Birmingham City Schools Receive Full Accreditation

BIRMINGHAM, AL - Birmingham City Schools district officials announced Tuesday that AdvancED has awarded full accreditation status, with no conditions. This is the first time that Birmingham City Schools has been accredited as a system. Prior to this designation, schools participated individually in accreditation by AdvancED, also known as SACS.

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The system was placed on probation in 2013 due in part to leadership issues. Since 2012, the syatem has been on the journey toward district accreditation, and has operated under the watchful eye of AdvancED, a non-profit, non-partisan accrediting organization that conducts rigorous, on-site reviews of a variety of educational institutions and systems to ensure that all learners realize their full potential.

During that time, the system was required to comply with specified actions that included building the system’s cash reserve, ensuring an effective board governance structure, and increasing student achievement. While not achieving full district accreditation until the recent award, the system has operated with conditional accreditation, and was required to participate in on-going district assessments and was closely monitored by AdvancED review teams.

Since that time, system met the required actions. One such example is in the district’s cash reserves. While only required to carry one month’s operating balance, the district currently operates with a more than four month reserve. Other improvements also include alignment of district goals and resources, ongoing board training, and development of a district strategic plan.

"This is a proud day for Birmingham City Schools, and a testament to the grit and tenacity of our system," said Dr. Lisa Herring in a statement. "We have worked hard toward district accreditation but recognize today does not mark the end of the journey. It is a beginning as we continue to press forward toward academic excellence."

Image via Birmingham City Schools

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