Clayton schools can keep accreditation

By Megan Matteucci

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Clayton County schools can keep its probationary accreditation.

A review by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools found the school system is making progress, but still has steps to take before becoming a “quality” district.

In the report released Friday, the team recommended the school system keep its probationary accreditation. However, a final vote will be made on Jan. 26.

The review team said it was impressed by the “esprit de corps” among the administration. They found “pockets of success” emerging under the new superintendent and board members, but said that was not shared by everyone.

“District leadership must work tirelessly to regain the trust and confidence of the system – of parents, of students, of community, and of staff,” the team wrote. “Until the district can become a purposeful community with efficacy for truly making a difference in the lives of children and young people, then attempts at systemic and systematic improvements will be meaningless.”

SACS revoked Clayton’s accreditation last year, citing among other things, a dysfunctional school board. Clayton was the first school system in the nation to lose accreditation in 40 years.

In May, SACS placed the district on probation for two years and ordered it to be re-evaluated every six months. Last month, the team spent two days interviewing staff and parents.

The review team rated the district on nine improvement mandates, and issued a ranking of highly functional, operational, emerging or not evident. The team found the school system was operational in all but one of the mandates: following an ethics policy.

The team found board members had undergone training, but still need improvement.

“While there is evidence of many positive areas of growth on the part of the board and district leadership, there is still evidence that prompts concern and must be rectified before the board can fully comply with this mandate,” the team wrote. “Every member of the board of education is not fully committed to the protocols and guidance of good boardsmanship.”

The report does not name any of the board members.

The team also expressed concerns about the school system operating with a deficit, but did not go into details.

The team said they were happy to see some of the students who had left following the accreditation loss now returning to Clayton schools. The district has about 49,000 students and is the fifth largest school system in Georgia

“Clayton County Public Schools has the potential to become, once again, a quality school district,” the team wrote.

The team recommended the district review its mission, implement a strategic plan that focuses on student achievement, review all job descriptions and establish a plan for conflict resolution for staff and board members.

The recommendations were made during the same week two female teachers were charged with cursing and physically fighting in school over a man. A board member is also awaiting trial on charges she assaulted her live-in boyfriend.