O.C.G.A. § 20-16-18 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 16 / Section 20-16-18
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-16-18
Status: in_force

(a) There is created as a joint committee of the General Assembly the Georgia Higher Education Facilities Authority Committee to be composed of five members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House, two of whom shall be members of the minority party, five members of the Senate appointed by the Senate Committee on Assignments, two of whom shall be members of the minority party, the chairperson of the House Committee on Higher Education or his or her designee, and the chairperson of the Senate Higher Education Committee or his or her designee. The members of the committee shall serve two-year terms concurrent with their terms as members of the General Assembly. The Senate Committee on Assignments shall appoint a cochairperson from the Senate members of the committee, and the Speaker of the House shall appoint a cochairperson from the House of Representatives members of the committee. The cochairpersons shall serve terms of two years concurrent with their terms as members of the General Assembly. Vacancies in an appointed member's position or in the offices of cochairperson of the committee shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment. The committee shall periodically inquire into and review the operations of the Georgia Higher Education Facilities Authority, as well as periodically review and evaluate the success with which the authority is accomplishing its statutory duties and functions as provided in this chapter.

(a) There is created as a joint committee of the General Assembly the Georgia Higher Education Facilities Authority Committee to be composed of five members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House, two of whom shall be members of the minority party, five members of the Senate appointed by the Senate Committee on Assignments, two of whom shall be members of the minority party, the chairperson of the House Committee on Higher Education or his or her designee, and the chairperson of the Senate Higher Education Committee or his or her designee. The members of the committee shall serve two-year terms concurrent with their terms as members of the General Assembly. The Senate Committee on Assignments shall appoint a cochairperson from the Senate members of the committee, and the Speaker of the House shall appoint a cochairperson from the House of Representatives members of the committee. The cochairpersons shall serve terms of two years concurrent with their terms as members of the General Assembly. Vacancies in an appointed member's position or in the offices of cochairperson of the committee shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment. The committee shall periodically inquire into and review the operations of the Georgia Higher Education Facilities Authority, as well as periodically review and evaluate the success with which the authority is accomplishing its statutory duties and functions as provided in this chapter.

(b) The state auditor, the Attorney General, and all other agencies of state government, upon request by the committee, shall assist the committee in the discharge of its duties set forth in this Code section. The committee may employ not more than two staff members and may secure the services of independent accountants, engineers, and consultants.

(b) The state auditor, the Attorney General, and all other agencies of state government, upon request by the committee, shall assist the committee in the discharge of its duties set forth in this Code section. The committee may employ not more than two staff members and may secure the services of independent accountants, engineers, and consultants.

(c) The Georgia Higher Education Facilities Authority shall cooperate with the committee, its authorized personnel, the Attorney General, the state auditor, the state accounting officer, and other state agencies in order that the charges of the committee, set forth in this Code section, may be timely and efficiently discharged. The authority shall submit to the committee such reports and data as the committee shall reasonably require of the authority in order that the committee may adequately perform its functions. The Attorney General is authorized to bring appropriate legal actions to enforce any laws specifically or generally relating to the Georgia Higher Education Facilities Authority. The committee shall, on or before the first day of January of each year, and at such other times as it deems necessary, submit to the General Assembly a report of its findings and recommendations based upon the review of the Georgia Higher Education Facilities Authority, as set forth in this chapter.

(c) The Georgia Higher Education Facilities Authority shall cooperate with the committee, its authorized personnel, the Attorney General, the state auditor, the state accounting officer, and other state agencies in order that the charges of the committee, set forth in this Code section, may be timely and efficiently discharged. The authority shall submit to the committee such reports and data as the committee shall reasonably require of the authority in order that the committee may adequately perform its functions. The Attorney General is authorized to bring appropriate legal actions to enforce any laws specifically or generally relating to the Georgia Higher Education Facilities Authority. The committee shall, on or before the first day of January of each year, and at such other times as it deems necessary, submit to the General Assembly a report of its findings and recommendations based upon the review of the Georgia Higher Education Facilities Authority, as set forth in this chapter.

(d) In the discharge of its duties, the committee shall evaluate the performance of the Georgia Higher Education Facilities Authority consistent with the following criteria: (1) Prudent, legal, and accountable expenditure of public funds; (2) Efficient operation; and (3) Performance of its statutory responsibilities.

(d) In the discharge of its duties, the committee shall evaluate the performance of the Georgia Higher Education Facilities Authority consistent with the following criteria:

(1) Prudent, legal, and accountable expenditure of public funds;

(1) Prudent, legal, and accountable expenditure of public funds;

(2) Efficient operation; and

(2) Efficient operation; and

(3) Performance of its statutory responsibilities.

(3) Performance of its statutory responsibilities.

(e)(1) The committee is authorized to expend state funds available to the committee for the discharge of its duties. Such funds may be used for the purposes of compensating staff personnel; paying for services of independent accountants, engineers, and consultants; and paying all other necessary expenses incurred by the committee in performing its duties. (2) The members of the committee shall receive the same compensation, per diem, expenses, and allowances for their service on the committee as is authorized by law for members of interim legislative study committees. (3) The funds necessary for the purposes of the committee shall come from the funds appropriated to and available to the legislative branch of government.

(e)(1) The committee is authorized to expend state funds available to the committee for the discharge of its duties. Such funds may be used for the purposes of compensating staff personnel; paying for services of independent accountants, engineers, and consultants; and paying all other necessary expenses incurred by the committee in performing its duties.

(e)(1) The committee is authorized to expend state funds available to the committee for the discharge of its duties. Such funds may be used for the purposes of compensating staff personnel; paying for services of independent accountants, engineers, and consultants; and paying all other necessary expenses incurred by the committee in performing its duties.

(2) The members of the committee shall receive the same compensation, per diem, expenses, and allowances for their service on the committee as is authorized by law for members of interim legislative study committees.

(2) The members of the committee shall receive the same compensation, per diem, expenses, and allowances for their service on the committee as is authorized by law for members of interim legislative study committees.

(3) The funds necessary for the purposes of the committee shall come from the funds appropriated to and available to the legislative branch of government.

(3) The funds necessary for the purposes of the committee shall come from the funds appropriated to and available to the legislative branch of government.
O.C.G.A. § 20-3-310 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 3 / Section 20-3-310
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-3-310
Status: in_force

This part shall be known and may be cited as the “Georgia Student Finance Authority Act.”
O.C.G.A. § 20-3-250-1 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 3 / Section 20-3-250-1
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-3-250.1
Status: in_force

This part shall be known and may be cited as the “Nonpublic Postsecondary Educational Institutions Act of 1990.”
O.C.G.A. § 20-13-2 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 13 / Section 20-13-2
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-13-2
Status: in_force

(a) The commission shall be composed of nine members, who shall be appointed by the Governor from the general public. No person may serve on the commission who is also an official, officer, or employee of the state or any of its agencies or instrumentalities or an official, officer, employee, or representative of any public school system.

(a) The commission shall be composed of nine members, who shall be appointed by the Governor from the general public. No person may serve on the commission who is also an official, officer, or employee of the state or any of its agencies or instrumentalities or an official, officer, employee, or representative of any public school system.

(b) The term of office for members shall be four years, except for those members whose initial terms begin on July 1, 2001, which terms shall expire on June 30, 2002. Thereafter, their successors shall serve for terms of four years and until a successor is appointed and qualified.

(b) The term of office for members shall be four years, except for those members whose initial terms begin on July 1, 2001, which terms shall expire on June 30, 2002. Thereafter, their successors shall serve for terms of four years and until a successor is appointed and qualified.

(c) The commission shall elect one of its members as chairperson.

(c) The commission shall elect one of its members as chairperson.

(d) Vacancies which occur in the membership of the commission shall be filled by the Governor.

(d) Vacancies which occur in the membership of the commission shall be filled by the Governor.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-552 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-552
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-552
Status: in_force

(a) There is created a body corporate and politic to be known as the Georgia Education Authority (Schools), which shall be deemed to be an instrumentality of the State of Georgia and a public corporation and by that name, style, and title such body may contract and be contracted with, bring and defend actions, and implead and be impleaded. The authority shall consist of five members, as follows: three appointees of the Governor, one appointee of the Lieutenant Governor, and one appointee of the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The terms of office for all members shall be three years and until their successors are appointed and qualified.

(a) There is created a body corporate and politic to be known as the Georgia Education Authority (Schools), which shall be deemed to be an instrumentality of the State of Georgia and a public corporation and by that name, style, and title such body may contract and be contracted with, bring and defend actions, and implead and be impleaded. The authority shall consist of five members, as follows: three appointees of the Governor, one appointee of the Lieutenant Governor, and one appointee of the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The terms of office for all members shall be three years and until their successors are appointed and qualified.

(b) The authority shall elect one of its members as chairperson and another as vice chairperson and a secretary and treasurer, who need not necessarily be a member of the authority. The majority of the members of the authority shall constitute a quorum. No vacancy on the authority shall impair the right of the quorum to exercise all the rights and perform all the duties of the authority. The members of the authority shall not be entitled to compensation for their services but shall be entitled to and shall be reimbursed for their actual expenses necessarily incurred in the performance of their duties. The authority may have staff assigned from within the Department of Education or the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission for the purposes of carrying out the authority's duties and responsibilities, with compensation paid from resources available to the authority or the Department of Education or the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission, as the department, the commission, and the authority may agree. The Department of Education and all other state or local government entities shall provide all necessary assistance requested by the authority. The Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission shall provide financial advisory services to the authority in accordance with Code Section 50-17-22 , and all debt of the authority shall be subject to the approval of the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission. The authority shall make rules and regulations for its own government. It shall have perpetual existence. Any change in name or composition of the authority shall in no way affect the vested rights of any person under this part or impair the obligations of any contracts existing under this part.

