By PAT NEWMAN
Staff Writer

In an effort crackdown on non-Fayette County residents attending Fayette County schools, students have been asked to provide their school with an original copy of a gas or electric bill between Oct. 1 and Oct. 15. “The Board of Education wants to ensure that as taxpayers, you are only providing an education for students who are legitimate residents of Fayette County,” Superintendent John DeCotis wrote in a letter sent home with students last week.

“This is a response to the board's request of a month ago,” DeCotis said. “We delayed sending out the letter because of the SPLOST (special local option sales tax).” Several discussions at board meetings earlier this year, called for action against nonresidents who have children attending Fayette County schools, including retaining a private investigator.

DeCotis said a number of people were caught during the first six weeks of school. “I've been told some have withdrawn,” he said.

Parents are requested to withdraw their children if they are here illegally, DeCotis said. Refusal to do so could result in additional charges.