Author: On Common Ground News

CONYERS, GA – Jesse Smith, a manufacturing and computer science teacher at Rockdale Career Academy, was named a top ten finalist for Georgia Teacher of the Year. “We are elated to have Mr. Smith recognized by the state as a Teacher of the Year finalist,” said Rockdale County Public Schools(RCPS) SuperintendentTerry Oatts. “His earnest passion for teaching students and building foundational relationships in order to equip students for life-long success is truly exemplary. We wish him well as the selection process continues for the Georgia Teacher of the Year.” Smith, a product of RCPS and a graduate of Rockdale Magnet…

  WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Labor announced on March 7 the availability of $55 million in “Pathway Home 3” grants to provide job training to incarcerated individuals before their release from state correctional facilities and county or local jails.   Each year, state prisons release approximately 573,000 people who need the resources and support to re-enter and find stable employment in their communities successfully. Pre-release services have proven to help reduce the likelihood that formerly incarcerated people will return to prison and help these individuals fully reintegrate into their communities.   Funds will also support continued comprehensive services post-release.    Authorized…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— On Monday, March 7, an enthusiastic crowd of supporters accompanied Democratic County Commissioner Larry Johnson as he qualified to run to continue his service to DeKalb County’s District 3. “I’m running because District 3 needs innovative, experienced leaders who are willing to work with others to develop solutions to move our community forward,” said Johnson. “If we link people to the resources they need, leverage public and private partnerships and empower each other through education, we can build an even brighter future for our county.” Johnson has served on the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners since January…

MABLETON, GA – The Mableton Improvement Coalition (MIC) will host the inaugural “Taste of Mableton: One Mableton-Stronger Together” on Saturday, April 2. The event will be held 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Mable House Complex, 5239 Floyd Road. Admission is free. A parade will kick off the festival, starting at 9 a.m. at Mableton Walk on Floyd Road, traveling southbound to the Mable House Complex. The festival will include a variety of food, live music, crafts, exhibits, and an opportunity to hear from Cobb County representatives and elected officials. Kids Fun Town will feature activities for children of all…

DECATUR, GA – On Monday, March 7, 2Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) made it official by qualifying to run for his ninth term in Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District. “I am proud of my strong record in Congress and look forward to meeting new voters and constituents and continuing to work for the people of Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District,” Johnson said. Since 2007, Johnson has helped bring billions of dollars in federal investments for COVID-19, schools, transportation projects, small businesses, public safety, veterans and seniors. From his main district office in Lithonia, he has worked to help secure more than $70 million…

CITY OF STONECREST—Diane Adoma officially threw her name in the hat today to run for mayor of the city of Stonecrest. Adoma was the first candidate  to qualify for the seat to fill the unexpired term of Jason Lary, who stepped down as the city’s founder and first mayor amid a federal fraud court case. Adoma filed qualifying papers at City Hall around 1 p.m. The election is set for May 24. No stranger to the city, Adoma was elected to serve District 5 on Stonecrest’s inaugural City Council after the city’s incorporation in 2017. She served for one year…

Congressman Henry “Hank” Johnson (GA-04) is encouraging 9th – 12th grade high school students, living or attending high school in the district, to submit their art creations as part of this year’s Congressional Art Competition. “Art can have so many interpretations and cross so many boundaries, while still bringing folks together. This annual competition allows our students to share a piece of their lives with us through their works,” said Johnson. “Whether it be a message of protest or one of strictly fun and pleasantries; I look forward to what our students will put forth.” Each year, this national…

The DeKalb County Board of Education will hold the following meeting on Monday, March 14, 2022 in the J. David Williamson Board Room, Robert R. Freeman Administrative Complex, 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard, Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083. 11:30am       BOARD MEETING Virtual Community Input Meeting Executive Session for the purpose of discussing permitted matters Combined Work Session & Business Meeting The board meeting is in-person, but due to social distancing requirements, members of the public are asked to view the live stream and/or broadcast. The meeting agenda is attached and can be accessed online by going to: www.dekalbschoolsga.org, click on Leadership, go…

CONYERS, GA—The Rockdale County Board of Education approved a resolution during a special called meeting on Thursday, March 3, to increase the exemption senior citizens currently receive for school property taxes. Five Board members approved the resolution, one opposed, and one Board member was not in attendance. Under the measure, which was recommended by RCPS Superintendent Terry Oatts, the exemption would increase from $35,000 to $50,000 for seniors ages 65 years and older. Changing this exemption for seniors would be the largest exemption allowed, RCPS officials said. “I commend our Board of Education for its commitment to providing some tax…