(b) The authority shall elect one of its members as chairperson and another as vice chairperson and a secretary and treasurer, who need not necessarily be a member of the authority. The majority of the members of the authority shall constitute a quorum. No vacancy on the authority shall impair the right of the quorum to exercise all the rights and perform all the duties of the authority. The members of the authority shall not be entitled to compensation for their services but shall be entitled to and shall be reimbursed for their actual expenses necessarily incurred in the performance of their duties. The authority may have staff assigned from within the Department of Education or the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission for the purposes of carrying out the authority's duties and responsibilities, with compensation paid from resources available to the authority or the Department of Education or the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission, as the department, the commission, and the authority may agree. The Department of Education and all other state or local government entities shall provide all necessary assistance requested by the authority. The Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission shall provide financial advisory services to the authority in accordance with Code Section 50-17-22 , and all debt of the authority shall be subject to the approval of the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission. The authority shall make rules and regulations for its own government. It shall have perpetual existence. Any change in name or composition of the authority shall in no way affect the vested rights of any person under this part or impair the obligations of any contracts existing under this part.

(c) The authority is assigned to the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission for administrative purposes only as prescribed in Code Section 50-4-3 .

(c) The authority is assigned to the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission for administrative purposes only as prescribed in Code Section 50-4-3 .
O.C.G.A. § 20-3-560 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 3 / Section 20-3-560
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-3-560
Status: in_force

It is the intention of the General Assembly that the Georgia Military College be a state-wide institution dedicated to providing a high-quality military education to the youth of this state, but not beyond the level of the second year of postsecondary study except for Bachelor of Applied Science degree programs which assist graduates of institutions under the Technical College System of Georgia in the attainment of a four-year bachelor's degree; provided, however, that no branch of the Georgia Military College shall offer any Bachelor of Applied Science degree program that is currently being offered by an institution of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia which is located in the same county as such branch; provided, further, that the level of such educational programs shall be subject to the availability of funds appropriated by the General Assembly. The student enrollment of the college shall reflect as closely as possible the racial and demographic makeup of the state.
O.C.G.A. § 20-3-152 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 3 / Section 20-3-152
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-3-152
Status: in_force

(a) There is created a body corporate and politic to be known as the Georgia Education Authority (University), which shall be deemed to be an instrumentality of this state and a public corporation; and by that name, style, and title said body may contract and be contracted with, bring and defend actions, and implead and be impleaded. The authority shall consist of six members, as follows: the Governor, an appointee of the Governor who is not the Attorney General, the state auditor, the chairman of the board of regents, the director of the Office of Planning and Budget, and the chancellor of the university system.

(a) There is created a body corporate and politic to be known as the Georgia Education Authority (University), which shall be deemed to be an instrumentality of this state and a public corporation; and by that name, style, and title said body may contract and be contracted with, bring and defend actions, and implead and be impleaded. The authority shall consist of six members, as follows: the Governor, an appointee of the Governor who is not the Attorney General, the state auditor, the chairman of the board of regents, the director of the Office of Planning and Budget, and the chancellor of the university system.

(b) The authority shall elect one of its members as chairman and another as vice-chairman and a secretary and treasurer, who need not necessarily be a member of the authority but who shall be the same as the secretary and treasurer of the Georgia Education Authority (Schools). The majority of the members of the authority shall constitute a quorum. No vacancy on the authority shall impair the right of the quorum to exercise all the rights and perform all the duties of the authority. The members of the authority shall not be entitled to compensation for their services but shall be entitled to and shall be reimbursed for their actual expenses necessarily incurred in the performance of their duties. The staff of the authority shall be the same as the staff of the Georgia Education Authority (Schools). The authority shall make rules and regulations for its own government. It shall have perpetual existence. Any change in name or composition of the authority shall in no way affect the vested rights of any person under the provisions of this article or impair the obligations of any contracts existing under this article.

(b) The authority shall elect one of its members as chairman and another as vice-chairman and a secretary and treasurer, who need not necessarily be a member of the authority but who shall be the same as the secretary and treasurer of the Georgia Education Authority (Schools). The majority of the members of the authority shall constitute a quorum. No vacancy on the authority shall impair the right of the quorum to exercise all the rights and perform all the duties of the authority. The members of the authority shall not be entitled to compensation for their services but shall be entitled to and shall be reimbursed for their actual expenses necessarily incurred in the performance of their duties. The staff of the authority shall be the same as the staff of the Georgia Education Authority (Schools). The authority shall make rules and regulations for its own government. It shall have perpetual existence. Any change in name or composition of the authority shall in no way affect the vested rights of any person under the provisions of this article or impair the obligations of any contracts existing under this article.

(c) The authority is assigned to the Department of Administrative Services for administrative purposes only as prescribed in Code Section 50-4-3 .

(c) The authority is assigned to the Department of Administrative Services for administrative purposes only as prescribed in Code Section 50-4-3 .
O.C.G.A. § 20-4-37 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 4 / Section 20-4-37
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-4-37
Status: in_force

(a)(1) It is the intent of the General Assembly to: (A) Increase high school graduation rates, potential job opportunities, and educational opportunities that will prepare students for success in college and the workplace; (B) Establish intergovernmental cooperation between postsecondary institutions and local boards of education and collaboration with business, industry, and community stakeholders to aid relevant education programs and in the development and support of new and existing college and career academies in Georgia; (C) Assist in the development of academic and career ready curriculum; (D) Establish and manage support grant opportunities and awards for new and existing college and career academies; (E) Establish a process that allows for college and career academy certification; and (F) Collect and analyze data to evaluate the effectiveness of dual credit and dual enrollment programs, secondary and postsecondary partnerships, and college and career academics. (2) The General Assembly finds that to accomplish these goals an office should be established to coordinate the efforts of the various education agencies.

(a)(1) It is the intent of the General Assembly to: (A) Increase high school graduation rates, potential job opportunities, and educational opportunities that will prepare students for success in college and the workplace; (B) Establish intergovernmental cooperation between postsecondary institutions and local boards of education and collaboration with business, industry, and community stakeholders to aid relevant education programs and in the development and support of new and existing college and career academies in Georgia; (C) Assist in the development of academic and career ready curriculum; (D) Establish and manage support grant opportunities and awards for new and existing college and career academies; (E) Establish a process that allows for college and career academy certification; and (F) Collect and analyze data to evaluate the effectiveness of dual credit and dual enrollment programs, secondary and postsecondary partnerships, and college and career academics.

(a)(1) It is the intent of the General Assembly to:

(A) Increase high school graduation rates, potential job opportunities, and educational opportunities that will prepare students for success in college and the workplace;

(A) Increase high school graduation rates, potential job opportunities, and educational opportunities that will prepare students for success in college and the workplace;

(B) Establish intergovernmental cooperation between postsecondary institutions and local boards of education and collaboration with business, industry, and community stakeholders to aid relevant education programs and in the development and support of new and existing college and career academies in Georgia;

(B) Establish intergovernmental cooperation between postsecondary institutions and local boards of education and collaboration with business, industry, and community stakeholders to aid relevant education programs and in the development and support of new and existing college and career academies in Georgia;

(C) Assist in the development of academic and career ready curriculum;

(C) Assist in the development of academic and career ready curriculum;

(D) Establish and manage support grant opportunities and awards for new and existing college and career academies;

(D) Establish and manage support grant opportunities and awards for new and existing college and career academies;

(E) Establish a process that allows for college and career academy certification; and

(E) Establish a process that allows for college and career academy certification; and

(F) Collect and analyze data to evaluate the effectiveness of dual credit and dual enrollment programs, secondary and postsecondary partnerships, and college and career academics.

(F) Collect and analyze data to evaluate the effectiveness of dual credit and dual enrollment programs, secondary and postsecondary partnerships, and college and career academics.

(2) The General Assembly finds that to accomplish these goals an office should be established to coordinate the efforts of the various education agencies.

(2) The General Assembly finds that to accomplish these goals an office should be established to coordinate the efforts of the various education agencies.

