CLAYTON COUNTY, GA (CBS ATLANTA) -
Gov. Nathan Deal told reporters Thursday that if or when the time comes for him to take action against Clayton County's school board, he will.
"I am concerned any time you have an indication that accreditation is in jeopardy," Deal said. "There is a process that has to be followed and we are not at that stage where governor's action or involvement in appropriate at this time. We will continue to monitor that."
Deal is monitoring Clayton County Schools because the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACs) sent school leaders a letter Tuesday and warned them that the district's accreditation could be in jeopardy. He had some advice for the board members.
"Hopefully they can work together. That seems to be the crutch of what the accreditation agency is concerned about, is cooperation and working for the betterment of the system," Deal said.
Board members fighting and not working together is part of the same reason SACS stripped the district of its accreditation in 2008. The district's accreditation was fully restored in May of last year. This week SACs cited bickering between board members as still being a problem.
"The problem on the board is between the chairperson and me. What I would like to do is go get a mediator and let's have some conflict resolution because that's the real problem," said Board Member Jesse Goree.
Goree said she wrote those words in an email to board members after SACS issued the warning.
Goree said she and Board Chairman Pam Adamson have differences, but she doesn't believe it's affecting the board's ability to run the district.
"Yes, we are getting along to take care of business for the county," said Goree, who also said there is no infighting.
CBS Atlanta called Adamson but she did not return the call. A crew also went to her home but no one was there.
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