RUMFORD — The reaccreditation process for Mountain Valley High School kicked off this month when the school’s team was formed, and a representative from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges visited the school.

Principal Matt Gilbert said the process is expected to take more than a year and will look at what works, what doesn’t, and evaluate every aspect of the school’s educational program.

“When we put that stamp from NEASC on our letterheads, that ensures that this is a quality place,” he said.

The current 10-year accreditation expires in 2011.

The staff, headed by steering committee Chairman Jim Aylward, must begin the methodical study of the school and report to the NEASC by February or March 2011. Then a team from the accreditating group will visit the school for four days in May 2011.

“Right now we’re in the digging stage, to support the school’s mission,” Gilbert said.

  In 2000, the school’s accreditation team and NEASC dealt with a school climate issue. Since then, following a turnaround through changes in district administration and work focused on improving staff morale, the school has been cited for having one of the best high school climates in the state.

Gilbert, along with about a half-dozen faculty members, has participated as part of visiting accreditation teams during the past year, so many are familiar with the process.

  Separate surveys geared toward staff, parents and students are in the process of being conducted. The 30 or so questions on each will gauge how well the school meets the educational needs of students, fulfills parental expectations for their children, and defines the clarity of the 21st century mission for teachers.

The surveys are reviewed by Endicott College, then a report written and sent to Mountain Valley for the accreditation team to use. Parents and students will also serve on the accreditation team.

Gilbert said Aylward wants a commitment from parent and student members by January 2010, when regular meetings or other ways of gathering input begins.

“Having outsiders come in makes sure we are following best practices and following standards,” said Gilbert. “We’re looking to become better at everything. This will help set our priorities.”

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