(b) As used in this Code section, the term: (1) “ Board ” means the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia. (2) “ Certification ” means a formal process established by the Office of College and Career Academies, and approved by the board, in which college and career academies successfully demonstrate appropriate levels of student achievement and technical skill development, community sustainability, work force development, and school level governance. (3) “ Charter petitioner ” means a local board of education, group of local boards of education, private individual, private organization, state or local public entity, or any group of these that submits a petition for a charter in cooperation with one or more postsecondary institutions which have petitioned to establish a college and career academy as a charter school pursuant to Article 31 or Article 31A of Chapter 2 of this title. (4) “ Charter school ” shall mean the schools included in paragraph (3) of Code Section 20-2-2062 and in paragraph (5) of Code Section 20-2-2081 . (5) “ College and career academy ” means a specialized school established as a charter school or pursuant to a contract for a strategic waivers school system or charter system, which formalizes a partnership that demonstrates a collaboration between business, industry, and community stakeholders to advance the technical skills needed for work force development between one or more local boards of education, a private individual, a private organization, or a state or local public entity in cooperation with one or more postsecondary institutions. A charter school, charter system, or strategic waivers school system contract establishing a college and career academy shall include provisions requiring that the college and career academy have a governing board reflective of the school community and the partnership with decision-making authority and requiring that governing board members complete initial and annual governance training, including, but not limited to, best practices on school governance, the constitutional and statutory requirements relating to public records and meetings, and the requirements of applicable statutes and rules and regulations. (6) “ Office ” means the Office of College and Career Academies established pursuant to subsection (c) of this Code section. (7) “ Postsecondary institution ” means a local technical college, community college, university, or other postsecondary institution operating under the authority of the Technical College System of Georgia or the University System of Georgia or other not for profit postsecondary institution accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. (8) “ Start-up costs ” means initial operating or capital costs, including, but not limited to, costs of improving real property. (9) “ Supplemental funding ” means funding for purposes other than start-up costs which are related to the establishment and operation of college and career academies.

(b) As used in this Code section, the term:

(1) “ Board ” means the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia.

(1) “ Board ” means the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia.

(2) “ Certification ” means a formal process established by the Office of College and Career Academies, and approved by the board, in which college and career academies successfully demonstrate appropriate levels of student achievement and technical skill development, community sustainability, work force development, and school level governance.

(2) “ Certification ” means a formal process established by the Office of College and Career Academies, and approved by the board, in which college and career academies successfully demonstrate appropriate levels of student achievement and technical skill development, community sustainability, work force development, and school level governance.

(3) “ Charter petitioner ” means a local board of education, group of local boards of education, private individual, private organization, state or local public entity, or any group of these that submits a petition for a charter in cooperation with one or more postsecondary institutions which have petitioned to establish a college and career academy as a charter school pursuant to Article 31 or Article 31A of Chapter 2 of this title.

(3) “ Charter petitioner ” means a local board of education, group of local boards of education, private individual, private organization, state or local public entity, or any group of these that submits a petition for a charter in cooperation with one or more postsecondary institutions which have petitioned to establish a college and career academy as a charter school pursuant to Article 31 or Article 31A of Chapter 2 of this title.

(4) “ Charter school ” shall mean the schools included in paragraph (3) of Code Section 20-2-2062 and in paragraph (5) of Code Section 20-2-2081 .

(4) “ Charter school ” shall mean the schools included in paragraph (3) of Code Section 20-2-2062 and in paragraph (5) of Code Section 20-2-2081 .

(5) “ College and career academy ” means a specialized school established as a charter school or pursuant to a contract for a strategic waivers school system or charter system, which formalizes a partnership that demonstrates a collaboration between business, industry, and community stakeholders to advance the technical skills needed for work force development between one or more local boards of education, a private individual, a private organization, or a state or local public entity in cooperation with one or more postsecondary institutions. A charter school, charter system, or strategic waivers school system contract establishing a college and career academy shall include provisions requiring that the college and career academy have a governing board reflective of the school community and the partnership with decision-making authority and requiring that governing board members complete initial and annual governance training, including, but not limited to, best practices on school governance, the constitutional and statutory requirements relating to public records and meetings, and the requirements of applicable statutes and rules and regulations.

(5) “ College and career academy ” means a specialized school established as a charter school or pursuant to a contract for a strategic waivers school system or charter system, which formalizes a partnership that demonstrates a collaboration between business, industry, and community stakeholders to advance the technical skills needed for work force development between one or more local boards of education, a private individual, a private organization, or a state or local public entity in cooperation with one or more postsecondary institutions. A charter school, charter system, or strategic waivers school system contract establishing a college and career academy shall include provisions requiring that the college and career academy have a governing board reflective of the school community and the partnership with decision-making authority and requiring that governing board members complete initial and annual governance training, including, but not limited to, best practices on school governance, the constitutional and statutory requirements relating to public records and meetings, and the requirements of applicable statutes and rules and regulations.

(6) “ Office ” means the Office of College and Career Academies established pursuant to subsection (c) of this Code section.

(6) “ Office ” means the Office of College and Career Academies established pursuant to subsection (c) of this Code section.

(7) “ Postsecondary institution ” means a local technical college, community college, university, or other postsecondary institution operating under the authority of the Technical College System of Georgia or the University System of Georgia or other not for profit postsecondary institution accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

(7) “ Postsecondary institution ” means a local technical college, community college, university, or other postsecondary institution operating under the authority of the Technical College System of Georgia or the University System of Georgia or other not for profit postsecondary institution accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

(8) “ Start-up costs ” means initial operating or capital costs, including, but not limited to, costs of improving real property.

(8) “ Start-up costs ” means initial operating or capital costs, including, but not limited to, costs of improving real property.

(9) “ Supplemental funding ” means funding for purposes other than start-up costs which are related to the establishment and operation of college and career academies.

(9) “ Supplemental funding ” means funding for purposes other than start-up costs which are related to the establishment and operation of college and career academies.

(c) The Office of College and Career Academies shall be established within the Technical College System of Georgia to coordinate the efforts by the State Board of Education, the University System of Georgia, the Technical College System of Georgia, and other not for profit postsecondary institutions accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in the professional development, curriculum support, and development and establishment of college and career academies.

(c) The Office of College and Career Academies shall be established within the Technical College System of Georgia to coordinate the efforts by the State Board of Education, the University System of Georgia, the Technical College System of Georgia, and other not for profit postsecondary institutions accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in the professional development, curriculum support, and development and establishment of college and career academies.

(d) The board shall be authorized to allocate funds, including state funds, federal funds, proceeds of general obligation debt, or any other available funds, for a particular purpose for college and career academies for start-up costs or for other purposes related to the establishment and operation of such academies by a grant consideration process.

(d) The board shall be authorized to allocate funds, including state funds, federal funds, proceeds of general obligation debt, or any other available funds, for a particular purpose for college and career academies for start-up costs or for other purposes related to the establishment and operation of such academies by a grant consideration process.

(e) A charter petitioner for a college and career academy that has submitted for approval or that has drafted for submission for approval a charter petition for a college and career academy or a local school system that is proposing a college and career academy as part of a contract to be a strategic waivers school system or charter system shall be authorized to submit to the board an application for start-up funds for such college and career academy. The board shall approve applications for start-up funds for college and career academies that meet the criteria and requirements established pursuant to subsections (i) and (j) of this Code section. As part of such funding application process, the office shall consider charter applications for college and career academies in cooperation with the Office of Charter School Compliance and consider proposed college and career academies as part of contracts to be strategic waivers school systems or charter systems and make recommendations to the State Board of Education for the approval, denial, and renewal of college and career academy charter petitions or proposed college and career academies within strategic waivers school systems or charter systems and specify the reasons for such recommendations. The State Board of Education shall consider such a recommendation from the office prior to approving or denying a charter petition for a college and career academy or a proposal for a college and career academy as part of a contract to be a strategic waivers school system or charter system. Funds shall not be released to an approved applicant unless the charter petition is approved by the State Board of Education pursuant to Article 31 of Chapter 2 of this title or the Georgia Charter Schools Commission in accordance with Article 31A of Chapter 2 of this title or unless the contract for a strategic waivers school system or charter system which is proposing a college and career academy has been approved.

(e) A charter petitioner for a college and career academy that has submitted for approval or that has drafted for submission for approval a charter petition for a college and career academy or a local school system that is proposing a college and career academy as part of a contract to be a strategic waivers school system or charter system shall be authorized to submit to the board an application for start-up funds for such college and career academy. The board shall approve applications for start-up funds for college and career academies that meet the criteria and requirements established pursuant to subsections (i) and (j) of this Code section. As part of such funding application process, the office shall consider charter applications for college and career academies in cooperation with the Office of Charter School Compliance and consider proposed college and career academies as part of contracts to be strategic waivers school systems or charter systems and make recommendations to the State Board of Education for the approval, denial, and renewal of college and career academy charter petitions or proposed college and career academies within strategic waivers school systems or charter systems and specify the reasons for such recommendations. The State Board of Education shall consider such a recommendation from the office prior to approving or denying a charter petition for a college and career academy or a proposal for a college and career academy as part of a contract to be a strategic waivers school system or charter system. Funds shall not be released to an approved applicant unless the charter petition is approved by the State Board of Education pursuant to Article 31 of Chapter 2 of this title or the Georgia Charter Schools Commission in accordance with Article 31A of Chapter 2 of this title or unless the contract for a strategic waivers school system or charter system which is proposing a college and career academy has been approved.

(f) The board shall be authorized to disburse supplemental funding to existing or new college and career academies which demonstrate a need for such funding.

(f) The board shall be authorized to disburse supplemental funding to existing or new college and career academies which demonstrate a need for such funding.

(g)(1) The office shall establish a certification process, in collaboration with the Department of Education, for approval by the board. The office shall be authorized to certify college and career academies. The State Board of Education shall accept certification by the office as one component of determining compliance with charter and strategic waivers school system or charter system contract requirements. The State Board of Education may request supplemental information from charter petitioners, strategic waivers school systems, or charter systems. (2) Any certification process established pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection shall require that the applicant demonstrates how the proposed college and career academy will increase student achievement and technical skill attainment, provide for dual credit and dual enrollment opportunities, increase work based learning opportunities, and address work force development needs; articulates how the collaboration between business, industry, and community stakeholders will advance work force development; demonstrates local governance and autonomy; and shows other benefits that meet the needs of the students and community. (3) Certification by the office shall constitute a positive recommendation to the State Board of Education for renewal of a charter school or charter system pursuant to Code Section 20-2-2064.1 or an extension of a strategic waivers school system contract pursuant to Article 4 of Chapter 2 of this title.

