Five weeks ago, we were asked by Governor Sonny Perdue to serve as special liaisons to the Clayton County Public Schools as they try to take the steps needed to keep the system’s accreditation. Our charge was to “lend a helping hand” to support Clayton County’s teachers, parents and, most importantly, students.

Since being appointed, we have been warmly received by many Clayton County school officials and residents who were willing to accept the Governor’s offer of assistance.

As many are aware, the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools (SACS) identified nine specific areas in which the Clayton County school system must make “substantial progress” if it wants to keep its accreditation.

The Sept. 1 deadline to show that progress is fast approaching and there is much work left to be done.

The good news is that the Clayton County school board has hired a special legal counsel to address the issues raised by SACS. That special counsel has said — and we concur — that a foundation has been laid to meet eight of the nine mandates.

We believe that sufficient time remains to build upon that foundation and construct a framework that will convince SACS beyond a reasonable doubt that substantial progress is being made and, with sufficient time and oversight, each will be fully addressed.

While SACS recommends the appointment of a permanent district superintendent, we believe that the hiring of a short-term corrective superintendent who understands his or her role will best serve the district staff, teachers and students.

This superintendent will serve as a “triage agent” who will stem the unnecessary loss of resources — both human and financial — during the period of uncertainty and then hand the reins over to a permanent superintendent when one is appointed.

Our main concern centers on SACS recommendation #1: “Establish a governing board that is capable of fulfilling its roles and responsibilities.”

We believe strongly in the principle of local control and that a high-functioning elected board, working in concert with its appointed superintendent, is the best vehicle for improving student achievement within a local district.

We strongly agree with the conclusion reached by the SACS Special Review Team that “the effectiveness of the Clayton County Board of Education is fatally flawed.” Therefore we join Clayton County’s special counsel and others who have called for the entire school board to resign.

We want to thank Chairwoman Ericka Davis and board members Rod Johnson and Eddie White who, by announcing their resignations, put the needs of the district and its students ahead of their own. We encourage the rest of the board to follow their lead and resign prior to the July primaries.

This is the only action the current board can take to restore effective governance to the school system. Prolonging such a decision with the unrealistic hope that this firestorm will subside should be met by the citizens of Clayton County with the strongest and swiftest action available to ensure their removal.

The failure to remove this entire board will almost definitely result in the loss of accreditation on Sept. 1.

But removal of the board does not ensure that the next board will be any less dysfunctional. The citizens of Clayton County should be extraordinarily vigilant in this upcoming election cycle.

Clayton County’s students deserve the highest level of board governance that can be extended to them. Unfortunately, they cannot vote or run for board positions which directly impact their future and they must rely on the adult electorate.

Therefore, the next round of Clayton County school board members must care only about serving teachers, students and taxpayers. They must put aside their egos and personal agendas and consider being a school board member as one of the highest forms of selfless public service.

We pledge our support in the training and development of that new board and will advocate tirelessly on their behalf.

William “Brad” Bryant, State Board of Education, District 4

James E. Bostic Jr., State Board of Education, District 5

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