The FBI is Looking for a Few Good Students

GE Note: This sounds like a blast! Don't wait to apply as the deadline is fast approaching.

Attention, undergraduate and graduate students: Interested in being part of the war on terror? Breaking up an international crime ring? Identifying criminals who exploit young children on the Internet? Working side-by-side with top-notch forensic experts to solve a violent crime?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, then the FBI Honors Internship Program might be for you. This 10-week program offers students an insider’s view of FBI operations, from counterterrorism, cyber, counterintelligence, and fraud investigations…to vital support services like laboratory exams, fingerprint identification, and behavioral analysis. The program also provides an opportunity to explore a career with the FBI while working closely with our employees. We’re already accepting internship applications for the summer of 2009, and the deadline to apply is fast approaching—September 30, 2008.

What’s the application process?

• Apply online.
• Our field office closest to your school will then process your application, and the most competitive students will be interviewed. Names of top candidates will be sent on to our Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
• Final decisions will be made in November; you’ll be notified soon afterwards if you made the cut.
• We’ll conduct your background investigation.
• Barring any problem with your investigation, you’ll be reporting for duty next summer at FBI Headquarters or another nearby facility.

To minimally qualify for the program, you must have at least a 3.0 GPA, be a U.S. citizen, pass a drug urinalysis screening and a polygraph, and have been absolutely drug-free for the past three years.

First-hand testimonials. If you make it through the application process, you’ll have the experience of a lifetime. But don’t take our word for it—read what some of our 2008 interns had to say:

• Mia D., assigned to our Language Services operation, saw the vital role that linguists in the Bureau play in protecting the nation. As part of her duties, she “started the ball rolling on the processing of several potential new linguists who have language skills critical to the Bureau…I know that I helped to make a difference.”

• Eric F., who worked with our International Operations folks, said he applied to the program because he wanted to “make a difference and serve my nation.” He said through his various summer assignments, which included meeting foreign representatives, he learned “how effective international liaison efforts help further the FBI’s mission.”

• Mary C. spent her summer in our Cyber Division, where she learned how she could “play a role in helping to ensure the security of American citizens, and I look forward to doing so in some capacity, whether as an agent, linguist, or analyst after I have completed my graduate studies.”

• Mark C., from our Inspection office, told us he not only had a better understanding of the Bureau after his 10 weeks with us, he also “had a deeper understanding of myself.” He added, “There is no other internship that provides such a meaningful experience.”

• But perhaps Amanda D., who worked in our Intelligence Directorate, summed up the experience best: “Leaving work every day knowing that you have done something—however small—to protect the United States is a great feeling.

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Emory University Welcomes Qualified Students from Clayton County Schools to Apply

The Clayton County Public Schools' loss of accreditation is cause for deep concern for all who are involved in the education of our youth. Emory University will continue to welcome applications from students in the Clayton County Public Schools, and will fully review each individual student's application in accordance with Emory's undergraduate admissions policy. The Clayton County Public Schools' unprecedented loss of accreditation in Georgia will not be a barrier to admission.

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Loss of SACS Accreditation Won't Prevent Clayton County Students from Applying to Georgia Southern

Georgia Southern University shares the concern of students and parents regarding the loss of SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) accreditation by the Clayton County School System.

Admission to Georgia Southern University for Clayton County School System high school graduates is not negatively impacted with the loss of accreditation.

Current University System of Georgia policy allows for the consideration of students graduating from a high school regulated by a school system and state department of education. The Clayton County School System continues to meet this requirement.

Students graduating from a Clayton County high school, meeting all other Board of Regents and institutional admission requirements (including the 16 units required of the College Preparatory Curriculum (for those graduating prior to 2012) or the 17 units required for the Required High School Curriculum (for those graduating 2012 or later), will continue to be considered for admission in the same manner as students from SACS accredited schools in the state. An update regarding the HOPE scholarship for graduates of Clayton County Schools can be found at https://www.gsfc.org/main/ga411info/news_050508.cfm?GUID=

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Hispanics are One-in-Five of all Public School Students Nationwide

The number of Hispanic students in the nation's public schools nearly doubled from 1990 to 2006, accounting for 60% of the total growth in public school enrollments over that period. Presently, 10 million Hispanic students attend the nation's public schools, 20% of all public school students.

