By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

Years of hard work by Chilton County Schools administrators, teachers and staff haVE paid off and been rewarded by approval of the school system’s application for accreditation through AdvancED.

All the paperwork, strategic planning sessions, surveys and meetings might feel just a little more worth it now that the goal has been reached.

The process was started about two years ago but was put on hold with the independent accrediting agency revising the process for application.

The process gives the school system a chance to receive an independent review, and the approval of accreditation serves as an independent vote of confidence and endorsement of the school system.

This higher level of accreditation is recognized by the majority of post-secondary opportunities, including some that students had trouble getting into when the school system did not have this accreditation.

Accreditation means Chilton County Schools has joined a list of educational institutions committed to focusing on continuous improvement and better serving students.

With accreditation comes additional accountability to ensure that school systems are working to improve.

Even though the school system will not be up for reaccreditation for another five years,

Superintendent Jason Griffin said in a recent interview communication with the organization is ongoing. Resources are also available in the form of recommendations, trainings and workshops.

Each year the school system will receive a review of progress made in key areas mentioned by the accreditation team.

Plans are being made to celebrate the accreditation with banners and ceremonies at the beginning of next school year, and rightfully so.

Accreditation is something to be proud of.

It is also just the beginning of better things that can happen for the students of Chilton County.

As announcements of new industry and plans for economic development are being discussed, Chilton County students have the confidence of knowing that they have one more asset to helping them be ready to help them qualify for positions that are coming.