Accrediting Agency Says DeKalb School District is Improving
Listen to the audio version of this story.
The DeKalb County school system has made progress, according to the district’s accrediting agency. But the system may still face some obstacles while working to regain full accreditation.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools says DeKalb has shown improvement in governance and financial practices. But Mark Elgart, the CEO of SACS’ parent company, says the key will be sustaining that progress.
“They must not only show further progress, but show evidence that what they have done and are doing has a long-term ability to stay in place,” Elgart says.
In December, the district will undergo a full accreditation review.
SACS placed DeKalb on accredited probation last December due to inadequate board governance. Gov. Deal then suspended and replaced six of the nine board members at the recommendation of the state board of education. Five of the suspended members are appealing the governor’s decision. In addition, former board chair Eugene Walker is challenging the constitutionality of the state law that gives the governor that authority in a case before the state Supreme Court.
Elgart says another sudden leadership change could impede the district’s progress.
“During upheaval like that it takes a while for everybody to re-position themselves,” he says, “And we’re really not certain as to the ability of the old board if they were re-installed today for them to re-position themselves.”
Elgart says the district will need to implement a strategic plan and refocus the system on student achievement.
9(MDAxODM0MDY4MDEyMTY4NDA3MzI3YjkzMw004))
Top Stories
