I want to thank all of our staff, board of education and community supporters who helped with our recent visit from the AdvancED accreditation team (formerly known as SACS). The visit went very well. From my perspective, the timeline was well developed and flawlessly executed while the team of six education experts visited our central office and six school sites over three days. The team reported how impressed they were with what was observed at the schools. You welcomed them openly into buildings that were well maintained and classrooms teeming with learning. What more could they want? What more could I have asked of you? Well done to all.

In the end, the highlight is the recommendation that GSCS continue as an accredited school district under AdvancED. This is important since a district's accreditation status influences how colleges and universities view applicants who are graduates of the district. Having our instructional program measured against established standards and found satisfactory in meeting those standards is huge for the whole district. The team did make two recommendations which we will be required to address in future responses, but, quite frankly, neither involved issues of which we weren't already aware. Our process toward change and improvement continues with the added input of AdvancED to guide our work. All of this is good.

Special thanks goes to Sara Jones and so many others who served as chairs of specific standards response committees along with principals and teachers who spent hours gathering documentation about individual school practices. So many have termed it a real learning experience which can only help us get even better. I agree. GSCS, you represented yourselves well. 

Have a great weekend!

Jim Smith 

Superintendent