Fulton Science Academy - letter from parent
See also related page on Fulton Science Academy - Gulen Movement connections.
In May 2011, this website received a communication from a Fulton Science Academy parent. It is reproduced verbatim below. It refers to a January 2011 compliance report by Fulton County Schools (the government agency charged with regulating Fulton Science Academy).
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Here is a link to the Fulton Science Academy Middle School Compliance Report,
http://fsamiddle.org/images/stories/interimcompliance.pdf. I think you will find
this report very interesting in light of the recent news articles questioning the
business practices of Gulen inspired schools.
You will note that FSA performs well on an academic level and that is not the issue
facing these schools.
The document highlights many common concerns:
- Staff Qualifications
- Financial Practices
- Transparency
- Accountability
- Parent Involvement
Highlight:
The county has required that all FSA schools cease and desist business with The Grace Institute on March 4, 2011. The Grace Institute was created by former leaders of FSA schools and Board Members, a clear conflict of interest. Taxpayer money was going to a company formed by the school administration. And the school did not follow the proper bidding process violating the school district policy. I appreciate your approach to researching the schools. You have stuck to the facts. Unfortunately, the schools have a deeper agenda. I agree that there are some very nice teachers at the FSA schools but they are not telling the truth.
The Fulton County Department of Education is committed to the success of charter schools. They have done everything possible to make sure that charter schools are following the rules IF the parents and community understand the responsibilities and influence they have over the Board.
The success of the schools are in the hands of the board, parents & community.
I hope that parents will:
- find out who is on the Board
- attend Board Meetings
- understand they share responsibility for hiring
Next, parents need to educate themselves and their kids on the Gulen movement. Find out what the Gulen movement stands for beyond the marketing. Do you believe in Gulen's vision for Turkey, treatment of women and the fact his followers are not direct about their intentions? If not, ask questions.
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For readers' convenience, a copy of the report is also available for download below.
| interimcompliance.pdf |