In 2006 Hispanics were about half of all public school students in California, up from 36% in 1990. They were more than 40% of enrollments in three additional states (Arizona, New Mexico and Texas) and between 20% and 40% of all public school students in five states (Nevada, Colorado, Illinois, Florida and New York). Overall, Hispanics are the largest minority group in the public schools in 22 states.

Strong growth in Hispanic enrollment is expected to continue for decades, according to a recently released U.S. Census Bureau population projection. In 2050, there will be more school-age Hispanic children than school-age non-Hispanic white children.

In order to illuminate this growing group of public school students, the Pew Hispanic Center today releases "One-in-Five and Growing Fast: A Profile of Hispanic Public School Students," a statistical portrait of the demographic, language, and family background characteristics of the nation's 10 million Hispanic public school students.

Key findings from the report:

The vast majority of Hispanic public school students (84%) were born in the United States.
Seven-in-ten (70%) Hispanic students speak a language other than English at home.
Nearly one-in-five (18%) of all Hispanic students speak English with difficulty.

Nearly three-in-five Hispanic students (57%) live in households with both of their parents compared with 69% of non-Hispanic white students and 30% of non-Hispanic black students.
More than seven-in-ten U.S. born Hispanic students of immigrant parents (71%) live with both parents. Smaller shares of foreign-born students (58%) and U.S.-born students of native parentage (48%) reside with both parents.

More than a quarter of Hispanic students (28%) live in poverty, compared with 16% of non-Hispanic students. In comparison, more than a third of non-Hispanic black students (35%) reside in poverty and about one-in-ten non-Hispanic white students live in a poor household.
Foreign-born Hispanic students (35%) are more likely than their native-born counterparts (27%) to live in poverty.

The report, One-in-Five and Growing Fast: A Profile of Hispanic Public School Students, is available on the Center's website, www.pewhispanic.org.

Pew Hispanic Center, a project of the Pew Research Center, is a non-partisan, non-advocacy research organization based in Washington, D.C. and is funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts.
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Teachers Can Enjoy Exhibits, IMAX®, Curriculum Ideas and Fun at Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Annual Educator Evening

Fernbank Museum of Natural History will host its annual Educator Evening on Tuesday, September 16 at 5:30 p.m. to kick off the 2008-09 school year. This event is held exclusively for teachers and is offered free of charge, allowing educators to explore the Museum’s exhibitions, experience an IMAX® film, meet Fernbank’s education staff, and learn how Fernbank can help inspire students’ learning of science and culture.

Fernbank Museum’s Educator Evening includes:
· A special screening of the new large-format film Wild Ocean
· Admission to the current special exhibition Ends of the Earth: From Polar Bears to Penguins with tips on how to incorporate related lessons into school curriculum
· Opportunities to meet with Fernbank educators and learn about educational offerings, programs and classes
· Admission to the Museum’s permanent exhibitions
· An opportunity to mingle with other teachers while enjoying complimentary wine and light hors d’oeuvres.

This event is open to professional educators and one adult guest only. Reservations for this free event are required by September 9 at 404.929.6400.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History is located at 767 Clifton Road in Atlanta. More information about the Museum, field trips and other educational programs is available at fernbankmuseum.org.
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Statement from Superintendent Kathy Cox Regarding Clayton County Schools

"I am very saddened that the Clayton County School District has lost its accreditation. My immediate thoughts are with the students, teachers and parents who are directly affected by this decision. The future of many excellent students, especially those in Clayton County high schools, has been thrust into turmoil by the actions of the very people who were elected to look out for their best interests."

"I fully support Governor Perdue's decision today to follow Judge Malihi’s ruling to remove four of the Clayton County School Board members. There is now a window of opportunity for the new and remaining board members to seek reinstatement of the district's accreditation within a year and I hope they will commit themselves to fully addressing all of the concerns raised by SACS. As new members of the Clayton County School Board are seated, it is my hope they will commit to operating in full compliance with the letter and spirit of all local and state rules, laws and regulations."

"In the meantime, I will work with Governor Perdue, University System of Georgia Chancellor Erroll Davis and other leaders around the state to help secure the futures of these students and all who attend Clayton County public schools. We will seek any and all flexibility in state policies and rules to make sure thousands of students are not harmed by the actions of the school board."

"It is important for the public to know that today's decision reflects solely on the actions of the Clayton County School Board. It is not reflective of the many excellent educators and students in Clayton County."

