DeKalb County residents concerned about the district's school board held a meeting on Tuesday.
The residents are anxious after the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools placed DeKalb County Schools on probation through 2013. Homeowners gathered at the Hairston Crossing Library expressed fear about the possibility of property values tumbling.
"I think it'll be another Clayton County and you saw what happened there -- property values plummeted almost overnight," said Jim Jarboe a realtor with Realty Associated of Atlanta.
Jarboe says some clients have asked about what happens if DeKalb loses accreditation. The SACS report says board members are divisive to the point of hurting students and operating in conflict and chaos. But so far most are taking a wait and see approach.
"There's no panic selling," Jarboe said.
Lisa Cameron, a parent and realtor from Clayton County, says communities are still reeling from the loss of accreditation which hit when the real estate market crashed. She advised DeKalb residents to take control.
"Make your leaders accountable. You can rebuild your school system the way you want it to be," said Cameron.
DeKalb resident Betsy Parks said she has started a petition asking the state Board of Education to recommend that the governor remove the entire school board.
FOX 5's George Franco did not get a response from the DeKalb County school district. In a recent letter posted on the district's website, Superintendent Cheryl Atkinson said the district is working to address the concerns.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:31 AM EDT2013-05-23 12:31:23 GMT
Later today, Georgia State Rep. Tyrone Brooks is expected to speak publicly about his recent arrest on fraud and tax charges. Brooks was arraigned in federal court on Wednesday.
Later today, Georgia State Rep. Tyrone Brooks is expected to speak publicly about his recent arrest on fraud and tax charges. Brooks was arraigned in federal court on Wednesday.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:32 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:32:32 GMT
As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, we'll pause to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, we'll pause to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It's also a great time to thank veterans for their service to our country—veterans just like World War II American hero Lew Fern.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:56 AM EDT2013-05-23 04:56:30 GMT
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:55 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:55:59 GMT
A local woman says she's trying to rebuild her life after storms hit this past weekend and destroyed her home.
A local woman says she's trying to rebuild her life after storms hit this past weekend and destroyed her home. Just one day later, some of her family members were in Oklahoma near where the tornado hit.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:50 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:50:14 GMT
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground.
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground. Both victims are 6-year-old boys who are in kindergarten at Rocky Plains Elementary School, where the attack happened.
DeKalb homeowners gathered at the Hairston Crossing Library on Jan. 15, 2013.
