WBRZ - Baton Rouge

ST. HELENA PARISH - Two days after being ranked as one of the worst school districts in the state, St. Helena has new hope for a better future.

A team of educators with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools recommended the St. Helena School District be accredited.

"It verifies that we are functioning properly in our school district. We're organized in the way we do business, and our best practices are in place," said Superintendent Kelli Joseph.

The district was considered for accreditation based on several things like student and teacher performance, and willingness to improve.

"It says a lot to the teachers," Joseph said, "the hard work of the teachers, the hard work of the administrators, staff and everybody working together to make sure our students get what they need."

The recommendation has to first be approved by SACS. Superintendent Joseph said he knows there's still a lot of work to be done.

"We have a lot of challenges, but we've worked through them, and we're looking to have a bright future," said Joseph.

The recommendation for accreditation is the result of both a parent and community effort.

"It made me feel proud that the work we're trying to do as a community is starting to pay off," says Amos Chandler.

The school district should know within the next ten days if the recommendation is approved.