Bob Mathis Elementary School

Attn Please: This school is the worst school known to mankind! The principal's name is Dr. Willa B. Blaylock and she has no respect for the teachers/ staff or parents. She tries to talk to you like she's above all and she really doesn't even like children at all. My son went here 2011-12 he was in grade K. His teacher was horrible! Her name was Ms. Lofton. Ms. Lofton is an sickly older lady whos taught for over 30years and who has constantly told me she can't wait to retire, so with that being said she had no patience with the kids, not "bubbly" or exciting personality that I think you need to teach kindergarten. She constantly talked to me about her verbal fights with the principle and her being not satisfied with her pay. Bob Mathis has a beautiful playground but the kids never see it because Blaylock has cut out all outdoor activity.. The school has a behavior problem which would be resolved by college interns coming in to help while being a teacher aid, well Blaylock has refused to let any outsiders in the school especially college interns who are willing to work for free to earn credit! I attended the school when I was a little girl it has changed!
--Submitted by a parent

I love Bob Mathis Elementary school because it has some of the best, loving and caring teachers I have encountered.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 3 daughters who attend attend Bob Mathis and have been there for 3 years. This school is one of "Dekalb's best kept secrets." It is a smaller school so that it is more of a family environment. Everyone knows each other and the school continues to make AYP. Strong leadership has it pros and cons but in this case, the pros most certainly outweigh the cons. My main concern which every school faces is parental involvement.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has been at Bob Mathis for the past 2 years. Its a great neighborhood school. I like the small classes. Its an average of 12-15 students to a teacher. The school is very organized and well-ran. Only complaint is that they discontinued the After-Care Program which causes a hardship on working parents.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended BM since pre-K and I've been pleased with her education until third grade. The administration has changed and several of the more experienced teachers have transferred away from the school citing the change in leadership. This year, I witnessed many dissruptions to learning in the classrooms and my concerns were not addressed by the teacher or the administration. They were only addressed once I complained to the school board. Still my daughter was not transferred from the classroom. The teachers appear to concentrate on getting the kids to past the standardize test; however, the test scores don't reflect that our kids are keeping up with the state average. BM may be one of the best in the area but it is not top notch, nor does it rank well by this body.
--Submitted by a parent

BM is one of the better EM schools in South Dekalb. The principal doesn't allow the kids to play on their brand new playground for recess. I guess the leadership keeps the teachers in line. The teachers are pretty good, the ones who can put up with the principal. My kids have done fine there so far.
--Submitted by a parent

Thus school is an hidden treasure and I wish that it went to the 7th grade were my son can stay there and not have to go to middle school. He has learned so much from the teachers there and I would do it all over again
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent at this school, I find it hard to believe that there is only one quality math teacher. Has this parent reviewed the test scores and compared 4th grade scores to another grade level? I am very pleased with the 'quality' education that my child is receiving. Remember, education starts at home. While I respect this parent's viewpoint, I encourage you to take a look at what you can do to help your school and your child.
--Submitted by a parent

Tbe quality of education and quality of teachers at this school have fallen below standard. The princiapl and assistant principal are arrogant. There is only one quality Math instructor who is male on the fourth grade staff. I would like to see many improvements beginning with the administration.
--Submitted by a parent