Governor Nathan Deal announced he will sign an executive order accepting the unanimous recommendation by the state Board of Education to suspend six of the nine members of the DeKalb County School Board. Deal made the announcement during a news conference at the State Capitol on Monday afternoon.
The governor said he is appointing a committee to nominate replacements for the suspended board members, and that he will sign the executive order this afternoon. However, the ousted board members can apply for reinstatement 30 days after the executive order is signed.
"The stakes are indeed high," said Gov. Deal, adding that the future of 100,000-plus students in DeKalb County cannot be taken lightly.
However, a federal judge has already issued a temporary restraining order preventing any new board members from taking office until after two court hearings later this week. The order, which was issued by U.S. District Judge Richard Story, doesn't restrain the governor from suspending board members, but it does prevent him from replacing them until after a hearing Friday.
"We don't want to have a long, protracted court battle, court argument. I would hope that the school board members will recognize that our students, our kids, that their interest is paramount to any of theirs," said state Sen. Emanuel Jones (D-Decatur).
Deal said that he has selected Brad Bryant, a former DeKalb County School Board member, to serve as his liaison to the DeKalb board and interim Superintendent Michael Thurmond.
Thurmond met with Governor Deal on Monday morning. Thurmond said the school district's priority was education as politicians and judges confronted questions about the embattled school board.
"This too shall pass, and we're just looking forward to the moment when the politicians and the legal wrangling ends, and then we can focus 100 percent of our time on our children," said Thurmond.
The DeKalb County School Board is suing in both Federal and Fulton Superior Courts, claiming the law giving the governor authority to replace local school board members from districts at risk of losing accreditation is unconstitutional. The DeKalb County school system is currently on probation.
Last week, the State Board of Education recommended six of the nine DeKalb County School Board members be given removed. Following a legal challenge, Judge Story temporarily blocked that move.
Friday, May 24 2013 2:08 PM EDT2013-05-24 18:08:29 GMT
Actress Amanda Bynes was arrested by New York City police after investigating a report of her allegedly smoking marijuana in the lobby of her Midtown Manhattan building.
Actress Amanda Bynes was arrested by New York City police after investigating a report of her allegedly smoking marijuana in the lobby of her Midtown Manhattan building.
Friday, May 24 2013 1:59 PM EDT2013-05-24 17:59:43 GMT
Five people were injured when a van jumped a curb in downtown Brooklyn on Friday.
Five people were injured when a van jumped a curb in downtown Brooklyn on Friday. The van rear-ended a Taxi and Limousine Commission vehicle at the corner of Church Ave. and Utica Ave. at about 7:45 a.m., said police. One of the pedestrians that was struck by the van was taken to Brookdale Hospital. Four other victims were taken to Kings County Hospital.
Friday, May 24 2013 1:25 PM EDT2013-05-24 17:25:15 GMT
The engineer of the commuter train that derailed last week in Connecticut observed an "unusual condition" on the track before the wreck, federal officials said Friday.
The engineer of the commuter train that derailed last week in Connecticut observed an "unusual condition" on the track before the wreck, federal officials said Friday.
Friday, May 24 2013 12:50 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:50:33 GMT
County sheriffs have asked to join the federal lawsuit challenging New York's tough new gun restrictions, calling some provisions vague and impossible to enforce fairly.
County sheriffs have asked to join the federal lawsuit challenging New York's tough new gun restrictions, calling some provisions vague and impossible to enforce fairly.
Friday, May 24 2013 12:43 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:43:54 GMT
The unofficial start of summer is being met with not-so-perfect beach weather. Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this Memorial Day weekend following the destruction caused by superstorm Sandy.
The unofficial start of summer is being met with not-so-perfect beach weather. Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this Memorial Day weekend following the destruction caused by superstorm Sandy. The Fox 5 weather team is calling for sunny skies on Sunday and Monday.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:12 AM EDT2013-05-24 15:12:21 GMT
AP photo
President Barack Obama plans to give the Jersey Shore a boost with a post-Memorial Day visit to showcase recovery efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.
President Barack Obama plans to give the Jersey Shore a boost with a post-Memorial Day visit to showcase recovery efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:23 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:23:33 GMT
New Jersey's education commissioner has overturned the firing of a high school athletic director who was caught on camera putting dog waste on his ex-wife's car.
New Jersey's education commissioner has overturned the firing of a high school athletic director who was caught on camera putting dog waste on his ex-wife's car.
Governor Deal announced his decision in a Monday afternoon news conference at the State Capitol.
