This story was produced by the Associated Press and reprinted with permission.
ATLANTA — Sechita McNair faced a challenging summer, marked by financial hardships. Her family didn’t vacation, and her younger sons missed out on camp. Their van was repossessed, and they faced eviction threats. Yet, McNair, an out-of-work film industry veteran, achieved her primary goal by signing a lease in the ideal Atlanta neighborhood, allowing her eldest son to remain at his high school.
On the first school day, Elias, 15, arrived in new basketball shoes and cargo pants. McNair, spotting wax in his ears, swiftly cleaned them with baby wipes, ensuring her son looked presentable. Elias, however, broke away, leaving McNair’s efforts focused on obtaining a better education for him.
The link between where you live and where you learn
Last year, McNair’s family was evicted from their cherished apartment in Atlanta’s gentrifying Old Fourth Ward. They moved from a district spending more on students to one that spent less. Federal laws allowed her kids to continue attending their Atlanta schools despite living 40 minutes away in another county. However, their eligibility expired at the school year’s end.
Elias, affected by his father’s death and housing instability, failed two classes. McNair feared switching schools would harm his academic recovery. With school starting soon, she worked extra Uber hours and secured rental assistance to afford a three-bedroom in Old Fourth Ward at $2,200 monthly, the only option for her situation.
The apartment, though promising online, revealed issues upon closer inspection. McNair faced pressure to sign a lease filled with errors, but she agreed, ensuring Elias could return to Midtown High School.
The first day back
Midtown High School, known for strict residency checks, welcomed Elias back, a milestone for McNair. With school in session, she could focus on earning through Uber to manage apartment issues. Previously working in theater management, McNair’s career halted due to industry strikes, impacting her home economy.
After eviction last fall over rent arrears from funeral expenses for her foster daughter, Elias’s motivation waned due to personal losses, including his father’s passing from a heart attack in 2023.
On the first day, Elias seemed both excited and cautious. Despite his preference for homeschooling, he recognized his mom’s need to work, supporting three kids and a disabled uncle. At school, Elias engaged in playful banter with a friend, discussing their outfits and social plans.
The after-school pickup
After school, Elias, despite McNair’s efforts, found classes dull, showing interest only in gym. At dinner, the family visited a nearby library, a valuable city resource. McNair emphasized the importance of living in a city like Atlanta, with its well-funded schools and numerous resources like libraries and museums.
Her goal is for her children to access high-quality education. Atlanta spends significantly more per student than their previous district, offering more support and smaller classes.
Support is hard to come by
Despite challenges, McNair is determined to provide for her family. She juggles multiple responsibilities, including working as an Uber driver to meet expenses. The challenges of balancing work and family responsibilities continue, as does her commitment to ensuring a stable education for Elias.
When a misunderstanding with a new landlord threatened their living situation, McNair sought legal support to assert her rights and address issues in the apartment. As her financial obligations grew, McNair explored homeschooling options for Elias, but logistical and academic concerns led her back to prioritizing formal education.
As the school year progresses, Elias’s academic performance remains a concern. McNair seeks solutions, engaging with teachers and exploring support options, all while managing her demanding work schedule. Her unwavering dedication to her children’s future continues to guide her efforts.
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