Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—The DeKalb County Board of Education in a 4-1 vote fired Superintendent Cheryl Watson-Harris on Tuesday during a virtual meeting, stating that the separation was effective immediately. Board Chair Vicki B. Turner, members Diijon DaCosta, Anna Hill and Joyce Morley voted in favor of terminating Watson-Harris, with Deirdre Pierce casting the dissenting vote. Board members Allyson Gevertz and Marshall Orson were absent. The board named Dr. Vasanne Tinsley as the interim superintendent. Tinsley is a retired DeKalb educator who formerly served as the Deputy Superintendent of Student Support & Intervention in the district. “The Board has the…

DEKALB COUNTY—Lance Hammonds, president of NAACP DeKalb County, is urging voters to elect better leaders after the DeKalb County School board abruptly fired Superintendent Cheryl Watson-Harris on Tuesday. The board named Dr. Vasanne Tinsley as the interim superintendent, a retired educator who formerly served as the Deputy Superintendent of Student Support & Intervention in the district.  Hammonds said DeKalb has had 10 school superintendents in the last 25 years and the lack of consistent leadership has been damaging—and costly. Watson-Harris was hired in 2020, taking the helm on July 1. She was awarded a contract with a base salary…

DECATUR, GA –– The man accused of a deadly shooting this week at a Candler Road gas station is in custody. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office arrested Jurrell Bethel, 62, of Covington when he turned himself in today on a warrant charging him with Malice Murder in the death of Tyrone Hodge of Decatur on April 26. According to the warrant, Bethel shot Hodge in the face during an altercation. No motive was given for the shooting. Bethel is being held at the DeKalb County Jail without bond.

DECATUR, GA—DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson will host a prayer vigil and walk, Thursday, April 28, at 5:30 p.m., at the Golden Glide Skating Rink, 2750 Wesley Chapel Rd., Decatur. Johnson started his ‘Enough is Enough!’ campaign over five years ago to focus on a comprehensive approach to crime prevention. The prayer vigil and walk are designed to bring the community together during this time of uncertainty and unrest. Johnson said he shares in the concerns of the violent acts that are plaguing our community. Throughout the year, he actively meets with the DeKalb County public safety director and…

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Labor announced the award of nearly $90.4 million in YouthBuild grants to provide training and apprenticeships to young adults who are not enrolled in school or working in construction and other in-demand industries. Following its Nov. 23, 2021 announcement of available funding, the department awarded 68 grants – ranging from $700,000 to $1.5 million – to organizations in 28 states and Puerto Rico. Participants will engage in classroom learning that will prepare them for building and rehabilitating affordable housing for low-income or homeless families in their communities. Participants will split their time between workplace training…

Report highlights 2021 efforts of advancing trust in the marketplace ATLANTA — Better Business Bureau of Metro Atlanta, Athens & NE Georgia (BBB) released its 2021 Annual Report detailing the organization’s performance related to consumer and business marketplace activities in BBB’s 47-county service area. “The past few years were unprecedented for BBB in many ways. The pandemic accelerated consumers’ reliance on BBB and gave businesses – especially our Accredited Businesses – the opportunity to prove to consumers that they operate with ethics and integrity,” said Brian Catania, president and CEO of BBB. Key Areas of Growth   Verified Customer…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will hold a community meeting to review the renovations of the N.H. Scott Pool on Wednesday, May 25, at 5:30 p.m.   The meeting will provide guidance for future county pool improvements and program development. The meeting will be conducted via Zoom and can be joined at https://dekalbcountyga.zoom.us/j/82227583820 or by calling 888-270-9936 and using conference code 399422. For more information, contact LaShanda Davis, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs public relations specialist, at 404-371-3643 or lsdavis@dekalbcountyga.gov.

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs is participating in the Summer Food Service Program June 2 – July 22. Nutritious meals will be provided to eligible children ages 18 and under.  Many children who eat free or reduced-priced meals during the school year miss out on nutritious meals in the summer. The Summer Food Service Program was designed to ensure that children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. The following sites have agreed to serve meals this year: Site Complete Site Address 1st Meal 2nd Meal…

BONAIRE, GA – On Tuesday, April 26, Gov. Brian P. Kemp, joined by First Lady Marty Kemp, Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan, other members of the Georgia General Assembly, and more, signed the largest income tax cut in state history into law (HB 1437). “Because of Governor Kemp and the General Assembly’s bold leadership, Georgia taxpayers will directly benefit from this historic tax cut,” said Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan. “I applaud the Governor and my colleagues for working to deliver fiscally conservative policies while prioritizing the needs of our growing state.” “Today, we have enacted the largest income tax cut in state…