(g)(1) The office shall establish a certification process, in collaboration with the Department of Education, for approval by the board. The office shall be authorized to certify college and career academies. The State Board of Education shall accept certification by the office as one component of determining compliance with charter and strategic waivers school system or charter system contract requirements. The State Board of Education may request supplemental information from charter petitioners, strategic waivers school systems, or charter systems.

(g)(1) The office shall establish a certification process, in collaboration with the Department of Education, for approval by the board. The office shall be authorized to certify college and career academies. The State Board of Education shall accept certification by the office as one component of determining compliance with charter and strategic waivers school system or charter system contract requirements. The State Board of Education may request supplemental information from charter petitioners, strategic waivers school systems, or charter systems.

(2) Any certification process established pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection shall require that the applicant demonstrates how the proposed college and career academy will increase student achievement and technical skill attainment, provide for dual credit and dual enrollment opportunities, increase work based learning opportunities, and address work force development needs; articulates how the collaboration between business, industry, and community stakeholders will advance work force development; demonstrates local governance and autonomy; and shows other benefits that meet the needs of the students and community.

(2) Any certification process established pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection shall require that the applicant demonstrates how the proposed college and career academy will increase student achievement and technical skill attainment, provide for dual credit and dual enrollment opportunities, increase work based learning opportunities, and address work force development needs; articulates how the collaboration between business, industry, and community stakeholders will advance work force development; demonstrates local governance and autonomy; and shows other benefits that meet the needs of the students and community.

(3) Certification by the office shall constitute a positive recommendation to the State Board of Education for renewal of a charter school or charter system pursuant to Code Section 20-2-2064.1 or an extension of a strategic waivers school system contract pursuant to Article 4 of Chapter 2 of this title.

(3) Certification by the office shall constitute a positive recommendation to the State Board of Education for renewal of a charter school or charter system pursuant to Code Section 20-2-2064.1 or an extension of a strategic waivers school system contract pursuant to Article 4 of Chapter 2 of this title.

(h) The office shall be responsible for collecting and analyzing appropriate data from and about college and career academies on matters consisting of but not limited to college and career academy effectiveness. Collecting and reporting of data shall be in coordination with the Office of Charter School Compliance.

(h) The office shall be responsible for collecting and analyzing appropriate data from and about college and career academies on matters consisting of but not limited to college and career academy effectiveness. Collecting and reporting of data shall be in coordination with the Office of Charter School Compliance.

(i) The board shall establish eligibility criteria, requirements, and procedures for the disbursement of funding to college and career academies pursuant to this Code section. Such criteria, requirements, and procedures shall consider the strength of the proposed cooperative arrangements between the local board of education, the group of local boards of education, a private individual, a private organization, or a state or local public entity and one or more postsecondary institutions and must include active support from and a partnership with local business and community leaders for the college and career academy. The board may establish a matching requirement for recipients of funds under this Code section.

(i) The board shall establish eligibility criteria, requirements, and procedures for the disbursement of funding to college and career academies pursuant to this Code section. Such criteria, requirements, and procedures shall consider the strength of the proposed cooperative arrangements between the local board of education, the group of local boards of education, a private individual, a private organization, or a state or local public entity and one or more postsecondary institutions and must include active support from and a partnership with local business and community leaders for the college and career academy. The board may establish a matching requirement for recipients of funds under this Code section.

(j) A college and career academy receiving funds pursuant to this Code section shall submit an annual report to the board regarding the performance of such academy and the expenditure of funds received pursuant to this Code section. The report shall include, but not be limited to, academic data, financial statements, an evaluation of the progress relative to relationships between and among the business, industry, and community stakeholders, and any other information requested by the board to demonstrate the yearly progress or effectiveness of the college and career academy.

(j) A college and career academy receiving funds pursuant to this Code section shall submit an annual report to the board regarding the performance of such academy and the expenditure of funds received pursuant to this Code section. The report shall include, but not be limited to, academic data, financial statements, an evaluation of the progress relative to relationships between and among the business, industry, and community stakeholders, and any other information requested by the board to demonstrate the yearly progress or effectiveness of the college and career academy.

(k) Representatives from business, industry, civic, and governmental agencies and educational organizations which are designated by the commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia shall advise the board on matters pertaining to both the certification and governance of college and career academies.

(k) Representatives from business, industry, civic, and governmental agencies and educational organizations which are designated by the commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia shall advise the board on matters pertaining to both the certification and governance of college and career academies.

(l) The Technical College System of Georgia shall collaborate with the Workforce Development Board and the Department of Economic Development to support the efforts of College and Career Academies and local economic development partners to assist in the recruitment of new industries and to expand existing industries by, but not limited to, demonstrating the preparation of technically skilled high school graduates to be ready to work within existing industries or industries being recruited to the state.

(l) The Technical College System of Georgia shall collaborate with the Workforce Development Board and the Department of Economic Development to support the efforts of College and Career Academies and local economic development partners to assist in the recruitment of new industries and to expand existing industries by, but not limited to, demonstrating the preparation of technically skilled high school graduates to be ready to work within existing industries or industries being recruited to the state.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-86 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-86
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-86
Status: in_force

(a) By October 1, 2001, each local board of education that elects to participate in the Quality Basic Education Program provided for in Article 6 of this chapter shall have a school council operational at a minimum of one high school, one middle school, and one elementary school, except that if a school system does not have its schools organized in this manner the system shall designate schools for a school council as closely to the intent of this Code section as possible. By October 1, 2002, each local board of education shall have a school council operational in a minimum of 50 percent of the schools under its jurisdiction. Such school council shall operate pursuant to this Code section, and the local board of education shall assist all councils in their creation and operation. After two years of successful operation, and upon receiving a high performance designation by the Office of Student Achievement, the local board of education shall devolve to the school council such additional authority in matters of school operation as the local board deems appropriate. By October 1, 2003, each local board of education shall have a school council operational in each of the schools under its jurisdiction. Local boards of education may by board policy allow an alternative to a school council at a charter school, an alternative school, or a psychoeducation center if another governance body or advisory council exists that performs a comparable function.

(a) By October 1, 2001, each local board of education that elects to participate in the Quality Basic Education Program provided for in Article 6 of this chapter shall have a school council operational at a minimum of one high school, one middle school, and one elementary school, except that if a school system does not have its schools organized in this manner the system shall designate schools for a school council as closely to the intent of this Code section as possible. By October 1, 2002, each local board of education shall have a school council operational in a minimum of 50 percent of the schools under its jurisdiction. Such school council shall operate pursuant to this Code section, and the local board of education shall assist all councils in their creation and operation. After two years of successful operation, and upon receiving a high performance designation by the Office of Student Achievement, the local board of education shall devolve to the school council such additional authority in matters of school operation as the local board deems appropriate. By October 1, 2003, each local board of education shall have a school council operational in each of the schools under its jurisdiction. Local boards of education may by board policy allow an alternative to a school council at a charter school, an alternative school, or a psychoeducation center if another governance body or advisory council exists that performs a comparable function.

(b) The local board of education shall provide a training program to assist schools in forming a school council and to assist school councilmembers in the performance of their duties. Such program shall address the organization of councils, their purpose and responsibilities, applicable laws, rules, regulations and meeting procedures, and important state and local school system program requirements and shall provide a model school council organization plan. Additional training programs shall be offered to school councilmembers annually. The State Board of Education shall develop and make available a model school council training program.

(b) The local board of education shall provide a training program to assist schools in forming a school council and to assist school councilmembers in the performance of their duties. Such program shall address the organization of councils, their purpose and responsibilities, applicable laws, rules, regulations and meeting procedures, and important state and local school system program requirements and shall provide a model school council organization plan. Additional training programs shall be offered to school councilmembers annually. The State Board of Education shall develop and make available a model school council training program.

(c) Any member may withdraw from the council by delivering to the council a written resignation and submitting a copy to the secretary of the council or school principal. Should school councilmembers determine that a member of the council is no longer active in the council as defined by the bylaws of the council, the council may, by a majority vote, withdraw such person's membership status, effective as of a date determined by the council.

(c) Any member may withdraw from the council by delivering to the council a written resignation and submitting a copy to the secretary of the council or school principal. Should school councilmembers determine that a member of the council is no longer active in the council as defined by the bylaws of the council, the council may, by a majority vote, withdraw such person's membership status, effective as of a date determined by the council.

(d) The property and business of the council shall be managed by a minimum of seven school councilmembers of whom a majority shall constitute a quorum. The number of councilmembers shall be specified in the council's bylaws. Members of the school council shall include: (1) A number of parents or guardians of students enrolled in the school, excluding employees who are parents or guardians of such students, so that such parents or guardians make up a majority of the council and at least two of whom shall be businesspersons; (2) At least two certificated teachers, excluding any personnel employed in administrative positions, who are employed at least four of the six school segments at the school; (3) The school principal; and (4) Other members as specified in the council's bylaws, such as, but not limited to, students, staff, and representatives of school related organizations. Other businesspersons from the local business community may serve on the council and shall be selected by the other members of the school council. Selection procedures for these members and the business members shall be specified in the council's bylaws. An employee of the local school system may serve as a parent representative on the council of a school in which his or her child is enrolled if such employee works at a different school. With the exception of the principal and the business representatives, members shall be elected by, and from among, the group they represent.

