From: Lowdermilk, Sue Sent: Friday, January 15, 2010 10:19 AM To: Buddy Armour; Catherine Thomas; Karen

Sain; Hairfield, Rob; Stroup, Susan V.; Wilkinson, Sam Cc: Stellar, Art; Sherrill, Rick; Cox, Anthony J Subject: SACS CASI Report

To: Board of Education Cc: Mr. Rick Sherrill, Mr. Tony Cox From: Dr. Art Stellar, Superintendent Re: SACS CASI Report Date: January 15, 2010 The attached SACS CASI report is pretty much what was expected for where we were at the time. Progress has been made since then. Two of the recommendations, superintendent selection and Hairfield censure were considered completed without any directives for further action. Most were marked, Has Not Addressed as our plans and documentation were just starting when they visited. In a few cases we were given credit for being, In Progress, with only initial documentation which is very encouraging. The follow up visit is scheduled for May 10-13. Another interim report is required by March 12th and on May 1st an Institution Progress Report is to be submitted. There are several references such as: The system must establish and enforce policies and procedures for actions when board policies are not followed by board members. Of particular importance in this regard is recommendation #7 (page 6) on the ethics policy. Directives: A code of conduct, reflective of the work in Recommendation #3, should accompany the ethics policy. Once approved, the ethics policy must have the commitment of each board member. The policy must contain appropriate steps for monitoring its implementation and consequences for individual board members who violate the policy. We will have to add back what we dropped on Monday as this is the specifics they want in a code of conduct which we can achieve by labeling it code of conduct with a few minor adjustments. The directive is that the policy must contain appropriate steps for monitoring its implementation and consequences for individual board members who violate the policy. Using what was dropped and re-labeling it code of conduct will meet this directive. Several times throughout the report statements indicated that, With the assistance of a consultant or through professional growth activities or Objective consultants secured from outside Burke County and professional growth sessions implemented. These directives are clearly counter to what some would like (all local and at no cost), however, the board has no choice if accreditation is desired.

The conclusion beginning on page 8 contain some significant requirements. The emphasis is upon the entire board working together to become, The board. Since the SACS CASI visit a great deal has been accomplished in terms of planning workshops. Further aspects of this schedule will be completed early next week. However, SACS CASI clearly has in mind for these workshops to create high standards of behavior of the board members, collectively and individually. Documentation can be collected to show that workshops were planned and held. The change in behavior will be primarily assessed by SACS CASI from board meeting tapes and from what people tell them. Hence, as a board member, you have the added burden of convincing as many people as possible that your behavior has indeed changed or demonstrated the highest level of professionalism through your actual behavior. This opportunity presents a tremendous challenge. Regaining accreditation is important enough to be worth the effort.
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