craigdailypress.com

The Moffat County School District will save $6,500 every six years and more than 250 hours over the same period by discontinuing their membership in the North Central Association, which has accredited the Moffat County High School for more than 75 years.

The process and membership have become obsolete, district Assistant Superintendent Joel Sheridan said.

The Moffat County School District Board of Education voted unanimously Thursday night to discontinue the long-standing relationship.

"It was a great thing that's lived beyond its purpose," Sheridan said.

School board member Steve Hafey was concerned that not having the accreditation would prevent Moffat County students from attending some state colleges, which in the past would not accept students from a high school not accredited by NCA.

Research indicated that no students would be prevented from attending any college or university because of the lack.

"I hate to see it does on one hand, on the other, it doesn't make any difference," said Sheridan, who has sat on several NCA accreditation committees for other schools.

In the past, NCA accreditation was sought because state standards were so low. In the wake of the federal No Child Left Behind Act and state testing standards, the state's accreditation system has surpassed NCA's, Sheridan said.

He called doing both a duplication of effort.

The school district has the option of rejoining NCA without penalty should it later be found that regional accreditation is desired.

Christina M. Currie can be reached at 824-7031, Ext. 210 or by e-mail at ccurrie@craigdailypress.com