Four Clayton County school board members will return to court Tuesday to defend themselves against allegations that could lead to their removal.

Board chairwoman Michelle Strong and board members Sandra Scott, Lois Baines-Hunter and Yolanda Everett are scheduled to testify before Judge Michael Malihi of the Office of State Administrative Hearings.

Clayton County schools headlines:

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• Student exodus costs Clayton schools $27M 
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Read the full report to SACS:
• Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 (Large PDFs)

• Read SACS' report (PDF)

• Photos: Non-meeting | Angry parents | 400 protest
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Last week, five Clayton residents presented evidence to Malihi, documenting what they consider a string of unethical behavior that threatened the school system’s accreditation. The citizens have asked Gov. Sonny Perdue to remove the board members. Perdue referred the matter to the judge for a recommendation.

Malihi will likely make a decision by Aug. 27, said Jennifer Jones, an attorney for the Office of State Administrative Hearings. Perdue could remove the board members if they are found to have violated the state ethics code or any other laws.

Albert Wallace, one of the residents who filed the complaint, said he hopes the governor makes a decision by the end of the month.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is slated to determine during the last week of August if Clayton keeps its accreditation.

Testimony is scheduled to resume at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.