The Clarke County School District has made progress on two of three areas under review by accreditation agency Cognia.
In response to a complaint filed by former superintendent Demond Means alleging interference by school board members, Cognia (then known as AdvancED) started an investigation in January 2020. That investigation cited three areas where CCSD needs improvement: (1) establishing and adhering to policies, (2) following a code of ethics and functioning within defined roles and responsibilities, and (3) implementing effective processes and procedures in support of teaching and learning. On the first two points, Cognia upgraded CCSD from “initiating” to “improving” and from “insufficient” to “initiating,” respectively. The third remains rated “initiating.” The district remains on probation with its accreditation under review.
“Our number-one priority is to have the Clarke County School District restored to full Accredited Status,” board President LaKeisha Gantt said in a news release. “Although these findings show we are moving in the right direction, we recognize there remains important work to be done by our Board.”
The full Cognia update is available at clarke.k12.ga.us/domain/2326.
In other CCSD news, next month the board will return to holding meetings in-person. The board had planned to meet in person at its Mar. 11 meeting, but decided to meet virtually, based on legal advice, because the board had not announced the change at its Mar. 4 work session. The public will not be allowed to attend the next board meeting Apr. 15.
Like what you just read? Support Flagpole by making a donation today. Every dollar you give helps fund our ongoing mission to provide Athens with quality, independent journalism.
