Schools

AdvancED: Cherokee School District Not In Violation of Policies

AdvancED has ruled the school district is not in violation of several policies, as alleged by District 1 Board Member Kelly Marlow.

Cherokee County School District is not in violation of policies set forth by AdvancED.

That's according to a memo Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank Petruzielo received on Monday from AdvancED, which is the company that oversees the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement, or SACS CASI.

Dr. Mark Elgart, president of AdvancED, wrote in his letter to the superintendent that no further action is needed, but that the agency "will continue to monitor the situation and will assess any new information, if relevant and appropriate."

Petruzielo said he was "pleased" with AdvancED's ruling.

"Clearly this removes the dark cloud of potential accreditation issues/risks that was cast over our outstanding school district, and eliminates the distraction that these allegations have caused our community and staff, who can now return to putting all of their energy and focus on school improvement and our primary mission of teaching and learning," he added. 

Marlow in June penned a letter to AdvancED, charging her colleagues on the Cherokee County School Board were unable to govern effectively, accused Board Chair Janet Read of being "incapable" of performing her duties  and noted the "unprofessional relationship between our board, the taxpaying citizens and the professional staff is of serious concern."

As part of the process, AdvancED offered Petruzielo a chance to respond to Marlow's claims. 

Petruzielo complied with the request to respond. Several school board members and other district staff members also offered written responses to Marlow's claim. 

Patch has reached out to Marlow for comment. Stay with Patch for updates. 

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