By Brandon Park
Staff Writer

On March 1, a Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) team will visit the Morgan County school system for the district-wide accreditation visit.

All schools in the Morgan County school system will be evaluated during the four day visit.

Dr. Ralph Bennett, assistant superintendent,  presented to the Board of Education Monday the first of seven reports that will better prepare board members for the visit. According to Bennett, each board member will be interviewed individually by the SACS representatives.

The first report, the “Vision, Mission and Belief statement,” came complete with a series of questions designed to prepare members for the interview process.

"This visit is a very important part of our improvement plan," Superintendent Stan DeJarnett said. "It's like our final exam."

At each regular meeting leading up to the visit, the board will be provided with a new report.

The SACS accreditation process is designed to help schools and districts continuously improve through a unified, clear and powerful approach. The accreditation process is based on a five-year term accreditation that provides ongoing external checks, support and feedback.

In other news, DeJarnett announced that a new energy savings initiative will begin where all schools in the system compete to see who can cut back the most energy. According to DeJarnett, energy was the only area that went over budget last year.

"Dr. [Joe] Hutcheson initially presented the idea of having a friendly contest between the schools to see who can cut back on the most energy," DeJarnett said.

"We hope to save some energy and become a little greener. The schools have seemed to take ownership over this. It should work well."

Also announced by DeJarnett was a planned public reception for Dr. Mark Wilson, scheduled for Friday, October 17 at 6:30 p.m. in front of the new gym. Special recognition will also be given to Wilson during the Morgan, Stephens pre-game ceremony beginning at 7:15 p.m.

"This is the best opportunity to allow the public a chance to recognize Dr. Wilson for his accomplishments," DeJarnett said.

In other business, the board unanimously approved a request submitted by Sugar Creek Baptist Church to use a school bus for a youth trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee on November 7 through November 9.