Anger. Sadness. Frustration. And a welling desire to get out of Clayton County.

These were the emotions of many weary parents, students and community leaders Sunday as the county's school district deals with its most challenging crisis in memory —- the threat of losing its accreditation.

On Friday, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools said infighting among school board members and violations of board procedures have made the district "fatally flawed" and recommended that Clayton's accreditation be revoked, effective Sept. 1.

If that happens, students will no longer be eligible for HOPE scholarships and will find it tougher to get into some colleges. HOPE, a state-administered financial aid program, requires applicants to have attended accredited schools. This year's graduating class would not be affected.

"I'm mad about it," said Riverdale resident Karen Ransey Washington as she led her two children, Brittney, 14, and Chrystopher, 11, to church at Divine Faith Ministries. Both youngsters attend Clayton schools.

"I want to know, who dropped the ball?" Washington said. "Our poor children, they have enough to deal with. Now this."

Some remember it was just five years ago that SACS put the school district on probation after finding some school board members had little understanding of their responsibilities or just violated board policies.

Although Chairwoman Ericka Davis is the only member remaining from that board, many wonder how a new group of school board members could repeat what SACS officials said are some of the same mistakes.

"There's been no change," said Tarmeakka Booker, 35, of Forest Park, who is raising four children attending Clayton schools. "It's the same thing all over again."

Clayton County, located just south of Atlanta's city limits, has suffered in recent years from rising crime and the highest mortgage foreclosure rate in the metro area. Its school district is in jeopardy of becoming just the third in the nation —- and the first in Georgia —- to lose its accreditation in the last 20 years.

Booker's husband, James, a 41-year-old truck driver, said he has traveled to Alabama and heard people there talk about some of Clayton's troubles.

"Anywhere you go, that's what people talk about," he said, adding his family is moving out of Clayton County, most likely to Atlanta or Decatur.

Booker's oldest son, James Booker Jr., 18, is a junior at Forest Park High School and a starting cornerback on the football team. The father fears his son won't get a football scholarship if he stays in Clayton and the school district loses its accreditation.

"[His teachers] are trying to talk me into not taking him out," the elder Booker said Sunday as the family left the 8 a.m. church service at Divine Faith, near the county courthouse on Tara Boulevard, Clayton's main drag. "I can't take that chance."

The younger Booker agrees with his father. He said many classmates have already left Clayton, expecting the worst-case scenario for the school district.

"I think it's crazy," the son said. "All the work [students did] is not going to benefit us."

Hong Keo, 50, whose 15-year-old son attends a Clayton school, also is considering moving. He's been worried about crime, and now, the school district. Henry County to the east, the current home of many former Clayton residents, is his preferred choice.

Keo's son, George, is a ninth-grader at Lovejoy High and is in the International Baccalaureate program.

"If Clayton County loses its accreditation, that is not good for his future," said Keo, an immigrant from Laos, as he and others from his homeland worshipped at First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, in a room that church officials let them use.

First Baptist, 185 years old, is one of the county's most prominent churches. About half of its 2,300 worshippers live in Clayton. The church is just south of school district headquarters, and school officials use the church for graduations and teacher-appreciation events.

The Rev. Wes Agnew, minister of administration, said it's possible the school district's crisis could push some worshippers out of the county and to other churches. For now, Agnew said, his focus is on Clayton's children.

"Our greater concern is for the kids and getting an education," he said. "It has a trickle-down effect for everyone. We're hoping and praying this situation gets fixed."

UPDATE: THE STORY SO FAR

> Previously: The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is investigating allegations of unethical behavior by Clayton County school board members, including abuse of power.

> The latest: On Friday, SACS recommended Clayton County schools lose their accreditation Sept. 1 unless they take nine steps to overhaul the system.

> What's next: The National Accreditation Commission will review SACS' findings and vote March 15 whether to strip Clayton of its accreditation.