We all heard about the not-so-warm welcome that Interim Superintendent Michael Thurmond received from a standing-room-only crowd at Oak Grove last month, right?

Well, that has not deterred him from continuing to address the public, at informal gatherings where he invites feedback. It was reported that he spoke to concerned citizens at Martin Luther King Jr. High School recently and entertained a lively discussion. 

Sunday's appearance in Dunwoody was the first opportunity parents had to ask questions after the federal hearing got underway on Friday. It was reported that the state tried to reach a compromise with the DeKalb Board of Education, but Chairman Dr. Eugene Walker refused to consider giving up his post. So, the constitutionality of the law that has suspended him and five other board members has gone forward. Three hours of arguments took place Friday, March 1, and the session is expected to continue on Monday.  

Thurmond has also scheduled a series of meet-and-greet sessions for employees to hear district updates, take part in the budget process and ask questions. The sessions are not mandatory, and employees can choose the session that best meets his or her schedule. Separate opportunities for parents and community members will be held.  

The meet-and-greets will take place as follows: 

March 12 - 4:15-5:45 - Arabia Mountain High School Auditorium, 6610 Browns Mill Road, Lithonia

March 13 - 5:30-7 - Dr. Ronald E. McNair High School Auditorium, 1804 Bouldercrest Road SE, Atlanta

March 18 - 5:15-6:45 - Cross Keys High School Cafeteria, 1626 N. Druid Hills Road, Atlanta

March 19 - 4:15-5:45 - Tucker High School Auditorium, 5036 Lavista Road, Tucker

March 20 - 3:30-5 - Stone Mountain High Auditorium, 455 Central Drive, Stone Mountain

See the school system's website for more details.