"Additionally, I hope today's announcement serves as a reminder to all citizens just how important it is for a district to have a functional, productive and professional school board. As we approach election day, I hope Georgia voters will take the time to get to know their school board candidates and choose those that they believe will best represent the interests of students, teachers and citizens. The power is in your hands."
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Governor Removes Clayton County School Board Members

Governor Sonny Perdue issued an Executive Order today removing four members of the Clayton County School Board - Michelle Strong, Louise Baines-Hunter, Yolonda Everett and Sandra Scott - who were found by State Administrative Hearing Judge Michael Malihi to have violated their duties under state law. The Executive Order also formally removed Rod Johnson and Norreese Haynes who had previously resigned or been removed. The removal means special elections will be held in November to serve the remainder of Sandra Scott’s and Michelle Strong’s terms, which end on December 31, 2010. Regular elections are already being held for the seats occupied by Yolanda Everett and Louise Baines-Hunter, whose terms are up at the end of 2008.

“The fate of the Clayton County School System is now in the hands of the voters,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “Through the elections to replace these four board members, they can send a clear signal that the kind of behavior that has led to this ruling and the system’s loss of accreditation will not be tolerated. We can hope that this marks a new day for Clayton County, a time in which rebuilding can begin.”

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) today revoked accreditation of the Clayton County school system. SACS’s vote was largely based on the actions of the board. After the Governor’s decision to remove these four board members, all nine that were on the board when SACS began its investigation have now either resigned or been removed.

“I can only hope the remaining members of the board, parents and teachers will treat the loss of accreditation as a wake up call to pull together and make substantive changes in the way this system is operated,” Governor Perdue said. “Even the state’s offer of help was met with resistance from the board. We will now turn our focus to helping the system regain accreditation as quickly as possible.”

The remaining three Board members, Michael King, Trinia Garrett, and Alieka Anderson, are empowered to appoint individuals to fill the vacancies left by Johnson, Baines-Hunter and Everett. There will also be a special election for September 16, 2008 to fill a position vacated by board chairman Eddie White in April 2008. The terms of the new members appointed and elected in this fashion will end December 31, 2008. The persons filling those positions beginning January 1, 2009 will be elected in the November general election.

In April, Governor Perdue signed two pieces of legislation to help students who are affected by the Clayton County School District’s potential loss of accreditation: SB 480 and HB 1302. SB 480 allows students from schools that are accredited “currently or within the last two years” to receive the HOPE scholarship. HB 1302 put into place an extensive code of ethics for members of the Clayton County Board of Education and established a local ethics commission to review the actions of the school board and receive ethics complaints against board members.

Also, the University System of Georgia (USG) and the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) clarified their policies to reassure Clayton County parents and students that these institutions will continue to accept students from schools in the district, as long as they meet regular admission requirements.

In February, Governor Perdue appointed two Special Liaisons to serve in an advisory role and offer guidance to the Clayton County school board in completing the steps outlined by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Committee by September 1, 2008 to avoid a loss of the system’s accreditation. He also took a series of steps to help the system maintain its SACS accreditation by asking for state agency assistance in the three separate audits recommended by SACS. The state auditor’s office reviewed audits of the school system’s finances. The Governor’s Office of Student Achievement audited the system’s attendance records. Governor Perdue also requested that Secretary of State Karen Handel, in her capacity as the state’s chief elections official, audit the election of the members of the Clayton County school board to ensure that such elections fully complied with Georgia law.

Governor Perdue even proposed legislation that would have allowed the voters to remove an entire school board of a system that loses accreditation. The bill, Senate Bill 535, failed to pass this legislative session.

Text of the Executive Order:

WHEREAS: On June 23, 2008, and pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 45-10-4, Dyane Simmons, George E. Glaze, George T. Brown, Albert B. Wallace and G. Robert Oliver (collectively “Petitioners”) filed charges with my office against Clayton County Board of Education members Michelle Strong, Lois Baines-Hunter, Sandra Scott, Yolanda Everett, Norreese Haynes, W. Rod Johnson and David Ashe (collectively “Respondents”); and

WHEREAS: The charges alleged that Respondents violated the State Code of Ethics, specifically: (1) the obligation to uphold the laws of the State of Georgia, O.C.G.A. § 45-10-3 (1); and (2) the obligation to “never engage in conduct that is unbecoming to a member or which constitutes a breach of the public trust,” O.C.G.A. § 45-10-3(8); and

