Here are some reactions to the death of former Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Beverly Hall.
Former Atlanta mayor and U.N. ambassador Andrew Young:
“She was one of the saints of public education … She refused (a plea deal) and wanted to fight this, but she couldn’t fight the attacks and cancer at the same time.”
Julie Oinonen, attorney for APS whistleblowers:
“Dr. Hall may rest in peace now, but the thousands of little children who were deprived of an education and the many whistleblowers … who lost their livelihoods from retaliation, remain behind in suffering.”
APS Superintendent Meria Carstarphen:
“We offer our condolences to the family of Dr. Hall. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends during this difficult time.”
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed:
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Dr. Beverly Hall. Dr. Hall fought a courageous battle against breast cancer, and the city of Atlanta mourns her loss.”
Shawnna Hayes-Tavares, parent of three APS students:
“We remember her for her not being held accountable for her role in the APS scandal. She leaves unscathed. I do not think she would not have known some aspects of this.”
Verdaillia Turner, president of the Georgia Federation of Teachers:
“I do believe she was an outstanding educator, and I personally did not see any evidence where I should question her integrity. It has not been proven. I don’t believe she was involved to the extent folks said she was involved.”
State Sen. Vincent Fort, D-Atlanta:
“It’s very sad. Her family and friends have my greatest sympathy. I don’t think it’s appropriate to talk about legacy at this point.”
APS school board chairman Courtney English:
“Regardless of what has happened … Dr. Hall has left us, she has passed, and her family grieves.”
APS parent Cassandra Rainey:
“It’s sad for all entities involved … because you want to see her go to trial and you want justice to be served, and it really wasn’t. But I know her family is grieving and mourning, but our community is grieving and mourning as well, because we’re still dealing with the repercussions of the decisions that she made.”
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