6/20- Investigation set to begin: Independent observer sought for probe into school system; troubles- Pamala J. Williams; Article states that an internal investigation will take plass after Valdosta High Principal, William Aldrich, addressed the Valdosta City School Board and delivered critical remarks concerning School Superintendent Dr. Gary Walker. Aldrich cited complaints and concerns expressed by parents and teachers over the course of a year. School board claimed that Aldrich violated school board policy and Georgia law in his remarks.

6/20- School board chairman issues statement- no author; Valdosta City Board of Education's chariman, David Waller, issued a statement regarding the plan to perform an investigation after concerns were brought up by an employee that violated Georgia law and Board policy. Statement acknowledges that the Board could take action against the individual, but that it would not solve the problems identified.

6/22- State law protects BOE probe participants- Pamala J. Williams; Article informs that teachers should not be concerned about participating in the Valdosta City Schools system-wide investigation as state law and board policy protect their jobs during the course of an investigation.

6/22- Investigation should restore city schools’ unity- no author; Article states that Principal William Aldrich made statements on June 9 that accused Supt. Gary Walker of acting unprofessionally in dividing staff, confusing the public, and placing at risk the safety of 6,000 people who attended the school's 1997 graduation ceremony. Article states that they are concerned that Board Chairman David Waller accused Aldrich of violating Georgia law and board policy in his statement, citing that it was inappropriate in light of the pending investigation. Waller claimed that Aldrich threatened the school board, however no threat was identified in the statements. Aldrich did promise to fight the board in court if he was fired or demoted as a result of his statements, which is perfectly legal.

6/22- Aldrich fight for the good of all student- Barbara Gandy, Valdosta; Letter to the editor that states that William Aldrich put the welfare of the children before the welfare of himself and his family and calls for parents to back him.

6/22-Walker is not right for Valdosta school system- Lisa H. Long, Valdosta; Letter to the editor makes statements that Dr. Walker is not right for the educational system. States that students and teachers are leaving the school system in masses and that the views of Dr. Walker differ from that of other educators, including state superintendent Linda Schrenko. Lisa Long congratulated Mr. Aldrich for standing up.

6/22- Civil rights groups challenge hiring lawsuit- Associated Press; Civil rights groups lined up in court to combat a lawsuit they viewed as a threat to Georgia's historically black public colleges. The lawsuit aimed to eliminate racial preferences in hiring and admissions practices in all Georgia's public colleges. Attorney Lee Parks filed the lawsuit on behalf of a group of white and black plaintiffs who said they were denied admission to the University of Georgia. Parks accused the NAACP and other civil rights groups of allowing segregation to exist in Georgia's university system. Parks stated that he was not seeking to close the historically black colleges, rather to integrate them.

6/25- True Dialogue Not Possible- Mailbox Post; Article states that President Clinton called for a national dialogue on race. Author states that they have serious doubts that liberals actually want a dialogue. Article claims that racial cialoguse end with a finger pointing to one group of people blaming them for all of the problems. Author states that the only thing owed to people of all races is a level playing field, an equal chance at achieving potention without regard to race, creed, or color.

6/25- ‘Crusade’ leader supports superintendent- Pamala J. Williams; Alma Williams, chairman of the Crusade for the Education of All Children addressed a crowd of supporters to express her support for Superintendent Dr. Gary Walker. Williams called for the dismissal of Principal William Aldrich. William claims that the Valdosta Board of Education has condoned a private-school mentality in a tax-supported public school domain. She claimed that students had been systematically routed into segregated classes while their standardized test scores were used as an instrument for their placement.

6/26- Concerned parents at odds with Williams- Pamala J. Williams; Parents speak out in regards to Alma Williams call to end ability grouping in the schools. One parents says that without ability grouping, some children don't have the opportunity to grow as rapidly. Parents feel that the end of ability grouping is a reduction in the quality of the education.

6/26- City BOE should not ask for Walker’s resignation- Herman Ertlschweiger Jr., Valdosta; Letter to the editor calling for Dr. Walker's resignation

6/30- Which children will get the best education- Nat Hentoff; Article discusses President Clinton's remarks and the racial and cultural demographics of schools has an impact on the education of the children. Discusses affirmative action and college admissions.

May-June 1997- Leadership Lowndes- no author; Article discusses the Leadership Lowndes Class of 1997 and their participation in Health and Human Services Day. Provides a rundown of the program schedule and presentations.