FROM THE NEWS-HERALD: Story on accreditation, plus photos from the presentation

(EDITOR'S NOTE: This is The News-Herald Newspapers' story on the accreditation of the schools in the district, authored by Anne Runkle. Also included are photos from the event.)

A review team has recommended that seven Taylor School District elementary buildings receive accreditation and all other district schools receive re-accreditation.



The recommendation by the team from AdvancED virtually assures the district’s schools will receive accreditation or re-accreditation by every major organization that grants that distinction, said Kathy Reifschneider, lead evaluator for AdvancED.



Supt. Diane Allen said the district’s high schools and middle schools, along with Randall and Myers elementary schools, were already accredited. She was pleased to be able to seek that distinction for the other seven elementary schools.



Wednesday’s recommendation, which was announced at the district offices before principals and other school administrators, marks the first time that all Taylor schools will be accredited.



“As you go through your career, you have those proud moments. This is certainly one of those proud moments,” Allen said at the conclusion of the review team’s presentation. Allen is retiring in June after 43 years of service to Taylor schools.



“It’s always nice when people from the outside come and tell us what a great job we’re doing. We already know that,” said John Reilly, Board of Education president.



Allen said she pursued accreditation as principal at Randall, a post she held until she became superintendent three years ago.



The AdvancED team visited 57 classrooms in six Taylor schools. The team looked at student performance, instructional quality, family engagement in education and other factors.



The review team scored Taylor schools above average in teaching and learning impact.



The team noted that the district could improve on long-range planning on budgets, facilities and other areas.



The team also said the district needs to improve communication with the community.



In addition to high praise for the district’s teachers, Reifschneider also wanted to compliment its children.



“We can’t say enough about your students,” she said. “They were polite; they were respectful.”