Accreditation agency releases report on Bessemer City Schools amid state intervention [Video]

BESSEMER, Ala. (WBRC) – Results of a key assessment are in for the Bessemer City School System. The Alabama Department of Education took over the troubled system last year citing multiple issues.

During Thursday’s school board meeting, the accreditation firm Cognia released a report laying out at least six areas where the Bessmer BOE needs to make improvements.

Cognia has given Bessemer an “accredited under review” and a rating of 2.

The areas of improvement in the report include better communication and professional development for the board when it comes to roles and responsibilities. The report also said there needs to be better training for board members.

We’re told Cognia came in and did an overview of the district before issuing its report.

Bessemer BOE President Terry Dawson tells WBRC this report gives them a plan on what they can do to improve.

“I will take leadership and focus on making sure …