COFFEE COUNTY, GA (WALB) -
A once troubled South Georgia school board seems to have solved its problems.
Friday, the Coffee County School Board got an important stamp of approval when the system earned full accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Coffee County Educators, parents, and staff members got news today they've been hoping to hear for a long time.
"Friday we are please to say we are fully sacs accredited," said
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools notified the superintendent the school system is now accredited.
"12:00 o'clock when they made that announcement I was a proud man," said Morris Leis, Superintendent
But it's been a long journey, In 2009, the board set out to seek accreditation, but in 2010 they were placed on probation.
It was the relationship between the superintendent and the board and their ability to conduct their business.
Last year, the state board of education considered removing all the board members from office..but under the leadership of a new superintendent board members got busy working together and on the five actions SACS prescribed for getting off probation.
"It's been rough," said Leis.
Ronnie Johnson has been a board member for 13 years, and he's seen things come full circle.
"I was here when we got put on probation, and I'm here to see us come off it, and I thank God for that," said Ronnie Johnson, Board Member
It was huge concern for parents and students,
"I was upset, I had a daughter that was about to enter high school and was concerned about the sustainability of our school system Bryan Preston, Board Member
But that's a concern no more.
"It's something our parents our kids can be proud of receiving a diploma from coffee high school," said Preston.
It's all about teamwork,
"Disagreements, as long as they are civil can lead to good solutions, but disrespect has no place in the business of governing our schools," said Johnson.
Because it's not about the board members it's about the kids.
I'm very proud today, to say our kids have a chance now," said Leis.
Board members promise to continue to work together.
Board members say next they plan to seek charter system status and recognition as a board of distinction.
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