By PAT NEWMAN
Staff Writer

Staffing in Fayette County schools is becoming more diverse, according to Fred Oliver, assistant superintendent.

Today there are four principals and two assistant principals who are African Americans, Oliver told members of the Fayette County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Saturday.

Asked whether there is a minority quota system or tracking system within the school system, Oliver told the group that the percentage of minorities working in the schools is not tracked, nor is there a quota system. “We look at the best possible candidate. If you walk in off the street and you're an African American, if you are not qualified, we will not put you in the classroom,” he said.

Oliver advised parents of children attending Fayette County schools to “stay involved.”

“If you have a problem, go face to face... visit your schools,” he said. Parents concerned about whether their high school students are on track should get involved by meeting with their children's guidance counselors to determine the correct academic course for their success, he said.

Citing the strengths of Fayette public schools, Oliver added, “One thing we're really proud of is our test scores on the SAT's (Standard Achievement Tests) were above the national and state averages. McIntosh High School was 25 points above.”

Oliver gave a brief overview of the upcoming sales tax/bond referendum, emphasizing that the school board's number one priority is to buy land for additional schools. “The alternative to the 1 percent sales tax is another bond, which would increase property taxes,” he said.

“We're going to have school regardless,” Oliver commented, referring to passage or failure of the referendum. Defeat of the sales tax/bond referendum could result in increased class size, double sessions and year-round school, he said. “The smaller the classes, the better they are... Double sessions are not good for families or kids,” he said.

Oliver is a native of Rome, Ga. He was awarded a basketball scholarship to Lincoln University in Missouri, where he graduated with a degree in education. He taught science in schools in St. Louis, Mo. and obtained an advance degree before returning south to Marietta and holding several teaching and administrative positions. After a brief administrative stint in Norfolk, Va., he became assistant superintendent of operations for Fayette County schools and was promoted to assistant superintendent this year.