Three former administrators given hefty sentences in the landmark Atlanta Public Schools test-cheating were summoned back to the courtroom today for new, lighter punishments.
Judge Jerry Baxter, who oversaw the months-long trial, gave Tamara Cotman, Sharon Davis-Williams and Michael Pitts each 10-year sentences — three to be served in prison and seven on probation; 2,000 hours of community service, and a $10,000 fine. Each of the three had originally been given a hefty 20-year sentence — seven to serve in prison and 13 on probation; 2,000 hours of community service and $25,000 fines.
“I want to modify the sentence so I can live with it,” Baxter said. “I want it to be considered something fair.”
The three educators, along with eight others, were convicted April 1 under Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. At the April 14 sentencing the judge was frustrated because most of the convicted educators were unwilling to admit guilt. He handed down stiff penalties and reserved the harshest punishment for the three former executive directors.
Two avoided jail time because they admitted guilt. Others said they plan to appeal the conviction.
The sentences divided the community. Some abhorred the idea of schoolteachers behind bars and others said they thought the punishment was just. Last week, the judge signaled he was having second thoughts and called the top educators back for a new sentence.
Tuesday’s hearing was relatively calm compared to the explosive and emotional two-day sentencing hearing. In the span of about 15 minutes Baxter cut the penalties in half one-by-one, at the end encouraging the convicted administrators to begin immediately on their community service rather than waiting for the appeals process to be completed.
Baxter suggested the educators volunteer to serve the very students they cheated at a newly formed “redemption academy” designed to help students affected by cheating.
“It is my humble belief that this case is going to be affirmed,” Baxter said. “My suggestion to y’all, rather than wasting time … I think you would be way ahead of game if you joined the academy.”
The judge also expressed exhaustion at the case, which is considered the longest in Georgia history.
“I am ready to move on, so anyway, adios,” he said.
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