School District Remains 'Accredited on Advisement'

In a letter dated May 11, AdvancED President Mark Elgart thanked Cobb Schools Superintendent Fred Sanderson for his "comprehensive and professional" response letter regarding allegations that the Cobb Board of Education had been unethical in its recent actions.

Board Chairwoman Alison Bartlett and Vice Chairman Scott Sweeney met on Wednesday–the same day the letter is dated–with Elgart at his Alpharetta office, according to the Marietta Daily Journal.

Although Elgart said the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools will continue to monitor the board, it will not conduct an investigation about the initial allegations.

"Currently, the Cobb County School District remains Accredited on Advisement," wrote Elgart, whose agency is the parent for SACS.

The district's accreditation status will be reviewed once the Accreditation Progress Report is received, which is due by Dec. 1.

The report must also include "a comprehensive growth and development plan for Board of Education members."

Elgart agreed with Sanderson that professional development and training is key to having an effective board.

As for the school calendar issue, Elgart called it "a local issue" which, like redistricting, would evoke an emotional response from the community. It is the responsibility of the board members to navigate such issues "with consistency, clarity, transparency and objectivity," he wrote.

The letter and Sanderson's response are attached to this article. Check with Northeast Cobb Patch for more information about this issue.