Calhoun City Schools got an A+ in the areas of communication with parents and vision and purpose.

“There is no question that communication is very transparent. Parents are very comfortable talking to the Superintendent. It’s very fluid, transparent and provides for an opportunity for two-way communication,” said Olivia Hodges, lead SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) evaluator for the school system.

Members of the Calhoun Board of education got a glimpse Wednesday afternoon at the presentation the system’s committee will submit to SACS for accreditation renewal.

School board members and principals were pleased when Hodges announced the schools received “highly functional,” the highest rating, in the two aforementioned categories.

In addition, Hodges told board members that the school system received “operational,” the second highest rating for the remaining standards ,during the March 3 meeting at the central office.

The system was rated on seven standards, and the SACS committee divided into seven groups to evaluate each of those standards, while considering the input of administrators, teachers, parents and other members of the community.

The areas of evaluation are: vision and purpose, governance and leadership, teaching and learning, demonstrating and using results, resource and support system, stakeholder communications and relationships, and commitment to continuous improvement.

Hodges individually praised Superintendent Michele Taylor for her dedication to the students.

“Calhoun City Schools has a visionary superintendent and a school board who are dedicated to increasing student achievement during difficult economic times,” she said.

During the evaluation, the SACS review team performed on-site visits at all four city schools, as well as inter-views with all members of the board, as well as teachers, parents and students from Feb. 27 to March 2.

Hodges ended the presentation by recommending SACS accreditation renewal for Calhoun City schools. The official SACS accreditation renewal will be announced during a public board meeting once the final report arrives in about 30 days.

“I want to congratulate you for your hard work. You have a fine system here. One that is envious to all of us,” she said.

According to the SACS Exit Review, Calhoun City Schools was one of the first five school systems in the state to earn district accreditation in 2006.

“We are blessed to have an excellent board, excellent students, educators, parents and community members who expect success in every area: academics, athletics and the arts. We will continue our tradition of excellence,” said Superintendent Michele Taylor.