(KAIR)--USD 409 was granted a district wide recommendation for accreditation by AdvancED, an international accreditation firm whose mission is to improve education systems all over the world.

“You’re definitely within the accepted ranges as compared to the criteria that we expect from effective institutions that are accredited by AdvancED,” said Lead Evaluator Cheryl Allread. “We do recommend.”

What happened Wednesday was the recommendation, and the official accreditation will take place in June.

Allread said receiving accreditation means accepting the mission to improve the entire school system as a whole and create one unified, cohesive district that operates together.

Since this past Sunday, a small team from AdvancED has evaluated US 409 from the board of education to the classroom and everything in between. 

The process involved 49 classroom evaluations, going over data and 188 interviews with board members, administrations, staff, parents and students – just to name a few.

The team looked at three main categories: total impact of teaching and learning, capacity of leadership and the use of resources, said Allread. 

Superintendent Dr. Susan Myers expressed her gratitude for the chance to receive the recommendation.

“We’re thrilled to have the team here,” Myers said. “The whole purpose of an external review is to find out what your strengths and what your opportunities for improvement are. That has definitely been a wonderful experience.”

A common theme that Allread delivered in her report was the emphasis US 409 had on building relationships, creating a caring culture among the system and effectively using the limited resources the district has. 

Allread also commended the board of education for its collaboration and effectiveness overall.

Looking forward, the board is excited to get to work on improving their district says School Board President Herb Gwaltney.

“We’re doing some things right, and we’ve got some things to work on,” Gwaltney said. “And that’s the way the real world works. You’re never perfect. So, it was so important to have someone come in here and look at the stuff we do, and what we’re trying to make this educational experience here for our children better. I think we got some really great stuff.”

Now, Atchison High School has had this accreditation for more than 100 years, Gwaltney said. However, this will be the first time in history the entire school system has it together.