WHEREAS: I determined that the charges levied against the Respondents raised sufficient, specific allegations that warranted review pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 45-10-4, and I appointed the Georgia Office of State Administrative Hearings to serve as my designated agent to “conduct a hearing for the purpose of receiving evidence relative to the merits of [the] charges;” and

WHEREAS: Administrative Law Judge Michael M. Malihi recommended on August 12, 2008 that Respondent W. Rod Johnson be removed based on Mr. Johnson’s “wish to resign rather than participate in the evidentiary hearing;” and

WHEREAS: Judge Malihi recommended on August 13, 2008 that Respondent Norreese Haynes be removed for failing to appear at the hearing; and

WHEREAS: Judge Malihi recognized that David Ashe was “also dismissed as a named Respondent because he had already effectively resigned from the Board at the time the hearing commenced;” and

WHEREAS: Judge Malihi presided over an extensive hearing and concluded that the Respondents Scott, Baines-Hunter, Strong and Everett each committed ethical violations prohibited by O.C.G.A. §§ 45-10-3(1) and 45-10-3(8); and

WHEREAS: I have reviewed Judge Malihi’s orders and determined that the charges are true.


NOW, THEREFORE, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME AS GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA AND BY SECTION 45-10-4 OF THE OFFICIAL CODE OF GEORGIA ANNOTATED, IT IS HEREBY

ORDERED: Respondents Michelle Strong, Lois Baines-Hunter, Sandra Scott, Yolanda Everett, Norreese Haynes, and W. Rod Johnson be removed from office, and that the vacancies thereby created be filled as provided by law.

This 28th day of August, 2008.
GOVERNOR SONNY PERDUE
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Georgia Educator Wins 2009 High School Principal of the Year

Mark D. Wilson, of Morgan County High School, was named the 2009 High School Principal of the Year on Thursday, making it two years in a row that a principal from Georgia has received the award.

"Mark Wilson is an exceptional principal who has helped the students of Morgan County High School make tremendous strides in a fairly short period of time," said State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox. "He's innovative and motivated and uses creative strategies to get the most out of his students and his teachers. He's very deserving of this award and I am very proud of him and his team at Morgan County High School."

Officials from the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) surprised Wilson during a student assembly at his school. Local and state officials were also on hand to present Wilson with the award. A resolution from State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox and the State Board of Education was presented to Wilson during the ceremony.

Molly Howard, of Jefferson County High School, was the NASSP High School Principal of the Year for 2008.

"The fact that the high school Principal of the Year has come from Georgia for two consecutive years is a testament to the quality of our school leaders in Georgia," Superintendent Cox said.

ABOUT MARK WILSON

Wilson has been an educator for 20 years, beginning his career as a Social Studies and English teacher in South Carolina. In 2003, he was named the principal of Morgan County High School in Madison, Georgia.

During his tenure, he has implemented innovative strategies such as a "hybrid schedule" that facilitates teacher planning and collaboration, builds the teacher/student relationship and allows students to receive additional help during the school day. Under Wilson's leadership, Morgan County High School has dramatically increased the number of students taking Advanced Placement and other rigorous courses.

Since 2003, Morgan County High School has raised its graduation rate more than 10 points to 82 percent and has closed the achievement gap in critical areas, including English language arts.

Morgan County High School is part of the Morgan County Public School system, under the leadership of Superintendent Stan DeJarnett.
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2008 SAT Results Released; Georgia Ranks 45th in Nation

The 2008 SAT results contain some good news for Georgia but also demonstrate the need to continue to implement more rigorous standards, especially in mathematics.

"The results once again show that Georgia's African-American and Hispanic students are outperforming their peers across the nation, and that's good news," said State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox. "But clearly we must continue to raise expectations for our students in mathematics, reading and all areas of the curriculum."

Governor Sonny Perdue said: "Georgia’s schools are seeing improvement in graduation rates, ACT scores and other test results, and we will analyze these SAT results and our SAT programs to make sure we are doing everything we can to help students prepare for this test. Once again, our African American and Hispanic students outscored their counterparts across the nation, but we will not be satisfied until our aggregate results reflect the talented students and teachers that are working hard to improve achievement."

Georgia's 2008 seniors -- including public, private and homeschooled students -- had an average score of 1,466 on the SAT and a national rank of 47th. Public school seniors scored a 1,453 on the SAT in 2008 and a national rank of 45th in the nation.

