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Accreditation agency says ‘be prepared' for DeKalb Schools report

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — An accreditation agency is warning of potential upcoming bad news for DeKalb County Schools.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools' official report on the district won't be released for another two weeks, but the group's CEO talked to Channel 2 Action News about what he's seen so far, and it doesn't sound good for the district's 100,000 students.

"People should be prepared," SACS CEO Dr. Mark Elgart said Tuesday. 

He said the events that triggered SACS' investigation are significant concerns, financial management and oversight, and issues with human resources, employment and concerns with governance.

"Those concerns are going to shape a report that will provide direction and expectation for this system to make significant improvements in order to move the system forward," Elgart said.

In anticipation of a negative report, some communities like Brookhaven and Dunwoody have discussed starting their own school district.  Elgart said it may not be that easy.

"The cost is significant to establish your own school system. I don't know if it's a viable alternative with the scarcity of resources we all have today economically," Elgart said.