Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

GHS recognized for 76 years of accreditation

Gurdon High School has recently been recognized for maintaining 76 years of continual accreditation through the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement.

According to a release from the commission, schools must meet high standards in order to be granted and maintain accreditation from year to year. The schools are evaluated by a team of professionals from outside the school and must implement a continuous school improvement plan focused on increasing student performance.

The accreditation process is voluntary and must be renewed each year, the release said.

Gurdon High School Principal Leonard Gills said that although accreditation through the NCA is a high honor, it has no real bearing on the schools operation.

Its kind of a prestigious thing, Gills said.

Gurdon High School sends in a report to NCA each year as to the classes taught and certification of the teaching staff. Gills said the on site inspection now takes place once every five years.

We are proud of our tradition of accreditation, Gills said. It demonstrates to parents and to our community that we are dedicated to providing students with a quality education and that we are open to external scrutiny.

In the release, Dr. Mark Elgart, president and CEO of NCA, commended the school for its achievements.

Achieving 76 years of continuous accreditation is an exceptional accomplishment, he said. The staff and school community at Gurdon High School deserve our highest praise for their ongoing pursuit of quality and education.

Gills said the school received a plaque in 2006 when it was recognized for 75 years of continuous accreditation.