Mother Battles to Keep Son in Atlanta School Amid Hardship

Sechita McNair faced overwhelming challenges during a difficult summer in 2023. Despite financial hardships, including the repossession of her van and imminent eviction, she successfully secured a lease in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward so her son, Elias, could remain at Midtown High School. As the school year began, McNair’s determination was palpable, but the struggles of single motherhood weighed heavily on her.

Last year, McNair and her three children were evicted from their apartment in the rapidly changing Old Fourth Ward, which had previously provided a more affluent school district. This shift meant they moved to a neighborhood with fewer resources, affecting the quality of education her children received. Federal laws allowed her kids to continue attending their Atlanta schools despite being relocated 40 minutes away, but the support they were entitled to was not communicated to McNair until the school year ended.

Elias, now 15, faced academic setbacks, failing two classes in his freshman year. As McNair prepared for the new school term, she feared that switching schools would further jeopardize his education. “I need this child to be stable,” she stated, reflecting on her son’s emotional and academic well-being. A week before school started, she worked extra hours driving for Uber, borrowed money, and sought rental assistance to secure a three-bedroom apartment in their desired neighborhood for **$2,200** a month.

The apartment, advertised as a middle-class haven, concealed numerous issues. McNair encountered a rushed leasing process, errors in the lease agreement, and a lack of communication from the landlord. Despite these red flags, securing a home in the right school district was critical. “We’re back in the neighborhood!” she declared as Elias prepared to return to Midtown High.

First Day Back at School

Midtown High is known for its rigorous residency checks, and on the first day of school, McNair felt a mix of relief and anxiety. With her children back in class, she hoped to stabilize her work-life balance. As the first member of her family to attend college, McNair had a promising career in theater management until the film industry faced significant disruptions in 2023 due to strikes and other changes.

The family’s eviction last fall stemmed from financial strain after the tragic death of her foster daughter, who passed away unexpectedly. This loss, combined with the subsequent upheaval, took a toll on Elias, who also lost his father to a heart attack during a basketball practice. McNair noted, “Some of Elias’s lack of motivation at school is due to personal trauma.”

On his first day back, Elias was excited yet nervous. He watched seniors engage in school traditions and called friends to catch up on the latest gossip. Although he preferred homeschooling, McNair needed to work and could not accommodate that choice.

After a long day, Elias returned home disheartened. “School was so boring,” he lamented, expressing disappointment despite his mother’s efforts to make the transition smooth. Only gym class piqued his interest, and he wished for more artistic opportunities.

Accessing Resources in the City

Following dinner at a local restaurant, the family visited the city library, a crucial resource in their new community. McNair emphasized the importance of well-resourced schools, noting that Atlanta spends nearly **$20,000** per student, significantly more than the district they temporarily resided in after the eviction.

“Wouldn’t anyone want that?” she asked, highlighting the libraries, bike paths, and other amenities available to families in the city. As they settled into their new apartment, McNair’s worries about safety and maintenance grew. Issues with the property soon became apparent, including neglected repairs and inadequate security.

A week after school started, McNair found herself locked out of the apartment. When the police arrived, she learned the property had changed ownership, complicating her tenancy. Despite the uncertainty, McNair was advised to continue paying rent to maintain her legal standing.

As the weeks progressed, Elias struggled to adapt. His teachers alerted McNair to his consistent fatigue and lack of focus in class, stemming from late-night gaming habits. “I should be home making sure Elias gets to bed on time,” she thought, overwhelmed with her responsibilities as the family’s sole provider.

The situation continued to evolve, with McNair facing mounting pressure to ensure her son’s education did not suffer further. In mid-September, she learned that Elias was falling behind, prompting her to consider other schooling options, including homeschooling.

After a series of struggles, both McNair and Elias returned to Midtown High. “You need to put on your ‘big mama drawers’ and take him back,” an educator advised, emphasizing the importance of stability in his education.

As the school year progresses, McNair remains committed to providing for her family while navigating the complexities of single parenthood and housing instability. With each challenge, she strives to keep her children safe and focused on their education, determined to prevent the cycle of eviction from repeating.

McNair reflects on her journey, recognizing the need for more support and resources. “I have promised myself I’d never let that happen to my kids,” she asserts, embodying the resilience that defines her fight for a better future.