Going… Going…. Gone! Clayton County Schools Looses Accreditation

Clayton County Schools losing its accreditation was a surprise to many, but not to me. Most residents thought that SACS, the agency that oversees accreditation would give the school district more time or put them on probation. But last Thursday they decided to strip the county of its accreditation. The loose of accreditation for Clayton County Schools means that students my have a difficult time getting into some universities and they may not meet qualifications for some grants and scholarships. Parents and student are not the only victims; Clayton County property owners could also lose value on their homes.

In SACS ruling on Clayton County Schools it was learned that the district only satisfied one of the nine mandates required to maintain its accreditation. They got a passing grade on the mandate that all board members reside in Clayton County. To me, that is just outrageous. The school board had more than six months to prepare for and meet the deadline for change. SACS made note of several things in making its decision. One of which I mentioned and took issue with weeks ago was the unprecedented authority the school board granted the new corrective Superintendent John Thompson. They also had issue with the school board itself, its ability to govern the district.

It’s pure incompetence plain and simple. It’s no wonder that Governor Purdue removed the remaining four board members from office after a recommendation from an ethics administration Judge. The boards disregard for the law and its own policies have left Clayton County residents to pick up the pieces of a failed school system. Students who have worked hard to earn good grades, acceptance to colleges are now faced with an uncertain future. What more can be said about the school board other than their actions being criminal.

We should now work on solutions. I initially had hope that Superintendent John Thompson could save the county from losing its accreditation. Now that it’s gone, my confidence in him isn’t very high. Once voters elect a new school board, they should immediately seek out a new superintendent and remove the added authority the old board has given the position. They need to work closely with the State Department of Education and SACS to meet the requirements to restore accreditation. This may mean bring in outside consultants whatever it takes. This situation can be fixed, but ego and stubbornness are exactly what is not needed. Now that worse case has happened, it can only get better. My advice to the hard working students, keep working hard. Know that no matter what happens your efforst are not in vien. Parents, do what you need to do to protect you children, get involved, vote in new board members and if you feel the need move your child to another school system or private school if you can. I hope you all don’t have to deal with this very long.