The Echo

Published Online: March 22, 2011

http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2011/03/21/414351gtlantaschoolsmayor_ap.html

Atlanta Mayor Eyes Takeover of District Embroiled in Controversy
Atlanta
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed says he's been meeting with Georgia lawmakers regarding a possible takeover of Atlanta Public Schools, which has been embroiled in controversy in recent weeks.

Reed tells WSB-TV that he has met with Georgia lawmakers and asked them to consider options for a temporary takeover of the school board.

The mayor says he's been hearing from people all over the community who have told him that progress to resolve problems is not being made, and that the school board is ignoring recommendations from its accrediting agency.

In January, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools—which accredits about 5,000 school districts nationwide—put Atlanta Public Schools on probation.

The mayor told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he would ask for the temporary ability to appoint members to the school board to help "break the logjam that exists around governance and a search for a new superintendent that is transparent."

"I didn't want this at all," Reed said. "But in August, if we are where we are today, what do we do? I want laser-like focus and concrete results to reassure the public that we are on the right path."