It is expected that the results on the SAT and all tests will improve as the state continues the implementation of its more rigorous curriculum and new graduation requirements. The new graduation requirement calls for all students to take four years of mathematics and science, while providing enough flexibility for students to pursue their different areas of interest.

"The results of the work we are doing now to provide a rigorous and relevant education for all students may not impact our SAT scores for a few years, yet," Superintendent Cox said. "But it is important that we remain committed to a plan that will provide students with the education they need to be ready for college and the jobs of the 21st century."

FOCUS ON MATH

Superintendent Cox said that Georgia can better prepare students for college entrance exams, and raise its average SAT scores, by continuing to focus on improving student achievement in core areas, especially mathematics.

Georgia's students were 22 points under the national average in mathematics -- the largest difference of any of the three parts of the test. Even Georgia students who took higher level mathematics classes trailed the national average when compared to other advanced math students.

"Our mathematics scores are like an anchor -- they are weighing us down and keeping us from moving up as a state," said Superintendent Cox. "I know the state's new mathematics curriculum and the graduation rule requirements will better prepare students for the SAT, for post-secondary education and for the world of work."

None of Georgia's 2008 seniors had been taught using the state's new mathematics curriculum. The Georgia Performance Standards in mathematics are being introduced to students in grade 9 this school year. The new standards will be phased in one grade at a time until 2012. Also starting with this year's ninth-graders, all students will have to take four years of mathematics in order to graduate, not just college-bound students.

HIGHER THAN THE NATION

Georgia's African-American and Hispanic students scored higher than the nation once again in 2008.

African-American students in Georgia had an average combined score of 1,282, which was two points higher than the national average for African-American students. Hispanic students in Georgia had an average combined score of 1,423, which was 59 points higher than the national average for Hispanic students.

Georgia continues to have one of the largest African-American test-taking populations in the nation. In fact, Georgia's African-American test takers account for nearly a tenth of the African-American test takers in the nation.

"More of our students each year are pursuing the dream of going to college," Superintendent Cox said. "Therefore, we must make sure all students are well-prepared for what they will see on the SAT so they will have a better chance of getting into the college of their choice and being successful once they get there."

ONGOING EFFORT AND ANALYSIS

Superintendent Cox said the department is going to closely look at the SAT data to try to figure out why statewide achievement is stagnant on this test.

There are many efforts underway to improve SAT scores, including free on-line SAT preparation classes to all high school students; paying for every public school 10th grader to take the PSAT; training teachers around the state on how to use PSAT data to guide instruction and increasing the number of students taking rigorous Advanced Placement classes.

"On other national tests, including the National Assessment of Educational Progress and the ACT, Georgia's scores are rising. But on the SAT, we saw a slight drop," Superintendent Cox said. "We need to work with the College Board and figure out what's going on."

A quick analysis of the data provided by the College Board indicates there are some trends that deserve further study. Most notably, fewer students are taking the SAT more than once. Since 2005, the percentage of students taking the SAT more than once has dropped from 63 percent to 55 percent. This is significant because students who take the test more than once score higher the second and third times. Since the College Board reports the scores of the last test a student takes, this could pull the scores down.

This drop in SAT retesters coincides with an increase in the number of students who are taking the ACT. In 2008, about 38 percent of Georgia's seniors took the ACT -- up 12 percent from the previous year -- and the state's composite score and national rank jumped.

"Georgia is not just an "SAT state" anymore," Superintendent Cox said. "But we are committing ourselves to providing a high-quality education to all students so they are ready for the SAT, the ACT or whatever challenge they face in the 21st century."
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GaDOE’s School Nutrition Program and USDA Announce 2008-09 Guidelines for Free and Reduced-Price Meals

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the 2008-09 income guidelines for free and reduced-price meals served under the school breakfast and lunch programs administered by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE).

Georgia public school students who are members of households receiving food stamps or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits are eligible for free meals. If those households have been notified that their children are directly certified for free meals, they do not need to apply for free or reduced-price meals. If households do not wish their children to receive free meals, they are to notify the school immediately.

In addition, students that attend Georgia public schools and certain eligible private schools who are unable to pay the full price for their meals are encouraged to apply for free or reduced-priced meals. For students from households with incomes at or below the levels shown on the attached chart, meals are available for free or reduced-price.