(d) The property and business of the council shall be managed by a minimum of seven school councilmembers of whom a majority shall constitute a quorum. The number of councilmembers shall be specified in the council's bylaws. Members of the school council shall include:

(1) A number of parents or guardians of students enrolled in the school, excluding employees who are parents or guardians of such students, so that such parents or guardians make up a majority of the council and at least two of whom shall be businesspersons;

(1) A number of parents or guardians of students enrolled in the school, excluding employees who are parents or guardians of such students, so that such parents or guardians make up a majority of the council and at least two of whom shall be businesspersons;

(2) At least two certificated teachers, excluding any personnel employed in administrative positions, who are employed at least four of the six school segments at the school;

(2) At least two certificated teachers, excluding any personnel employed in administrative positions, who are employed at least four of the six school segments at the school;

(3) The school principal; and

(3) The school principal; and

(4) Other members as specified in the council's bylaws, such as, but not limited to, students, staff, and representatives of school related organizations. Other businesspersons from the local business community may serve on the council and shall be selected by the other members of the school council. Selection procedures for these members and the business members shall be specified in the council's bylaws.

(4) Other members as specified in the council's bylaws, such as, but not limited to, students, staff, and representatives of school related organizations. Other businesspersons from the local business community may serve on the council and shall be selected by the other members of the school council. Selection procedures for these members and the business members shall be specified in the council's bylaws.

An employee of the local school system may serve as a parent representative on the council of a school in which his or her child is enrolled if such employee works at a different school. With the exception of the principal and the business representatives, members shall be elected by, and from among, the group they represent.

(e) Members of the council shall serve for a term of two years or for such other term as may be specified in the council's bylaws, except as provided in this subsection. The terms of the councilmembers shall be staggered. Upon the expiration of the terms of the two businessperson councilmembers in office on July 1, 2007, these member positions shall subsequently be filled by parent councilmembers; provided, however, that additional businesspersons may serve on the council if provided for in the council's bylaws in accordance with paragraph (4) of subsection (d) of this Code section. Councilmembers may serve more than one term. The office of school councilmember shall be automatically vacated: (1) If a member shall resign; (2) If the person holding the office is removed as a member by an action of the council pursuant to this Code section; or (3) If a member no longer meets the qualifications specified in this Code section. An election within the electing body for a replacement to fill the remainder of an unexpired term shall be held within 30 days, unless there are 90 days or less remaining in the term in which case the vacancy shall remain unfilled.

(e) Members of the council shall serve for a term of two years or for such other term as may be specified in the council's bylaws, except as provided in this subsection. The terms of the councilmembers shall be staggered. Upon the expiration of the terms of the two businessperson councilmembers in office on July 1, 2007, these member positions shall subsequently be filled by parent councilmembers; provided, however, that additional businesspersons may serve on the council if provided for in the council's bylaws in accordance with paragraph (4) of subsection (d) of this Code section. Councilmembers may serve more than one term. The office of school councilmember shall be automatically vacated:

(1) If a member shall resign;

(1) If a member shall resign;

(2) If the person holding the office is removed as a member by an action of the council pursuant to this Code section; or

(2) If the person holding the office is removed as a member by an action of the council pursuant to this Code section; or

(3) If a member no longer meets the qualifications specified in this Code section.

(3) If a member no longer meets the qualifications specified in this Code section.

An election within the electing body for a replacement to fill the remainder of an unexpired term shall be held within 30 days, unless there are 90 days or less remaining in the term in which case the vacancy shall remain unfilled.

(f) All meetings of the school council shall be open to the public. The council shall meet at least four times annually and the number of meetings shall be specified in the council's bylaws. The council shall also meet at the call of the chairperson, or at the request of a majority of the members of the council. Notice by mail shall be sent to school councilmembers at least seven days prior to a meeting of the council and shall include the date, time, and location of the meeting. School councils shall be subject to Chapter 14 of Title 50, relating to open and public meetings, in the same manner as local boards of education. Each member is authorized to exercise one vote. A quorum must be present in order to conduct official council business. Members of the council shall not receive remuneration to serve on the council or its committees.

(f) All meetings of the school council shall be open to the public. The council shall meet at least four times annually and the number of meetings shall be specified in the council's bylaws. The council shall also meet at the call of the chairperson, or at the request of a majority of the members of the council. Notice by mail shall be sent to school councilmembers at least seven days prior to a meeting of the council and shall include the date, time, and location of the meeting. School councils shall be subject to Chapter 14 of Title 50, relating to open and public meetings, in the same manner as local boards of education. Each member is authorized to exercise one vote. A quorum must be present in order to conduct official council business. Members of the council shall not receive remuneration to serve on the council or its committees.

(g) After providing public notice at least two weeks before the meeting of each electing body, the principal of each school shall call a meeting of electing bodies for the purpose of selecting members of the school council as required by this Code section. The electing body for the parent members shall consist of all parents and guardians eligible to serve as a parent member of the school council, and the electing body for the teacher members shall consist of all certificated personnel eligible to serve as a teacher member of the school council. The school council shall specify in its bylaws the month in which elections are to be held and shall specify a nomination and election process.

(g) After providing public notice at least two weeks before the meeting of each electing body, the principal of each school shall call a meeting of electing bodies for the purpose of selecting members of the school council as required by this Code section. The electing body for the parent members shall consist of all parents and guardians eligible to serve as a parent member of the school council, and the electing body for the teacher members shall consist of all certificated personnel eligible to serve as a teacher member of the school council. The school council shall specify in its bylaws the month in which elections are to be held and shall specify a nomination and election process.

(h) The school council shall adopt such bylaws as it deems appropriate to conduct the business of the council. The adoption of bylaws or changes thereto requires a two-thirds' affirmative vote. The State Board of Education shall develop and make available model school council bylaws.

(h) The school council shall adopt such bylaws as it deems appropriate to conduct the business of the council. The adoption of bylaws or changes thereto requires a two-thirds' affirmative vote. The State Board of Education shall develop and make available model school council bylaws.

(i) The school council shall have the same immunity as the local board of education in all matters directly related to the functions of the council.

(i) The school council shall have the same immunity as the local board of education in all matters directly related to the functions of the council.

(j)(1) The officers of the school council shall be a chairperson, vice chairperson, and secretary. Officers of the council shall be elected by the council at the first meeting of the council following the election of school councilmembers; provided, however, that the chairperson shall be a parent member. The officers of the council shall hold office for the term specified in the council's bylaws. (2) The vice chairperson shall, in the absence or disability of the chairperson, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the chairperson and shall perform such other duties as shall be required by the council. (3) The secretary shall attend all meetings, act as clerk of the council, and be responsible for recording all votes and minutes of all proceedings in the books to be kept for that purpose. The secretary shall give or cause to be given notice of all meetings of the council and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the council.

(j)(1) The officers of the school council shall be a chairperson, vice chairperson, and secretary. Officers of the council shall be elected by the council at the first meeting of the council following the election of school councilmembers; provided, however, that the chairperson shall be a parent member. The officers of the council shall hold office for the term specified in the council's bylaws.

(j)(1) The officers of the school council shall be a chairperson, vice chairperson, and secretary. Officers of the council shall be elected by the council at the first meeting of the council following the election of school councilmembers; provided, however, that the chairperson shall be a parent member. The officers of the council shall hold office for the term specified in the council's bylaws.

(2) The vice chairperson shall, in the absence or disability of the chairperson, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the chairperson and shall perform such other duties as shall be required by the council.

(2) The vice chairperson shall, in the absence or disability of the chairperson, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the chairperson and shall perform such other duties as shall be required by the council.

(3) The secretary shall attend all meetings, act as clerk of the council, and be responsible for recording all votes and minutes of all proceedings in the books to be kept for that purpose. The secretary shall give or cause to be given notice of all meetings of the council and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the council.

(3) The secretary shall attend all meetings, act as clerk of the council, and be responsible for recording all votes and minutes of all proceedings in the books to be kept for that purpose. The secretary shall give or cause to be given notice of all meetings of the council and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the council.

(k) The members of the school council are accountable to the constituents they serve and shall: (1) Maintain a school-wide perspective on issues; (2) Regularly participate in council meetings; (3) Participate in information and training programs; (4) Act as a link between the school council and the community; (5) Encourage the participation of parents and others within the school community; and (6) Work to improve student achievement and performance.

(k) The members of the school council are accountable to the constituents they serve and shall:

(1) Maintain a school-wide perspective on issues;

(1) Maintain a school-wide perspective on issues;

(2) Regularly participate in council meetings;

(2) Regularly participate in council meetings;

(3) Participate in information and training programs;

(3) Participate in information and training programs;

(4) Act as a link between the school council and the community;

(4) Act as a link between the school council and the community;

(5) Encourage the participation of parents and others within the school community; and

(5) Encourage the participation of parents and others within the school community; and

(6) Work to improve student achievement and performance.

(6) Work to improve student achievement and performance.

