Twelve teachers will be transferred on March 5 as a result of the teacher-integration
order.
To determine which ten teachers will be transferred, a lottery was held
on February 3. The last digit of a teacher's employee number was drawn at
random. The teachers whose numbers were drawn first will be the first to
be transferred.
Any teachers having been in the Atlanta City System for 21 years or being over 60 years of age are exempt.
17 RESIGN
Originally 35 Grady teachers were to be transferred in order to achieve
the 57% black. 43% white ratio among faculty members. From this number were
subtracted the 6 Negro teachers, the 17 teachers who resigned, and the two
who volunteered, leaving 10 chosen in the lottery to be transferred. These
teachers were notified of their new school assignments on February 17.
Students will enjoy a holiday on March 5 while transferring teachers will spend the day acquainting themselves with the schools to which they are assigned.
Next September Grady will automatically receive' 17 Negro teachers to replace the Caucasian teachers who resigned. Also next year principals, assistant principals, counselors, and librarians will be adjusted to reflect the proper ratio.
Integration Of Faculty Needs Support Of All
The law of the land has ruled that Atlanta schools shall integrate. Any
merits that existed in debating the justice of the order serve no purpose
any longer. Whether we agree or disagree with tile ruling, we must follow
it. The challenge now ours is to make the best with what we have and to
strive to develop the most successful educational institutions possible.
Facing us is the immediate obstacle of adjusting to a number of new teachers entering in the third quarter. It is' important that students realize the problems the faculty members will be undergoing and to make every attempt to make them feel comfortable in new surroundings. If we make this extra effort in the classroom and maintain discipline, the year's final quarter can he a profitable one.
Student Council can help in this endeavor by planning some sort of orientation and publishing a general information sheet about Grady. Other clubs and organizations can also develop effective Projects.
This year and the ones immediately following will demand much of Atlanta citizens and those all over tile nation. Integration is reality. Those who feel they can run away from the fact are kidding only themselves. If this generation doesn't grab the bull by the horns, the bull will still be there for the next generation to handle.
Let us not panic. Students, as well as parents, can determine tile future of Atlanta's schools. The sooner we accept integration the sooner we can get back to the business of education.
(An ad found in this issue of the Southerner)
New Rules Made To Renew Order
Clamping down on the rowdiness and noise in the halls, Grady's administ
ration has issued a new set of restrictive rules, now in effect.
These rules have placed the usual congregating grounds of some students
off-limits. They have also ordered the hallway faring students to secure
a pass from a teacher.
An interview with Assistant Principal Harold Miller revealed the reasons for and the hopeful results of the new rules. He explained, "From lunch to the end of school there is an exodus from the school. During this time, many students hang around in the halls, disturbing classes in session. I have received many complaints from teachers to that effect. Also, at all times during school hours, students congregate in front of the school in the doorways. The image they create results in at least one call a day from the public complaining about this."
Mr. Miller also commented on the influx of non-students into Grady. "If the Grady students were in class and where they were supposed to be, then this could be handled with no problem."
HALL PATROL
As to how the halls could be patrolled, he added "I am in the halls
when I'm not too busy, and Mr. Maupin is almost always in the halls. Teachers
with a free period could watch the halls. The teachers should be responsible
for the area around their rooms. When someone is caught violating the rules,
there are a number of punishments. Sometimes, calling the parents will be
sufficient. If necessary, we will go to court. Mr. Miller emphasized the
fact that only 10% of the student body is usually responsible for disturbing
school operation.
Mr. Miller also stated, "I fully intend to keep the students and teachers in a smooth operation. Most of the rules are not new; they're just spelled out."
He also voiced the conviction that the rules will reduce the amount of trouble already encountered at Grady.