Retaining John Thompson as superintendent of schools offers Clayton County its best chance of regaining its accreditation.

That was the opinion of four citizens who spoke Thursday night during a public hearing at the school board complex.

“Our children are at stake here,” said parent Marsha Gilliam. “At this point, it doesn’t matter how he got here.”

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools cited the provision in Thompson’s contract that allowed him to flout board policy as a reason SACS yanked the 50,000-student system’s accreditation on Sept. 1.

Thompson has given the board an amended contract that would remove those powers. The board is now considering whether to retain Thompson or seek a new permanent superintendent.

Some board members have said they want to extend Thompson’s contract, while others have indicated a desire to begin a national search. The board is expected to discuss the matter at Monday night’s meeting.

“This needs to be resolved as expeditiously as possible,” Gilliam said.

School board members followed policy and did not respond to any of the comments. Board members quickly left following the meeting’s conclusion and could not be reached for comment.