Clayton County Schools To Lose $27 Million

JONESBORO, Ga. (AP) - A flight of students due to loss of accreditation will cost Clayton County schools $27 million in state funds over the next two years.

More than 3,200 students have left the district south of Atlanta since the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools revoked the accreditation Sept. 1.

The district’s 50,000 students could have trouble getting into some colleges and universities, or receiving scholarships. Students have left for neighboring public school districts, private schools and home schooling.

Also, 565 school employees have left to take positions elsewhere.

Officials are considering layoffs, reducing employee benefits and other cuts as the district deals with the loss of state funding because of the decline in enrollment.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)