Nov. 18, 2004 — An accrediting team of the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools wrapped up its visit to the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School Thursday.
The team had been conducting its inspections since Monday to determine whether the East End campus would regain its accredited status.
Kean, along with Charlotte Amalie High School and St. Croix's Central High School, had lost that status nearly three years ago.
The team inspected the facility, sat in on classes, evaluated programs and spoke with administrators and students during its visit. This was the final step in Kean's reaccreditation process.
The day started badly, however, when the Police Department rushed to the campus Thursday morning and arrested a 17-year-old male student for possession of a controlled substance. (See "Kean Student Arrested on Marijuana Charge").
Juel Anderson, Education Department public relations officer, said the team had a meeting today, but it had not yet informed the department whether the school had received a favorable report.
Adelaide Gumbs, secretary of Kean Principal Sharon McCollum-Rogers, said Thursday afternoon that Middle States had instructed them to not speak with members of the media.
CAHS received its final visit in October and received a favorable report from the accreditation team.
"The school has done an outstanding job of preparing for this evaluation visit and building the bridge to the future that will result in improved education programs and opportunities for the children attending this school," Claire Brown, chair of the Middle States Association Visiting Team, said of CAHS. (See "CAHS Clears Final Reaccreditation Hurdle").
The St. Croix Educational Complex, which has never been accredited, is currently going through its final inspection. The team there began its visit on Tuesday and will conclude Friday.
Central High will receive its final inspection March 1 to 4 of next year.
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