The DeKalb County School District has been placed on probation by its accrediting agency. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) announced the sanction Monday after wrapping up a six-month investigation. The DeKalb Schools’ accreditation was already “on advisement,” mainly due to governance problems. Now, Mark Elgart, the CEO of SACS’ parent company, says the condition of the district is one of “conflict and chaos,” mainly because board members interfered with day-to-day operations of the school system.
“This is not a governing body,” Elgart says, “What it is is nine individuals who have political interests who are focused on ensuring that those political interests are managed by the staff in accordance with their requests.”
Elgart went on to say the board knowingly under-budgeted for legal expenses and utilities year after year. He said the board struggled to manage the district’s $1 billion annual budget. For example, Elgart said, the board took out a $25 million loan to buy textbooks. But SACS couldn’t find any evidence the money was actually used to buy books.
“This school year, students began in classes without textbooks,” he says. “Students began in classes with textbooks that needed repair and were asked to go home and use glue to put them back together so they could use them.”
The district will be on probation for one year. SACS has given the board four Required Actions to complete during that time period. Elgart says if the board doesn’t do so, a loss of accreditation is “imminent.” And, Elgart says, the board will face further scrutiny.
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