Monroe schools receives high marks on accrediting review

Monroe County schools received high marks from an accrediting agency on a recent five-year review. A consultant with the Georgia Accrediting Commission visited the district's schools Dec. 5-6 and rated them "accredited with quality," the highest possible ranking, said Alicia Elder, the district's assistant superintendent.

The review is separate from the more intense five-year review from accrediting agency AdvancED, which the district underwent during the 2015-16 school year.

“We’re very pleased. It kind of goes back to how hard every employee works in our district. We’re proud of our children, we’re proud of our staff members and our community," Elder said.

The Georgia Accrediting Commission review involves a walk through of every school building in the district and evaluation of the organization of each school, number of students in classrooms, teacher certifications, bell-to-bell schedules, programs of study and curriculum.

Monroe schools also received the "accredited with quality" rating during its review five years ago.

“It helps us ensure that we’re meeting the needs of our kids. It validates the work that we do," Elder said. "(Consultant Eldridge Harris) was very impressed with our facilities, with the level of instruction, overall very pleased with the work that we’re doing in Monroe County schools. He did compliment how well behaved our children were and how friendly our staff members were.”

This story was originally published December 13, 2017 at 10:17 AM with the headline "Monroe schools receives high marks on accrediting review."