Foster children may be eligible regardless of the income of the household where they reside. A foster child’s eligibility is based on the child’s personal use income. In addition, students from households receiving food stamps or TANF who were not identified during the statewide direct certification process will be approved solely on the basis of their eligibility for those programs.

In order for school officials to determine eligibility, households receiving food stamps or TANF are required only to list the child’s name and his or her food stamp or TANF case number and provide a signature of an adult household member. Households not receiving food stamps or TANF must list the names of all household members, the amount and source of current income by each household member including the frequency, the signature of an adult household member and a complete social security number of the adult household member who signs the application or an indication that the household member does not have one.

The information provided by the household is confidential and will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility and verifying data. We may inform officials connected with other child nutrition, health and education programs of the information on your form to determine benefits for those programs or for funding and/or evaluation purposes.

Households are not required to report changes in household circumstances such as household size or change in income or change in a food stamp or TANF program; however, the family may voluntarily report changes. If a household member becomes unemployed, or if the household size increases, the household should contact the school. Such changes may make the children of the household eligible for benefits if the household's income falls at or below the levels shown above. Free and reduced-price applications may be submitted at any time during the school year.

Each public school has a copy of the free and reduced-price meal policy indicating who is responsible for determining eligibility. Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the ruling of the determining official may wish to discuss the decision informally with that person. Parents or guardians wishing to make a formal appeal may make a request, either orally or in writing, to the hearing officer. The school office or the system superintendent’s office can provide the name, address, and phone number of the hearing officer.

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

In accordance with State and Federal law, the Georgia Department of Education prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its educational and employment activities. Inquiries regarding the application of these practices may be addressed to the General Counsel of the Georgia Department of Education, 2052 Twin Towers East, Atlanta, Georgia, 30334, (404) 656-2800.

For more information about the application process, contact the school principal, the system superintendent, or the School Nutrition Program of the Georgia Department of Education, 1662 Twin Towers East, Atlanta, Georgia 30334 (404.651.6601). Learn more about Georgia’s School Nutrition Program: http://www.gadoe.org/fbo_nutrition.aspx

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DeCotis (Fayette) Finalist For State School Superintendent of the Year

School Superintendent John DeCotis has been chosen as one of four finalists for the 2009 Georgia School Superintendent of the Year award given by the Georgia School Superintendents Association (GSSA).

DeCotis was selected as a finalist for the prestigious honor from approximately 20 nominations. The other finalists are Beverly Hall, Atlanta Public Schools, Beauford Hicks, Mitchell County Public Schools and Sam King, Rockdale County Public Schools.

Each of the four finalists will now complete the lengthy application furnished by the American Association of School Administrators, and after reviewing those applications, the selection committee will choose Georgia's 2009 Superintendent of the Year.

The four finalists and their boards will be recognized as part of the Awards Luncheon at the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA)/GSSA Winter Conference at the Waverly Hotel (Cobb County) on December 5, 2008. The winner will be announced at that same event.
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Sallie Mae Originates Loans under Federal Solution

BUSINESS WIRE --SLM Corporation (NYSE:SLM), commonly known as Sallie Mae, today issued the following statement regarding implementation of the U.S. Department of Education’s loan participation purchase program authorized under the “Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act of 2008”:

We are the first company to receive funds under the U.S. Department of Education’s new program that guarantees there will not be a shortage of federal student loans this year. Sallie Mae is actively reaching out to students and colleges to make sure that every student at every college has access to federal student loans.

We also stand ready to continue working with Congress and the Administration to bolster the long-term health of the student lending program.

Sallie Mae was approved to participate in this program on Aug. 14. An initial funding request was made on Aug. 15, and the company received funding in three business days. Sallie Mae estimates that it will originate $20 billion or more in federal Stafford and PLUS loans eligible for participation in the Department of Education’s program this academic year.

SLM Corporation (NYSE: SLM), commonly known as Sallie Mae, is the nation’s leading provider of saving- and paying-for-college programs. The company manages nearly $172 billion in education loans and serves 10 million student and parent customers. Through its Upromise affiliates, the company also manages more than $19 billion in 529 college-savings plans, and is a major, private source of college funding contributions in America with 9 million members and $425 million in member rewards. Sallie Mae and its subsidiaries offer debt management services as well as business and technical products to a range of business clients, including higher education institutions, student loan guarantors and state and federal agencies. More information is available at www.salliemae.com. SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America.

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