Open Letter to Fulton County BOE Concerning Special Needs Abuse

Those of you who know me know I have a passion for special needs kids, so when my mom told me of special needs kids being abused at Hopewell Middle School in Fulton County, I was coming to my blog to take action. This link tells the stories of several children, some who can't even talk who were slammed into lockers, covered in feces, and subject to vulgar language by their so-called teachers.

This is an open letter to Fulton County Schools:

Dear Boards who hire Teachers,

Do a better job of monitoring the teachers. This abuse happened over several years. My question is why? Are you blind? Were you too busy to make sure that children who can't defend themselves were taken care of? All children deserve a safe environment. Although the teacher and principal who covered up the abuse are now gone, you need to take a serious look at your leadership. What happened to people with character and moral integrity? One teacher was discouraged from saying anything because nothing would be done. I can assure you if I ever witness that I would not stop until someone heard me. I have cerebral palsy, so I know what it's like to face challenges.

Those women did not deserve the privilege of being around such precious children. Shame on Fulton County for not investigating this sooner and taking swift action. It is utterly despicable what happened to these children! They didn't deserve this at all. With each news story, my confidence in the leadership in different areas of impact continues to decrease.

Where are the men and women who will stand up for the truth even if no one is standing with you?

The principal that was fired from teaching in Georgia is now teaching at the College of Charleston. How in the world is this woman allowed to be teaching anywhere? Our justice system is seriously messed up!

Where are the men and women who care about people and children instead of a paycheck?

I will warn you: That power that you have now can be stripped in an instant. If you are not doing your job, there's always someone else waiting in the wings. You are replaceable!

I applaud the parents for not being silent. Parents know their kids better than anyone, so please be aware at all times. The board of directors shouldn't have been paid because the parents did your job for you! Before you hire anyone in the future, please do a thorough job. I suggest you do surprise visits at least weekly. If you don't set the standard for education, who will? Instead of worrying about bigger buildings and better lunches, I urge you to take care of the children! They are our future!

Sincerely,

One voice who won't be silenced

P.S. If anyone is wondering how they can make a difference, get involved in your community! Don't just talk about doing something, do it. My mom has often told me, "Be the change you want to see."