Over the past several weeks, a fire has raged on the east side of Athens. The Cedar Shoals rape tragedy and the ensuing response by school and law enforcement personnel have shed light on some daunting problems in our community. Like many people, I have followed news accounts closely. What I’ve read in the newspapers, … Continue reading Flagpole: A Crisis at Cedar Shoals, and an Opportunity to Do Better
Tag: athens
How one impoverished public school district is making strides
Washington Post, October 2015 by Valerie Strauss Bertis Downs is a parent and an education activist who lives in Athens, Georgia. He was legal counselor and manager of the now disbanded band R.E.M., and he spends a great deal of time advocating for public education in Clarke County, where he lives, as well as around … Continue reading How one impoverished public school district is making strides
In our schools, the worst of times, the best of times
Online Athens, March 2015 There are some negative developments this legislative season in Atlanta — but I am optimistic about Georgia’s public schools. There is simply too much good work going on locally to get discouraged over the General Assembly’s shortsighted and misguided priorities... Read full article
Postcard from College Square Athens – 2014
Having seen Big Star THIRD a few times now, I can safely say it has probably never been performed more brilliantly than Saturday night in downtown Athens. For the rest, please go here.
School Reform and the State Superintendent’s Race
Flagpole, June 2014 Two things have been on my mind about schools during the summer break: the local school board's likely election of becoming a "charter system" and the upcoming runoff for state school superintendent. I think it is probably fine for the Clarke County School District to become a charter district, the best of … Continue reading School Reform and the State Superintendent’s Race
BERTIS DOWNS 
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