For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Adam Sweat, Communications Specialist
Adam.Sweat@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028