A Mother’s Battle for Stability in Atlanta’s Education System

Fri Nov 14 2025 11:31:16 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Sechita McNair strives for better educational prospects for her son against the backdrop of evictions and economic struggles in Atlanta. Faced with numerous challenges, she navigates the complexities of maintaining her son’s schooling amidst personal tragedies and housing instability.

Sechita McNair's journey epitomizes the struggle that many families face in urban America, where housing instability and educational access collide. After an eviction moved her family from a wealthier school district to a less funded one, she fought to secure a new home in Atlanta to keep her son, Elias, in the high school he loves. With an array of obstacles including multiple displacements and personal loss, McNair’s determination showcases a mother’s hope for her children’s education amidst turmoil.

ATLANTA — Sechita McNair faced a summer of hardships, unable to provide vacations for her family or send her younger children to camp, with her van being repossessed. Yet, her singular goal was to ensure her son Elias could continue attending his high school after their recent eviction.

Just weeks before the school season began, McNair, an unemployed film industry worker, managed to secure a lease in a better neighborhood—a difficult feat given the ongoing housing crisis. On the first day of school, she anxiously waved good-bye to Elias as he stepped into the school, hoping that stability in education would follow.

The Impact of Housing Instability on Education

Last year, McNair and her children were uprooted from their home in a prime school district and forced into a less economically supportive area. Thanks to federal protections for homeless students, her children could continue their education in Atlanta, but the systemic issues remained a looming threat.

With only one week before school began, McNair worked additional hours driving for Uber, applied for rental assistance, and took out loans to afford a three-bedroom apartment in Atlanta. However, upon move-in, the apartment revealed issues that would test her resolve.

Facing Bureaucratic Challenges

Once settled, McNair discovered complications with her new living situation and housing safety. From maintenance issues to uncertain landlord communications, her home life continued to fluctuate amidst financial strain.

Despite securing housing and school attendance, Elias’s transition back to school was filled with challenges; his academic struggles compounded by trauma from the loss of loved ones and displacement.

The Constant Struggle for Stability

McNair’s experience illustrates the broader struggles that many families face navigating the intersections of poverty, education, and housing. While she hopes to keep her children in a well-resourced school system, she often grapples with her ability to provide both stability and support for their futures. As Elias returns to school, McNair searches for balance between working to support her family and ensuring her children's success amidst ongoing adversities.

In her ongoing journey, McNair embodies the determination of many parents striving for a better future amidst difficult circumstances. Her story is a testament to resilience amid adversity, showcasing both the power of a mother’s love and the systemic challenges facing families in urban settings.