Reaction mixed to Goldman's accreditation position switch
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RALEIGH -- Community reaction is pouring in after Wake School Board member Debra Goldman decided Wednesday she does want to cooperate with accrediting agency AdvancED. The agency has been trying to investigate school board policies and decisions.
Earlier this month, the board majority sent AdvancED a letter, setting up conditions for the review. AdvancED rejected those terms.
The agency said it would continue with its investigation whether or not the school board cooperated. However, some board members threatened to vote to withdraw from AdvancED, leaving some schools unaccredited.
With Goldman's new position, the board won't have the numbers to do that.
In a statement released Wednesday, she said, "As both a parent and a school board member, I value the accreditation process, and I am gravely concerned for our students and their prospects for future success, particularly graduating seniors, if we refuse to participate in the review."
It's a decision that eases some fears, but still leaves frustrations.
"Yes, I am glad we are moving ahead with the accreditation review, but I think this community is really ready for this board majority to stop," said Great Schools in Wake County Coalition Chair Yevonne Brannon. "Let's bring some common sense and sanity back to the school board meetings."
Other board members favoring the accreditation process say they're pleased with her decision.
"I think it's very important for us, number one, to move forward with this and get into it and get through it and get it behind us,” said Wake County School Board Member Keith Sutton. “We are responsible for being where we are today and part of that has been that investigation coming in and the students of Wake County, particularly the seniors, should not have to bear the responsibility of that. So if it takes us being put in an uncomfortable situation, we need to bear the responsibility for that."
But those against it say Goldman's statement was premature.
"I do think it's a little presumptuous for her to make such a public statement unilaterally on her own before the board has had an opportunity to vote on it and have their full meeting with additional information from our superintendent and attorneys pending," said Board Member John Tedesco.
AdvancED is scheduled to do their review Feb. 17 and 18.
In response to Goldman's change of position, AdvancED's CEO Mark Elgart said in a statement, "AdvancED remains committed to providing an objective and fair review of
Wake County Schools and helping the Board of Education improve its effectiveness for the benefit of the students it serves. We remain hopeful that the Review Team will have the full cooperation of the leadership of the school system and that Wake County Schools will remain committed to the accreditation process."
After careful consideration and conversations with constituents, educators, students and parents, I believe it is time for the Wake County Board of Education to accept the review process proposed by AdvancED. I believe the dialogue with AdvancED has created a chasm between our two institutions which, while understandable, is not in the best interest of our students.
At some point, regardless of the righteousness of my concerns regarding the complaints filed against the Board, the authority in the accreditation process lies with the accrediting agency. While some board members may have concerns with the way that authority may be ultimately executed, I do respect AdvancED’s position to enforce their process on their accredited schools. As both a parent and a school board member, I value the accreditation process, and I am gravely concerned for our students and their prospects for future success, particularly graduating seniors, if we refuse to participate in the review.
I would hope that AdvancED would consider a careful review of their policies regarding complaint handling in light of this unfortunate conflict between our two fine institutions. This is neither a partisan nor a political issue, but rather one that directly affects students and parents across the County. As we focus on student achievement, a review of our processes can only help us to make our fine school system even stronger.
Therefore, I will support moving forward with the accreditation review and I will meet with AdvancED when they come for our review. It is critical that we finalize this matter so that we can move on to other important issues, such as school funding, student achievement, community-based schools and school assignment.