Clayton residents slam board over accreditation

By Charles Edwards

Atlanta, GA – Angry over recent accreditation woes, 25 hundred fired up Clayton County residents demanded its 9 school board members resign at last night's meeting inside the county's performing arts center.

One member did while another was forced out.

The large crowd of parents, students, teachers and other Clayton residents were quiet as the board members took their seats. That is until Board member Noressee Haynes sat down.

CROWD: Booing

Community pressure towards Haynes erupted last week after Clayton police discovered Haynes lives in Cobb County and only rents in Clayton; a violation of state law. However, county resident Sharon Owens wants the entire board gone.

OWENS: Now I say to the families of Clayton County, I want 25 thousand people marching at the office. Get to their office immediately and march on their office until they leave.

Board member Rod Johnson says he will leave by the end of the week. A report singles out Johnson and 3 others for behavior putting Clayton's accreditation at risk. One of the others is Haynes who represents school district 8. That's why board chairwoman Ericka Davis made this motion.

DAVIS: Now, therefore the office of school board member for district eight by factual circumstances and by operation of law I move is declared to be vacant. (applause).

After a majority of board members sided with Davis, Haynes tried to defend himself. But Davis and the board wouldn't let him.

HAYNES: First of all what you've done is illegal. My residence has always been Clayton County. So, what happened today is totally illegal.

DAVIS: Mr. Haynes, you're seat is vacant. I can not allow him to speak.

3 police officers escorted Haynes out of the Performing Arts Center. County residents will vote on his replacement in a special election.