Haywood schools make the grade
Haywood County public schools are joining 20 school districts in the state with district-wide accreditation.
After a four-day visit and more than 200 interviews with school-related people, a Quality Assurance Review Team from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) announced the distinction Wednesday during a special called school board meeting.
“This was the smoothest review I have ever participated in,” said Jay Wansley, associate director for the Georgia SACS office and team chairman for the Haywood County visit.
“It’s not a ceremonial process, just because a school system applies for district-wide accreditation,” Wansley said. “Only 200 school systems in the nation and 20 in North Carolina have district-wide accreditation.
“In addition to meeting the standards, a school system must implement the review team’s recommendations for improvement. I feel sure you can,” Wansley said.
The team visited Bethel elementary and middle schools, Central Elementary, Waynesville Middle, Clyde Elementary, Central Haywood High, Meadowbrook Elementary and Pisgah High.
They also conducted 229 interviews, including one with Superintendent Anne Garrett, school board members, 21 representatives from the administrative offices, 16 principals or assistant principals, 44 administrators, 51 parents and business partners, 70 teachers and 21 students.
The team commended the Haywood County school system for open and timely communication with stakeholders; a high level of support from the central administration to assist schools in achieving goals; collaboration and cooperation among elected officials, private industry, community agencies and other stakeholders; and the commitment to students’ success.
The team also complemented the school system for establishing the early college, which allows students to earn an associate degree during five years of intense high school.
The exit report noted several accomplishments of the school system, including the 2005 passage of a school bond referendum, developing a system-wise improvement plan, the support from the school system’s fund-raising Foundation and the fact that 14 of 15 schools met federal Adequately Yearly Progress standards last year.
The Quality Assurance Review Team made three recommendations, including developing, implementing and monitor a comprehensive curriculum that is supported by adequate resources; analyzing, developing, and implementing a staff development/in-service program that addresses critical needs in instructional areas; and upgrading technology.
The team listed several strengths, limitations and challenges for the Haywood County school system.
“It’s very nice to come to a school district that has a lot of pride, but is not complacent about it,” said Joe Delaney, vice chairman of the Quality Assurance Review Team. “All school districts are not like that, I can assure you.” A written report of the Quality Assurance Review Team’s findings and observations will be drafted and sent to the superintendent within 30 days.
Several members of the team said they liked what they saw in Haywood County schools so much they would be taking some ideas back home with them.
Team members Jody Alverson of the Cherokee County Schools and Terry Hollified of the Jackson County Schools said their school systems will be seeking district accreditation.
Haywood County school officials will travel to Orlando, Fla., in December to officially receive the district accreditation.
The school system will be required to submit a progress report in two years to determine if the review team’s recommendations have been followed.