(l) The minutes of the council shall be made available to the public, for inspection at the school office, and shall be provided to the councilmembers, each of whom shall receive a copy of such minutes within 20 days following each council meeting. All school councils shall be subject to Article 4 of Chapter 18 of Title 50, relating to the inspection of public records, in the same manner as local boards of education.

(l) The minutes of the council shall be made available to the public, for inspection at the school office, and shall be provided to the councilmembers, each of whom shall receive a copy of such minutes within 20 days following each council meeting. All school councils shall be subject to Article 4 of Chapter 18 of Title 50, relating to the inspection of public records, in the same manner as local boards of education.

(m) At all meetings of the council every question shall be determined by a majority vote of members present, representing a quorum.

(m) At all meetings of the council every question shall be determined by a majority vote of members present, representing a quorum.

(n) The term of office of all councilmembers shall begin and end on the dates specified in the council's bylaws.

(n) The term of office of all councilmembers shall begin and end on the dates specified in the council's bylaws.

(o) The council may appoint committees, study groups, or task forces for such purposes as it deems helpful and may utilize existing or new school advisory groups.

(o) The council may appoint committees, study groups, or task forces for such purposes as it deems helpful and may utilize existing or new school advisory groups.

(p) The local board of education shall provide all information not specifically made confidential by law, including school site budget and expenditure information and site average class sizes by grade, to the council as requested or as required by state law or state board rule. The local board shall also designate an employee of the school system to attend council meetings as requested by a school council for the purpose of responding to questions the council may have concerning information provided to it by the local board or actions taken by the local board. The central administration shall be responsive to requests for information from a school council.

(p) The local board of education shall provide all information not specifically made confidential by law, including school site budget and expenditure information and site average class sizes by grade, to the council as requested or as required by state law or state board rule. The local board shall also designate an employee of the school system to attend council meetings as requested by a school council for the purpose of responding to questions the council may have concerning information provided to it by the local board or actions taken by the local board. The central administration shall be responsive to requests for information from a school council.

(q) The local board of education shall receive and consider all recommendations of the school council, including the annual report, as follows: (1) Public notice shall be given to the community of the local board's intent to consider school council reports or recommendations; (2) Written notice shall be given to the members of the school council at least seven days prior to a local board meeting, along with a notice of intent to consider a council report or recommendation; and (3) The members of the school council shall be afforded an opportunity to present information in support of the school council's report or recommendation. The local board of education shall respond to recommendations of the school council within 60 days after being notified in writing of the recommendation.

(q) The local board of education shall receive and consider all recommendations of the school council, including the annual report, as follows:

(1) Public notice shall be given to the community of the local board's intent to consider school council reports or recommendations;

(1) Public notice shall be given to the community of the local board's intent to consider school council reports or recommendations;

(2) Written notice shall be given to the members of the school council at least seven days prior to a local board meeting, along with a notice of intent to consider a council report or recommendation; and

(2) Written notice shall be given to the members of the school council at least seven days prior to a local board meeting, along with a notice of intent to consider a council report or recommendation; and

(3) The members of the school council shall be afforded an opportunity to present information in support of the school council's report or recommendation.

(3) The members of the school council shall be afforded an opportunity to present information in support of the school council's report or recommendation.

The local board of education shall respond to recommendations of the school council within 60 days after being notified in writing of the recommendation.

(r) The school principal shall have the following duties pertaining to school council activities: (1) Cause to be created a school council pursuant to this Code section by convening the appropriate bodies to select school councilmembers; setting the initial agenda, meeting time, and location; and notifying all school councilmembers of the same; (2) Perform all of the duties required by law and the bylaws of the council; (3) Communicate all council requests for information and assistance to the local school superintendent and inform the council of responses or actions of the local school superintendent; (4) Develop the school improvement plan and school operation plan and submit the plans to the school council for its review, comments, recommendations, and approval; and (5) Aid in the development of the agenda for each meeting of the council after taking into consideration suggestions of councilmembers and the urgency of school matters. An item may be added to the agenda at the request of three or more councilmembers.

(r) The school principal shall have the following duties pertaining to school council activities:

(1) Cause to be created a school council pursuant to this Code section by convening the appropriate bodies to select school councilmembers; setting the initial agenda, meeting time, and location; and notifying all school councilmembers of the same;

(1) Cause to be created a school council pursuant to this Code section by convening the appropriate bodies to select school councilmembers; setting the initial agenda, meeting time, and location; and notifying all school councilmembers of the same;

(2) Perform all of the duties required by law and the bylaws of the council;

(2) Perform all of the duties required by law and the bylaws of the council;

(3) Communicate all council requests for information and assistance to the local school superintendent and inform the council of responses or actions of the local school superintendent;

(3) Communicate all council requests for information and assistance to the local school superintendent and inform the council of responses or actions of the local school superintendent;

(4) Develop the school improvement plan and school operation plan and submit the plans to the school council for its review, comments, recommendations, and approval; and

(4) Develop the school improvement plan and school operation plan and submit the plans to the school council for its review, comments, recommendations, and approval; and

(5) Aid in the development of the agenda for each meeting of the council after taking into consideration suggestions of councilmembers and the urgency of school matters. An item may be added to the agenda at the request of three or more councilmembers.

(5) Aid in the development of the agenda for each meeting of the council after taking into consideration suggestions of councilmembers and the urgency of school matters. An item may be added to the agenda at the request of three or more councilmembers.

(s) School councils are advisory bodies. The councils shall provide advice and recommendations to the school principal and, where appropriate, the local board of education and local school superintendent on any matter related to student achievement and school improvement, including, but not limited to, the following: (1) School board policies; (2) School improvement plans; (3) Curriculum and assessments; (4) Report cards issued or audits of the school conducted by the Office of Student Achievement; (5) Development of a school profile which shall contain data as identified by the council to describe the academic performance, academic progress, services, awards, interventions, environment, and other such data as the council deems appropriate; (6) School budget priorities, including school capital improvement plans; (7) School-community communication strategies; (8) Methods of involving parents and the community; (9) Extracurricular activities in the school; (10) School-based and community services; (11) Community use of school facilities; (12) Student discipline and attendance; (13) Reports from the school principal regarding progress toward the school's student achievement goals, including progress within specific grade levels and subject areas and by school personnel; and (14) The method and specifications for the delivery of early intervention services or other appropriate services for underachieving students.

(s) School councils are advisory bodies. The councils shall provide advice and recommendations to the school principal and, where appropriate, the local board of education and local school superintendent on any matter related to student achievement and school improvement, including, but not limited to, the following:

(1) School board policies;

(1) School board policies;

(2) School improvement plans;

(2) School improvement plans;

(3) Curriculum and assessments;

(3) Curriculum and assessments;

(4) Report cards issued or audits of the school conducted by the Office of Student Achievement;

(4) Report cards issued or audits of the school conducted by the Office of Student Achievement;

(5) Development of a school profile which shall contain data as identified by the council to describe the academic performance, academic progress, services, awards, interventions, environment, and other such data as the council deems appropriate;

(5) Development of a school profile which shall contain data as identified by the council to describe the academic performance, academic progress, services, awards, interventions, environment, and other such data as the council deems appropriate;

(6) School budget priorities, including school capital improvement plans;

(6) School budget priorities, including school capital improvement plans;

(7) School-community communication strategies;

(7) School-community communication strategies;

(8) Methods of involving parents and the community;

(8) Methods of involving parents and the community;

(9) Extracurricular activities in the school;

(9) Extracurricular activities in the school;

(10) School-based and community services;

(10) School-based and community services;

(11) Community use of school facilities;

(11) Community use of school facilities;

(12) Student discipline and attendance;

(12) Student discipline and attendance;

(13) Reports from the school principal regarding progress toward the school's student achievement goals, including progress within specific grade levels and subject areas and by school personnel; and

(13) Reports from the school principal regarding progress toward the school's student achievement goals, including progress within specific grade levels and subject areas and by school personnel; and

(14) The method and specifications for the delivery of early intervention services or other appropriate services for underachieving students.

(14) The method and specifications for the delivery of early intervention services or other appropriate services for underachieving students.

(t) The role of the school council in the principal selection process shall be determined in policy written by the local board of education.

(t) The role of the school council in the principal selection process shall be determined in policy written by the local board of education.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-84 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-84
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-84
Status: in_force

(a) The accountability component of the contract provided in Code Section 20-2-83 shall include at least one of the student achievement measures in paragraphs (1) through (4) of this subsection, including both total scores and any needed targeted subgroups: (1) High school graduation rates; (2) SAT or ACT performance; (3) State standardized test data, which may include end-of-grade assessments, end-of-course assessments, or a combination thereof; (4) Advanced placement or international baccalaureate participation and performance; and (5) Any other accountability measures included pursuant to Part 3 of Article 2 of Chapter 14 of this title.

(a) The accountability component of the contract provided in Code Section 20-2-83 shall include at least one of the student achievement measures in paragraphs (1) through (4) of this subsection, including both total scores and any needed targeted subgroups:

(1) High school graduation rates;

(1) High school graduation rates;

(2) SAT or ACT performance;

(2) SAT or ACT performance;

(3) State standardized test data, which may include end-of-grade assessments, end-of-course assessments, or a combination thereof;

(3) State standardized test data, which may include end-of-grade assessments, end-of-course assessments, or a combination thereof;

(4) Advanced placement or international baccalaureate participation and performance; and

(4) Advanced placement or international baccalaureate participation and performance; and

(5) Any other accountability measures included pursuant to Part 3 of Article 2 of Chapter 14 of this title.

