DeKalb County Schools has made progress in the last eight months, but not enough to put its accreditation back in good standing, the state's top accrediting agency ruled Tuesday.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) decided to keep the district on ‘advisement' status following a review of the school district's procedures. In March, the district was placed on the downgraded status and ordered to make improvements in eight areas
after former superintendent Crawford Lewis, former chief operating officer Patricia Reid and two others were indicted in on charges they ran a criminal enterprise in the school system.
The district will have to submit a follow-up report by February documenting steps it has taken to address the two remaining requirements.
Spokesman Walter Woods said the district wasn't disappointing by the decision and is close to finishing the final two recommendations. The district's work with SACS has been positive and productive, he said.
"We made good headway this year, and they praised us for that," he said.
SACS' options were to revoke the district's accreditation, put the district on probation, which is more severe than advisement, place the district on "warning" or remove all sanctions and place it in good standing. SACS reviews district accreditation every five years, but can take action anytime during the cycle.
Earlier this month, Atlanta Public Schools was removed from probation status and placed on advisement. Cobb County Schools is also on advisement following a 2009 review.
About the Author
