It is a bit out of character, but, I feel compelled to respond to the recent “Free Speech” section, June 14, 2006.

Many in the McIntosh community are aware of whom those remarks from the “concerned” taxpayer are referring too. I have to believe this writer is on a personal crusade and his/her agenda has nothing to do with taxes or county boundaries.

I personally think this is more an act of revenge from a disgruntled parent who believes his/her child’s athletic abilities are much greater than they actually are. I also think it is sad this person would direct their obsessive anger to hurt innocent children. Redirect your energy to something more constructive; set a good example for your child.

Now the facts:

1. This former McIntosh teacher applied, interviewed and accepted an administrative position with the state Board of Education in the spring.

2. Formal requests were submitted to the Fayette County Board of Education for permission to allow both children to remain in the Fayette County School System.

FCBOE advised one child, an upcoming senior, will be able to finish out her senior year at McIntosh, under the board policy that was in place. (This decision would have been granted to any upcoming senior requesting it, not just this former teacher.)

The second child, an upcoming freshman, was denied, and will attend a high school in Coweta County.

This decision was made months ago, and all those calls and questions you made to the FCBOE advised you of same. I am appalled that this anonymous writer continues with false accusations and would have the audacity to accuse our state school superintendent and principal of McIntosh High School of “a wink and a nod” and “lording power” to allow their own rules to be violated.

These ladies are fine administrators and a true credit to both the county and state education. They do not deserve such slander from an “unknown, anonymous” writer.

As a former Peachtree City resident of over 30 years, I have seen many changes in the Fayette County Education System – from improvements, growth, to one of the top systems in the state. All these are brought on by the dedicated educators like our state school superintendent, the principal at McIntosh High School, and the former teacher.

It’s time to get off their backs and get behind and support their efforts – after all, it is your child’s future.

Dennis L. Ergle
Husband of “former teacher”
ergle459 (at) aol.com

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