(5) Any other accountability measures included pursuant to Part 3 of Article 2 of Chapter 14 of this title.

(b) The flexibility component of the contract provided in Code Section 20-2-83 shall include the waiver or variance of at least one of the areas in paragraphs (1) through (4) of this subsection as requested by the local school system: (1) Class size requirements in Code Section 20-2-182 ; (2) Expenditure controls in Code Section 20-2-171 and categorical allotment requirements in Article 6 of this chapter; (3) Certification requirements in Code Section 20-2-200 ; (4) Salary schedule requirements in Code Section 20-2-212 ; and (5) Any other requirements or provisions of this chapter as identified by the local school system and approved by the state board except as provided in subsection (e) of Code Section 20-2-82 .

(b) The flexibility component of the contract provided in Code Section 20-2-83 shall include the waiver or variance of at least one of the areas in paragraphs (1) through (4) of this subsection as requested by the local school system:

(1) Class size requirements in Code Section 20-2-182 ;

(1) Class size requirements in Code Section 20-2-182 ;

(2) Expenditure controls in Code Section 20-2-171 and categorical allotment requirements in Article 6 of this chapter;

(2) Expenditure controls in Code Section 20-2-171 and categorical allotment requirements in Article 6 of this chapter;

(3) Certification requirements in Code Section 20-2-200 ;

(3) Certification requirements in Code Section 20-2-200 ;

(4) Salary schedule requirements in Code Section 20-2-212 ; and

(4) Salary schedule requirements in Code Section 20-2-212 ; and

(5) Any other requirements or provisions of this chapter as identified by the local school system and approved by the state board except as provided in subsection (e) of Code Section 20-2-82 .

(5) Any other requirements or provisions of this chapter as identified by the local school system and approved by the state board except as provided in subsection (e) of Code Section 20-2-82 .

(c) The consequences component of the contract provided in Code Section 20-2-83 shall include: (1) Interventions or sanctions for failure to meet identified levels of achievement or for not showing specified levels of progress pursuant to Code Section 20-14-41 , which may be accelerated; and (2) Loss of governance of one or more nonperforming schools by the local school system in accordance with Code Section 20-2-84.1 . Consequences shall be incurred upon noncompliance of a local school system with the accountability component of its contract; provided, however, that if a local school system has been in compliance with the accountability component of its contract for at least three years, consequences shall not be invoked upon the fifth year of the contract, and such school system may request an extension of its contract and corresponding flexibility from the state board. If the local school system or a school within the school system meets the performance goals in its contract for such school system or school by the end of the fifth year of the contract, the school system or school shall be deemed to have met its contract performance goals. The schedule of interventions or sanctions, including loss of governance, for failure to meet identified levels of achievement or specified levels of progress shall be mutually agreed upon in the contract. If the Office of Student Achievement recommends to the state board that loss of governance not be included in a contract with respect to a high-performing school, the contract may provide alternate terms with respect to that school.

(c) The consequences component of the contract provided in Code Section 20-2-83 shall include:

(1) Interventions or sanctions for failure to meet identified levels of achievement or for not showing specified levels of progress pursuant to Code Section 20-14-41 , which may be accelerated; and

(1) Interventions or sanctions for failure to meet identified levels of achievement or for not showing specified levels of progress pursuant to Code Section 20-14-41 , which may be accelerated; and

(2) Loss of governance of one or more nonperforming schools by the local school system in accordance with Code Section 20-2-84.1 .

(2) Loss of governance of one or more nonperforming schools by the local school system in accordance with Code Section 20-2-84.1 .

Consequences shall be incurred upon noncompliance of a local school system with the accountability component of its contract; provided, however, that if a local school system has been in compliance with the accountability component of its contract for at least three years, consequences shall not be invoked upon the fifth year of the contract, and such school system may request an extension of its contract and corresponding flexibility from the state board. If the local school system or a school within the school system meets the performance goals in its contract for such school system or school by the end of the fifth year of the contract, the school system or school shall be deemed to have met its contract performance goals. The schedule of interventions or sanctions, including loss of governance, for failure to meet identified levels of achievement or specified levels of progress shall be mutually agreed upon in the contract. If the Office of Student Achievement recommends to the state board that loss of governance not be included in a contract with respect to a high-performing school, the contract may provide alternate terms with respect to that school.
O.C.G.A. § 20-3-250-13 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 3 / Section 20-3-250-13
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-3-250.13
Status: in_force

(a) An authorization to operate may be revoked or made conditional after its issuance if the executive director has reasonable cause to believe that the holder of such authorization has violated or is violating this part or any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Prior to such revocation or imposition of condition, the executive director shall notify the holder of the authorization in writing of the impending action, setting forth the grounds for the action contemplated to be taken and advising that if a hearing is requested, in writing, within ten days of receipt of such notice, the executive director shall set a time and place for a hearing at which the holder of the authorization may be heard in response to the allegation of noncompliance with this part or rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this part.

(a) An authorization to operate may be revoked or made conditional after its issuance if the executive director has reasonable cause to believe that the holder of such authorization has violated or is violating this part or any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Prior to such revocation or imposition of condition, the executive director shall notify the holder of the authorization in writing of the impending action, setting forth the grounds for the action contemplated to be taken and advising that if a hearing is requested, in writing, within ten days of receipt of such notice, the executive director shall set a time and place for a hearing at which the holder of the authorization may be heard in response to the allegation of noncompliance with this part or rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this part.

(b) If a hearing is requested as provided in subsection (a) of this Code section, such hearing shall be conducted as provided in subsection (d) of Code Section 20-3-250.15 , and the holder of the authorization shall have the rights set forth in that Code section. The decision of the commission shall be made as provided in subsection (e) of Code Section 20-3-250.15 and shall be deemed final, subject to the right of judicial review provided for by Code Section 20-3-250.16 .

(b) If a hearing is requested as provided in subsection (a) of this Code section, such hearing shall be conducted as provided in subsection (d) of Code Section 20-3-250.15 , and the holder of the authorization shall have the rights set forth in that Code section. The decision of the commission shall be made as provided in subsection (e) of Code Section 20-3-250.15 and shall be deemed final, subject to the right of judicial review provided for by Code Section 20-3-250.16 .
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-1020 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-1020
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-1020
Status: in_force

(a) To educate students about the sacrifices made for freedom in the founding of this country and the values, principles, and philosophies on which this country was founded, it is strongly encouraged that the full week in September which includes Constitution Day, September 17, is recognized in public elementary, middle, and high schools in this state as Celebrate Freedom Week. It is strongly encouraged that Celebrate Freedom Week include approximately three hours of appropriate instruction, as determined by each local school system, in each social studies class. It is strongly encouraged that the instruction include an age-appropriate study of the intent, meaning, and importance of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution, including the Bill of Rights, in their historical context including the background of the colonial era along with instruction about the Founding Fathers, such as the signers of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution, the first six Presidents, and particularly George Washington. The religious references in the writings of the Founding Fathers shall not be censored. During Celebrate Freedom Week, it is strongly encouraged that local school systems suggest that students in grades three through 12 read at least one book during the school year that focuses on the Founding Era, either the times and events or the people who made significant contributions to independence or toward establishing the new federal or state governments. In addition, local school systems are strongly encouraged to require students in grades three through 12 to recite at least one of the following three excerpts at least once during the week, and local school systems are encouraged to require daily recitations from one or all of these excerpts at the beginning of each school day: (1) From the Declaration of Independence: We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness--That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed ․․․; (2) From the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution: We the people of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.; or (3) From the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

(a) To educate students about the sacrifices made for freedom in the founding of this country and the values, principles, and philosophies on which this country was founded, it is strongly encouraged that the full week in September which includes Constitution Day, September 17, is recognized in public elementary, middle, and high schools in this state as Celebrate Freedom Week. It is strongly encouraged that Celebrate Freedom Week include approximately three hours of appropriate instruction, as determined by each local school system, in each social studies class. It is strongly encouraged that the instruction include an age-appropriate study of the intent, meaning, and importance of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution, including the Bill of Rights, in their historical context including the background of the colonial era along with instruction about the Founding Fathers, such as the signers of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution, the first six Presidents, and particularly George Washington. The religious references in the writings of the Founding Fathers shall not be censored. During Celebrate Freedom Week, it is strongly encouraged that local school systems suggest that students in grades three through 12 read at least one book during the school year that focuses on the Founding Era, either the times and events or the people who made significant contributions to independence or toward establishing the new federal or state governments. In addition, local school systems are strongly encouraged to require students in grades three through 12 to recite at least one of the following three excerpts at least once during the week, and local school systems are encouraged to require daily recitations from one or all of these excerpts at the beginning of each school day:

(1) From the Declaration of Independence: We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness--That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed ․․․;

(1) From the Declaration of Independence:

We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness--That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed ․․․;

(2) From the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution: We the people of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.; or

(2) From the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution:

We the people of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.; or

(3) From the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

(3) From the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

(b) Upon written request from a student's parent or guardian, a local school system shall excuse the student from the recitation required by this Code section. This Code section shall not apply to a student who: (1) Has a conscientious objection to the recitation; or (2) Is the child of a representative of a foreign government to whom the United States government extends diplomatic immunity.

