BY STEPHEN H. COWLES/CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Playback58@gmail.com

FRANKLIN—Franklin, Southampton County and Isle of Wight County public schools are among the 96 percent of the state’s 1,838 public schools that are fully accredited, the Virginia Department of Education announced Thursday.

All met the state’s standards for accomplishment in English, history, mathematics and science as well as graduation from high schools.

“We are elated,” said Bev Rabil, associate director of instruction for City of Franklin schools. “It was the first year for the graduation completion index for all of Virginia schools. We are very pleased and proud of the hard work that our administrators and staff and our schools put into meeting that new indicator under accreditation.”

“School officials will continue to work hard to meet accreditation standards and maintain and put into place programs for students,” Rabil added.

Charles Turner, superintendent of Southampton County Public Schools, said he was extremely proud of the staff and students for their efforts.

“We will continue to provide a quality education for our students,” Turner said. “We also express a special appreciation to our parents for their support.”

Katherine Goff, communications specialist for Isle of Wight County Public Schools, said she too was very pleased to have all nine schools fully accredited this year.

“Our students either met or exceeded Virginia state averages in the core areas,” Goff said. “We’re proud to recognize our students, staff and parents for their hard work. We will continue to implement programs and practices that will help our students achieve even higher levels of success.”