CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — Employees at a charter school in Clayton County that is preparing to close its doors are saying they were promised to be paid through the end of the summer. However, some claim their pay is being cut short or they are missing payments.
For the past five years, dozens of students have filled the hallways of 7 Pillars Career Academy in Clayton County, but on June 30, those doors will permanently shut. The Clayton County Board of Education voted in the fall not to renew the school’s charter, saying it didn’t meet financial goals.
After the county board of education voted to not renew the school's charter employees tell 11Alive they were told they would be paid through July 31. However, some, including the now-former assistant principal, Sharon Jones-Tyler, said they were abruptly told last week that their final paycheck would be June 16.
“I was told on Thursday that I would be terminated for insufficient funds ... I’m going to lose my house, my car, my everything without being paid like I'm supposed to be paid,” Jones-Tyler explained.
11Alive attempted to contact the founder of 7 Pillars multiple times through phone, email and text messages for a comment on the situation, but did not receive a response before the publishing of this story.
Since the story's publishing, the founder sent a letter to 11Alive disputing the claims of the employees interviewed, writing in part, "at no point has any teacher at 7 Pillars Career Academy gone without receiving their due compensation."
In her letter to 11Alive, the school's founder also wrote that Jones-Tyler's contract has different terms and conditions than the teaching staff. The founder, however, insisted that no employees have ever been shorted pay.
"We have always paid ALL STAFF for time worked; our (Assistant Principal) is no different," the letter read. "Ending employment before you complete the work is not shortening pay. This person does not accurately represent the experiences of our over 40 person staff.
"It is crucial to note that all employees, including our dedicated teaching staff, are paid for the work they perform," the letter added.
However, 11Alive spoke to other teachers who shared that they had experienced pay gaps and were worried their final paycheck may not arrive.
“I have another former colleague who has added up his paychecks and is coming up short,” said one teacher who wished to remain anonymous.
As a handful of employees returned to the school Tuesday to collect items from their classrooms and offices, they said they’re struggling to understand why they aren’t being given what they were promised.
“I just want my pay, what is due to me, what I’ve worked for,” Jones-Tyler said.
Previously, the Clayton County School District’s superintendent said they would help place those at the charter school in other teaching positions within the county. At the time of publication of this story, 11Alive had not heard back from the district regarding claims over pay.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to include new statements from the founder of 7 Pillars Career Academy.