Bell Schools Lose Accreditation; Watson Schools on Probation

Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The state Board of Education has revoked the accreditation for the Bell Public School district in Adair County.

State Superintendent Sandy Garrett cited a lengthy list of possible state and federal law violations in recommending the district lose its accreditation. She noted the district has a debt of more than $200,000.

The board voted 6-1 Thursday to rescind accreditation for the district, which serves kindergarten through 8th grade students. It is now is ineligible to receive federal funds for the 2010-11 school year.

Bell school board president Jim Jones says he thinks the district could have figured out how to resolve its issues if it had been given a chance.

The board also voted to place the Watson Public School district in McCurtain County on probation.