Members of the Wake County school board majority, who've upended the assignment policy that attempted to factor in economic diversity and thus avoid isolating the poor and resegregation, shouldn't be surprised that an influential accreditation group has decided to drop in for a visit this fall.
Advancing Excellence in Education Worldwide, or AdvancED, says it is responding to a complaint from the state NAACP, which has led opposition to changes made by the school board majority.
Surely these board members didn't think they could dismantle so many school policies without having to answer for their actions. Chairman Ron Margiotta says the visit is politically motivated, and others among his allies don't think the organization has any business here.
It's true that the ramifications of the board's changes haven't really been felt yet, and in that sense this review does seem a bit premature. But it is better to review policies early - policies the majority established far too quickly - than to wait until they're in full force and it's too late to change them.
Make no mistake, this is serious. AdvancED's local accrediting agency is the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools, which covers some 13,000 colleges, universities and elementary, middle and secondary schools. Holding accreditation from SACS gives students access to scholarships, loans and programs that require such accreditation. It is not just about prestige.
AdvancED will be looking at everything from the anti-diversity policy to qualifications of consultants, including lawyers, to the community's view of its schools. (A poll found an overwhelming majority pleased with the schools.) The loss of accreditation would be grave. If the board majority is smart, it will cooperate, listen and not be afraid to compromise on some of its precipitous actions.
