GaPSC: "We Did Make a Decision" in Harper, Rucker Case

While at least one local media outlet is reporting a committee of the Georgia Professional Standards Commission voted to recommend the revocation of Bartow County Schools Superintendent Dr. John Harper and Principal Donald Rucker’s professional licenses, a spokesperson with the state agency said he can’t comment on those reports.

Paul Shaw, director of GaPSC’s Ethics Division, said he is unable to comment on what the actual ruling is other than to say, ”yes, we did make a decision.”

WBHF AM 1450 is reporting the GaPSC’s Educator Ethics Review Committee voted to recommend revocation of their licenses.

Shaw said once the commission makes its decision, the educator is notified in a letter of what the action entailed. Once an educator receives the letter, he or she has 30 days to either sign a consent form agreeing to the decision or to appeal it.

The committee on Thursday reviewed between 40 and 50 cases, Shaw noted.

If an educator decides to appeal, he or she will requests an administrative hearing with the Georgia Attorney General’s Office, who will assign an administrative law judge to the case.

If the decision to revoke Harper’s license was handed down by the commission, Shaw noted the superintendent would have to resign, as his professional license is required by the state of Georgia.

Georgia code section 20-2-101(b)(1) states “no person shall be eligible to be appointed or employed as superintendent of schools of any county or independent school system unless such person is of good moral character, has never been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude, and possesses acceptable business or management experience as specified by the Professional Standards Commission or the minimum valid certificate or a letter of eligibility for said certificate required by the Professional Standards Commission.”

“Remember, in the United States, you are innocent until proven guilty,” he said, adding an educator’s certificate would remain in good standing throughout the appeal process.

Patch has reached out to Dr. Harper for comment, but has not heard back.

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