Montgomery Public Schools Accreditation Report confirms this is the Moment of Truth

Montgomery Chamber urges voters to turn out June 5 to vote for change candidates.

Montgomery, Ala. – May 31, 2018 - Yesterday AdvancEd released the long anticipated accreditation report for Montgomery Public Schools and the results confirm the beliefs and concerns previously expressed by the business community, local leadership and 75% of voting public who were polled in recent months. Montgomery’s schools are in a crisis and imminently risk the loss of accreditation. This outcome would devastate our ability to prosper, and we must act now to correct our course and move forward together.

Of the 31 standards evaluators require for accreditation, MPS met only 1. The report was especially clear about the lack of leadership capacity and poor board governance. In that domain there are 11 standards for accreditation, nine of which were rated as “needs improvement,” the accreditation agency’s lowest level. The opportunity to change this awaits us in the voting booth on June 5.

This sobering evaluation comes at a time when Montgomery is winning like never before in the realm of economic development. The recent announcement of a $388M expansion at Hyundai, the bed-down of the F-35 at Dannelly Field, and unprecedented national recognition as a tourism destination are just a few indicators of how we are poised for growth and advancement that can take our children into a prosperous future.

But that bright future is at dire risk.

The time to address the problem is now. If our school system loses accreditation, it will affect ALL MPS students for years to come.  Their dreams of 2 and 4-year colleges and military service will be delayed or destroyed. Families will seek out better school systems and our workforce will be depleted.

If we do not make sweeping changes to the current failing system, we risk not being able to retain and recruit quality businesses like Hyundai. We will not have world-class hospitality and tourism experiences that draw visitors from around the world. We will not have qualified airmen and their families as part of our community, preserving our vital Air Force missions.

Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Judge Charles Price put it simply: “In Montgomery, we’re succeeding in economic development and tourism like never before. We simply cannot have a failing education system. It threatens all our other successes here. We must act now to make change and ensure a great future for our children and our communities.” 

The business community and community at large must understand the very real danger at hand and take action. Failure to take corrective action immediately will, without a doubt, cost our children their future, and ultimately the future of Montgomery.
 
The June 5th primary is one of the most important elections in which Montgomery voters will participate. And it is only the beginning. We must address our past failures and work together with commitment to our children, to the business community and to Montgomery’s future.

With so many wins, we simply cannot afford to lose on this front. Now is the time to act.
 
For more information, visit www.montgomerychamber.com/education.
 
ABOUT MONTGOMERY
Montgomery, Alabama fosters a business-friendly environment and understands that a healthy mix of large and small businesses constitutes the lifeblood of the city and region. A long history of trusted public-private partnership between the city, county, state, and local business leadership creates an inviting business ecosystem. Montgomery is built on a dynamic history rooted in revolution as the center of both the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. It is steeped in Southern tradition and hospitality, yet it is also a modern city on the forefront of cutting-edge development. It is attracting new businesses with its open Internet exchange and opportunities for business growth, and new residents are coming for the city's livability, including a revitalization of the historic downtown along Dexter Avenue with new attractions and diverse entertainment options. For more information, visit www.choosemontgomery.com.