Teen's petition calls for replacement of DeKalb school board

An online movement to have DeKalb County's school board replaced is gaining momentum just as the school board prepares to go before the state Board of Education to fight for their jobs.

Last month, the state's third largest school district was put on probation for a year. On January 17, school board members will have to present evidence explaining why the governor should not suspend the board with pay.

Lakeside High School sophomore Grace McKenna said that she is so frustrated with the situation that she has launched an online petition to have the school board replaced by the governor.

"I didn't think that it was fair, that we were being punished as students for the things that the school board has done," said McKenna.

The 15-year-old created the petition on Dec. 17, the same day the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools put DeKalb on probation, citing gross financial mismanagement and rampant problems in personnel and hiring procedures.  

"The decline of the DeKalb County school system has absolutely nothing to do with the schools and the incredible people who work in them," said Julie McKenna, Grace's mother.

DeKalb Schools Chairman Eugene Walker promised that the board would work closely with SACS to address their concerns and avoid losing accreditation.

Grace's mother isn't convinced. Neither are the more than the nearly 800 people who have signed Grace's petition.

"I personally do not believe that the people who created the problem can fix the problem," said Julie McKenna.

Walker told FOX 5's Portia Bruner on the phone that it would be inappropriate to comment about the upcoming meeting with state officials or any other matters related to the  district's probation.
      
Parents plan to attend the Jan. 17 meeting in droves to hear the board defend why they should stay in office.