A judge has sharply reduced the sentences for three former Atlanta Public Schools educators who received the harshest prison terms in the city's standardized test cheating trial.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Jerry Baxter says he has been uncomfortable with his initial sentence of seven years in prison for Tamara Cotman, Sharon Davis-Williams and Michael Pitts. The three were re-sentenced to serve three years, with seven on probation. They were also fined $10,000 each and sentenced to 2,000 hours of community service.

"There is punishment in line, but I want it to be something that I consider fair and that I can deal with,” Judge Baxter said at Thursday's hearing. Defense attorneys made one last attempt to keep their clients out of jail, asking for community service. But Judge Baxter wouldn't have it. “I’ve reduced your client’s sentence from seven to three. That’s as much as I’m willing to do, based on the six months that I’ve spent with this mess. You know I’m ready to move on. So anyway, adios," the Judge said before adjourning the hearing.

Cotman, Davis-Williams, and Pitts were the highest ranking APS officials convicted in the cheating scandal. Five others were also sentenced to jail time. All plan to appeal, but Judge Baxer says he believes his sentences will be upheld.

Tags: atlanta public schools cheating trial, aps trial, Judge Jerry Baxter, Ellen Reinhardt