SACS investigates Sumter Co. School Board | News

AMERICUS, GA- A review team from the organization that accredits schools is in Americus now investigating the Sumter County School Board.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools sent in the team after getting complaints about how the board is operating. The grand jury is also investigating the school board.

Michael Busman has four children in Sumter County schools and is a member of the school board.

"Boards are meant to have different people and different view points and that's what happens, but you should be able to agree to disagree, and move on after that and not hold grudges," says Michael Busman, Sumter School Board Member.

After receiving complaints about the school board from community members, The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement decided to step in.

"I hope the right thing is done, and people just tell the truth and whatever happens, happens and we just hope we can get past this and move forward," says Busman.

Critics say there are problems with the board and members are making bad decisions, including policy violations and governance issues.

"Specific policy regarding public participation in board meetings, and the majority of the board was accused of ignoring the attorneys advice and in essence violating state law," says Busman.

The SACS review team will be in Americus through Wednesday interviewing school board members, as part of the investigation into complaints and allegations against the Board of Education.

"Most important thing is the kids, you cant lose sigh of the kids, do the right thing and go by the rules and everything else will fall into place," says Busman.

After SACS is through with the investigation they will make recommendations to the board, and if necessary corrective action could be required.

The review team from SACS is scheduled to be at Monday night's Sumter County Board of Education work session which begins at 6:00 PM.

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