Were DeKalb County school board members caught sleeping on the job? FOX 5 has obtained photos of DeKalb County School Board Chairman Dr. Eugene Walker and board member Sarah Copelin-Wood apparently dozing off on the job.
The pictures were snapped by parent Jennifer Hatfield at an important hearing where the state school board reviewed the performance of the embattled DeKalb Board of Education. The school district is facing possible loss of accreditation.
"I was aghast. I was absolutely aghast," said Hatfield.
When asked by FOX 5's Justin Gray about the picture, Walker denied that the picture showed him sleeping.
"That's not sleeping. You should have seen me and should have been there," Walker said.
Hatfield said that she is sure of what we saw.
"He was absolutely asleep. I was right across the aisle from him. He was nodding off," Hatfield said.
Some parents question Thurmond's political ties to the board.
"I do everything I can to address these issues to resolve these issues, to resolve these issues so that we can once again secure full accreditation for this district," Thurmond said.
Thurmond's contract is for 12 months and will pay him $250,000 annually. He says he doesn't want the job full time; he wants to solve the crisis and then go back to his law practice.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:40 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:40:04 GMT
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground.
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground. Both victims are 6-year-old boys who are in kindergarten at Rocky Plains Elementary School, where the attack happened.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:32 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:32:36 GMT
Testimony continued Wednesday in a Fulton County courtroom in the case of a Sandy Springs man accused of gunning down his wife.
Testimony continued Wednesday in a Fulton County courtroom in the case of a Sandy Springs man accused of gunning down his wife. Prosecutors say Michael Parson shot his wife, Adina, eight times in April 2012 outside their apartment.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:28 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:28:25 GMT
Authorities have canceled an Amber Alert for a 1-year-old girl after she was found safe.
Authorities have canceled an Amber Alert for a 1-year-old girl after she was found safe. They say 1-year-old Annya Buchannon was in the back of a car that was stolen just after midnight from the Playskool Daycare on Conley Road in Forest Park.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:24 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:24:23 GMT
Atlanta fire crews are battling a huge, two-alarm blaze at an automotive business downtown.
Atlanta fire crews battled a huge, two-alarm blaze at an automotive business downtown on Wednesday morning. Authorities say the fire sparked at United Transmission Service, which is located at 350 Marietta Street NW.
State Representative Tyrone Brooks appeared in federal court on Wednesday morning to answer to fraud charges. Brooks pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Judge Alan Baverman.
State Representative Tyrone Brooks appeared in federal court on Wednesday morning to answer to fraud charges.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:53 AM EDT2013-05-22 15:53:01 GMT
Five people made a quick escape from a MARTA bus just before it was hit by a train Tuesday morning.
Five people made a quick escape from a MARTA bus just before it was hit by a train Wednesday morning. Fire crews say the bus stalled on the railroad tracks in downtown Decatur, and those onboard had just seconds to get out before an oncoming train hit it.
The Gainesville City Council is moving ahead with a study to determine the feasibility of a new convention center and hotel in the northeast Georgia city.
The Gainesville City Council is moving ahead with a study to determine the feasibility of a new convention center and hotel in the northeast Georgia city.
Parent Jennifer Hatfield sent FOX 5 this picture of DeKalb County School Board Chairman Dr. Eugene Walker during a school board meeting.
DeKalb Schools board member Sarah Copelin-Wood is seen in this picture sent by parent Jennifer Hatfield.
