Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–Following an executive session today at its two-day board Retreat, the DeKalb County Board of Education unanimously approved a two-year extension for Superintendent Dr. Devon Q. Horton. Board members also exercised the year three option in his original contract.  Horton is now set to lead the DeKalb County School District through June 30, 2027. The vote was 6-0. “The Board is thrilled to have Dr. Horton continue to lead DeKalb County Schools,” said Board Chair Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr. “Since assuming the position last July, he has consistently delivered on his vision to disrupt for excellence. His focus…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– A date has been set for the trial of Gerald Jerome Clark, of Stone Mountain, who is accused of shooting Mary Kilpatrick, 27, putting her in the trunk of her car and then setting it on fire in 2020. DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Asha F. Jackson has scheduled the case to begin with jury selection on Monday, April 22, in Courtroom 6C, DeKalb DistrictAttorney Sherry Boston’s office announced.    On Aug. 2, 2021, a DeKalb County Grand Jury indicted  Clark, now 44, on charges of Malice Murder, two counts of Felony Murder, Arson in the First Degree, two counts of Aggravated Assault, Kidnapping,…

DECATUR, GA – The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office today(April 19) terminated a Sheriff’s Deputy charged with two felonies. Decatur resident Joann Marks, 26, was taken into custody at the DeKalb County Jail on charges of Violation of Oath of Office by a Public Officer and Sexual Contact by an Employee or Agent in the First Degree. She had been employed by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office since 2021 and was assigned to jail operations. 

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announces a conviction by jury trial in the case against a Snellville man accused of beating a man so severely it ultimately ended his life.  On Monday, jurors found Jaheim Sims, 22, guilty on three counts of Felony Murder, Aggravated Battery, two counts of Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony stemming from the attack on Mario Vasquez Lopez, 56, on Sept.r 10, 2020.   As part of a plea deal, Sims’ co-defendant pleaded guilty to Aggravated Battery, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a…

STONECREST,GA–DeKalb County voters are urged to attend an upcoming DeKalb Chief Executive Officer debate on Thursday, April 18, 7 p.m., at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, 6400 Woodrow Road, Stonecrest. The “DeKalb Matters” debate will feature all qualified candidates vying to be the next CEO of DeKalb County. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, WSB-TV (Channel 2), and V-103 will serve as official media partners and panel representatives for the debate. “DeKalb County is a thriving force in Metro Atlanta. The next CEO will be tasked with building on the momentum of the last decade by ensuring that we make continued progress in…

DECATUR,GA – This summer, DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond and the Board of Commissioners are hosting the 2024 DeKalb Virtual Career Academy (DVCA), the county’s eighth annual summer jobs training program, run by WorkSource DeKalb. DVCA will provide 700 internships to DeKalb residents ages 14 to 24, who will be paid $10 per hour. Prospective participants are invited to apply for the program at www.dekalbcountyga.gov/careeracademy. Participants will be selected through a lottery system. “The summer youth training program addresses economic hurdles, including surging inflation and escalating food costs, by empowering young individuals to earn income while acquiring pivotal job skills…

CONYERS, GA–  The graduation rate for Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) students involved in Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs increased to an all-time high of 99.36% for 2023, continuing above the state-wide rate, which rose to 97.75%. This rate applies to students who complete a Career Pathway. The state also released the district’s graduation rates for pathway completers in the areas of Advanced Academics, World Language, and Fine Arts. RCPS graduation rates in these areas are 100%, 99.27%, and 98.05%, respectively.     “Our pathway graduation rates, which were already extremely high, recently rose to new heights,” said Superintendent…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– The groundbreaking for the new Rockdale County Judicial and Administrative Complex will be held on Friday, April 19,  10 a.m., 981 Milstead Ave.,Conyers. The long-awaited project is the largest capital investment in the County’s history and will include a new courthouse and administration building as well as a renovation of the Historic Courthouse and Courthouse Annex building.  The Rockdale County Commission, Conyers Mayor Vince Evans, and  other government officials and community leaders are expected to attend the event.   In addition to improving security and access to the County courts and other government offices, the new complex will be a destination with…