Clayton residents respond to loss of accrediation

By Charles Edwards

Atlanta, GA – In Clayton County, the decision to revoke the school district's accreditation on September First has left students, parents and teachers frustrated and confused.

Last night, they expressed their feelings to County schools Superintendent John Thompson.

In baseball terms, Clayton only went 1 for 9. It only met 1 of the 9 criteria set the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, or SACS to keep its accreditation.

Parents like William Brooks wondered how that could be.

BROOKS: We had 5 and a half months. I could see if we didn't meet 4. We didn't meet 8 of them. I don't understand how that happens. So explain that to me.

Thompson also heard from Ivan Carroll. The Morrow High School civics teacher read a question from one of his students.

CARROLL: She asks, how is it a system can fail someone for something that they did not do?'

And parent Melissa Vargas told Thompson she's worried about her kids' future.

VARGAS: and how can you reassure us that after we trusted you after 6 months that we can trust in you now to not let it happen 6 months later?

Thompson blamed the problems on the old school board and said he's been working hard on solutions. In the meantime, Thompson encouraged parents and all stakeholders to have faith.