This month, the Decatur County Board of Education received 2014 Quality School Board status from the Georgia School Boards Association’s Board Recognition Program for the second year in a row.

The the voluntary recognition program was designed to showcase best practices in school governance and leadership. GSBA recognizes good school board governance to foster educational community cultures in order to advance student learning and achievement.

The Decatur County Board of Education met and/or exceeded the criteria set forth by GSBA to earn the honor of a 2014 Quality Board. The criteria include strategic planning, vision for public education in Georgia, assessment, superintendent evaluation, local board training requirements and accreditation. Taking part in the program is not a requirement by the state.

“For me, and hopefully for the community, it validates that the board is doing what it takes to be a progressive board of education,” said Decatur County Superintendent Dr. Fred Rayfield.

Rayfield said that he is pleased with the board members and their commitment to the school system by exceeding their requirements and pushing for higher standards.

The Quality level is the first in a three-tiered system, followed by Distinguished Board status and Exemplary Board status.

“We are beginning the work toward the additional requirements for the Distinguished Board status, which is the next level,” Rayfield said.