In this light, I want to share with you information regarding the AdvancEd report based on the review that was conducted in May 2013. The report indicates that governance and finance are still of concern to the accrediting agency based upon their findings. As such, the school system has been placed on Accreditation Probation. Furthermore, our application for district accreditation is deferred until progress has been made. We will undergo a follow up review in six months to assess our progress.

At this point, I want to be clear -  ALL of our schools are accredited and will remain accredited throughout this process. The academic progress that is being made by our schools will continue. The key issues that have to be addressed are at the governance and leadership levels, not at the school level.

The leadership, both Superintendent and Board, have and will continue to address these areas of concern which include governance and finance. Trainings have occurred and systems have been implemented to put us on a corrective course of action, where needed. This period of time will give the district an opportunity to fully implement all identified measures and commit to the practice of the steps needed to move forward.

We value the work being done by our principals, teachers, and students. Staff has been working all summer to ensure that we have one of the most successful opening of schools next month. Our career academies, International Baccalaureate program, State Torchbearer School and all schools will build upon the academic progress we continue to make. We will stay this course of forward momentum and movement for the sake of our students.

I ask that our parents, students, and community stay committed and focused on the great things that are occurring in Birmingham City Schools. Our commitment to you is that we focus on what matters most - our students and their success.

Thank you.