(b) Upon written request from a student's parent or guardian, a local school system shall excuse the student from the recitation required by this Code section. This Code section shall not apply to a student who:

(1) Has a conscientious objection to the recitation; or

(1) Has a conscientious objection to the recitation; or

(2) Is the child of a representative of a foreign government to whom the United States government extends diplomatic immunity.

(2) Is the child of a representative of a foreign government to whom the United States government extends diplomatic immunity.

(c) This Code section shall apply beginning with the 2016-2017 school year.

(c) This Code section shall apply beginning with the 2016-2017 school year.
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-50 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 5 / Section 20-5-50
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-5-50
Status: in_force

Each library board which handles finances must keep a current bond for an adequate amount determined by the board of trustees and recorded in the minutes on the library director, the treasurer of the board of trustees, or other officials and employees authorized to handle funds. Proof of the bond for each board must be filed with the Renewal Application for State Aid.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-2012 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-2012
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-2012
Status: in_force

(a) The Commissioner may revoke, suspend, or refuse to issue or renew the certificate of authority of any agency when and if, after investigation, he finds that: (1) Any certificate of authority issued to the agency was obtained by fraud; (2) There was any material misrepresentation in the application for the certificate of authority; (3) The agency, any fund established by the agency, the administrator of a fund, or any marketing representative has otherwise shown itself to be untrustworthy or incompetent; (4) The agency, any fund established by the agency, the administrator of a fund, or any marketing representative has violated any of the provisions of this article or the rules and regulations of the Commissioner promulgated pursuant to this article; (5) The agency, any fund established by the agency, or the administrator of a fund has misappropriated, converted, illegally withheld, or refused to pay over upon proper demand any moneys which belong to a member or a person otherwise entitled thereto and which have been entrusted to the agency, fund, or administrator in its fiduciary capacities; or (6) The agency or any fund established by the agency is found to be in an unsound condition or in such condition as to render its future transaction of business in this state hazardous to its members.

(a) The Commissioner may revoke, suspend, or refuse to issue or renew the certificate of authority of any agency when and if, after investigation, he finds that:

(1) Any certificate of authority issued to the agency was obtained by fraud;

(1) Any certificate of authority issued to the agency was obtained by fraud;

(2) There was any material misrepresentation in the application for the certificate of authority;

(2) There was any material misrepresentation in the application for the certificate of authority;

(3) The agency, any fund established by the agency, the administrator of a fund, or any marketing representative has otherwise shown itself to be untrustworthy or incompetent;

(3) The agency, any fund established by the agency, the administrator of a fund, or any marketing representative has otherwise shown itself to be untrustworthy or incompetent;

(4) The agency, any fund established by the agency, the administrator of a fund, or any marketing representative has violated any of the provisions of this article or the rules and regulations of the Commissioner promulgated pursuant to this article;

(4) The agency, any fund established by the agency, the administrator of a fund, or any marketing representative has violated any of the provisions of this article or the rules and regulations of the Commissioner promulgated pursuant to this article;

(5) The agency, any fund established by the agency, or the administrator of a fund has misappropriated, converted, illegally withheld, or refused to pay over upon proper demand any moneys which belong to a member or a person otherwise entitled thereto and which have been entrusted to the agency, fund, or administrator in its fiduciary capacities; or

(5) The agency, any fund established by the agency, or the administrator of a fund has misappropriated, converted, illegally withheld, or refused to pay over upon proper demand any moneys which belong to a member or a person otherwise entitled thereto and which have been entrusted to the agency, fund, or administrator in its fiduciary capacities; or

(6) The agency or any fund established by the agency is found to be in an unsound condition or in such condition as to render its future transaction of business in this state hazardous to its members.

(6) The agency or any fund established by the agency is found to be in an unsound condition or in such condition as to render its future transaction of business in this state hazardous to its members.

(b) Before the Commissioner shall revoke, suspend, or refuse to issue or renew the certificate of authority of any agency, he shall give the agency an opportunity to be fully heard and to introduce evidence in its behalf. In lieu of revoking, suspending, or refusing to issue or renew the certificate of authority of any agency for any of the causes enumerated in this Code section, after hearing as provided in this Code section, the Commissioner may place the fund and its administrator on probation for a period of time not to exceed one year when, in his judgment, he finds that the public interest and the interests of the fund's members would not be harmed by the continued operation of the fund. At any hearing provided for by this Code section, the Commissioner or his designee shall have authority to administer oaths to witnesses. Any witness testifying falsely after taking an oath commits the offense of perjury.

(b) Before the Commissioner shall revoke, suspend, or refuse to issue or renew the certificate of authority of any agency, he shall give the agency an opportunity to be fully heard and to introduce evidence in its behalf. In lieu of revoking, suspending, or refusing to issue or renew the certificate of authority of any agency for any of the causes enumerated in this Code section, after hearing as provided in this Code section, the Commissioner may place the fund and its administrator on probation for a period of time not to exceed one year when, in his judgment, he finds that the public interest and the interests of the fund's members would not be harmed by the continued operation of the fund. At any hearing provided for by this Code section, the Commissioner or his designee shall have authority to administer oaths to witnesses. Any witness testifying falsely after taking an oath commits the offense of perjury.

(c) No fund shall be voluntarily dissolved or otherwise voluntarily cease to function unless: (1) Written approval is first obtained from the Commissioner; and (2) The Commissioner determines that all claims and other legal obligations of the fund have been paid or that adequate provisions for such payment have been made.

(c) No fund shall be voluntarily dissolved or otherwise voluntarily cease to function unless:

(1) Written approval is first obtained from the Commissioner; and

(1) Written approval is first obtained from the Commissioner; and

(2) The Commissioner determines that all claims and other legal obligations of the fund have been paid or that adequate provisions for such payment have been made.

(2) The Commissioner determines that all claims and other legal obligations of the fund have been paid or that adequate provisions for such payment have been made.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-2089 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-2089
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-2089
Status: in_force

(a)(1) The earnings for a student in a state charter school shall be equal to the earnings for any other student with similar student characteristics in a state charter school, regardless of the local school system in which the student resides or the school system in which the state charter school is located, and, except as otherwise provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the department shall pay to each state charter school through appropriation of state funds an amount equal to the sum of: (A)(i) QBE formula earnings and QBE grants earned by the state charter school based on the school's enrollment, school profile, and student characteristics. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term “ QBE formula earnings ” means funds earned for the Quality Basic Education Formula pursuant to Code Section 20-2-161 , including the portion of such funds that are calculated in accordance with Code Section 20-2-164 . QBE formula earnings shall include the salary portion of direct instructional costs, the adjustment for training and experience, the nonsalary portion of direct instructional costs, and earnings for psychologists and school social workers, school administration, facility maintenance and operation, media centers, additional days of instruction in accordance with Code Section 20-2-184.1 , and staff development, as determined by the department. (ii) A proportional share of earned state categorical grants, non-QBE state grants, transportation grants, school nutrition grants, and all other state grants, except state equalization grants, as determined by the department; (B) The state-wide average amount of the total revenues less federal revenues less state revenues other than equalization grants per full-time equivalent for all school systems; provided, however, that, if the average amount of the total revenues less federal revenues less state revenues other than equalization grants per full-time equivalent for the local school systems that comprise the attendance zone of the state charter school is less than the state-wide average amount of the total revenues less federal revenues less state revenues other than equalization grants per full-time equivalent for all school systems, the state charter school shall receive the greater of: (i) The average amount of the total revenues less federal revenues less state revenues other than equalization grants per full-time equivalent for the local school systems that comprise the attendance zone of the state charter school; or (ii) The average amount of the total revenues less federal revenues less state revenues other than equalization grants per full-time equivalent for the lowest five school systems ranked by assessed valuation per weighted full-time equivalent count, as determined by the department; and (C)(i) For brick-and-mortar state charter schools, the state-wide average total capital revenue, excluding local revenue bonds, per full-time equivalent, as determined by the department or the capital revenue per full-time equivalent for the local school system where the brick-and-mortar state charter school is located, whichever is greater; and (ii) For state charter schools that offer virtual instruction, an amount equal to 25 percent of the state-wide average total capital revenue per full-time equivalent if such school provides computer hardware, software, associated technical equipment, and ongoing maintenance required and necessary for its students to participate in such virtual instruction. (2) In the event that a state charter school offers virtual instruction, the amount of funds received pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be equal to two-thirds of such calculated amount; provided, however, that this two-thirds amount may be increased by any amount up to the originally calculated amount in the discretion of the commission if relevant factors warrant such increase. (3) For purposes of this subsection, the terms: (A) “ Assessed valuation ” is defined as 40 percent of the equalized adjusted property tax digest reduced by the amount calculated pursuant to subsection (g) of Code Section 20-2-164 . (B) “ Assessed valuation per weighted full-time equivalent count ” is defined as the assessed valuation for the most recent year available divided by the weighted full-time equivalent count for the year of the digest.

(a)(1) The earnings for a student in a state charter school shall be equal to the earnings for any other student with similar student characteristics in a state charter school, regardless of the local school system in which the student resides or the school system in which the state charter school is located, and, except as otherwise provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the department shall pay to each state charter school through appropriation of state funds an amount equal to the sum of: (A)(i) QBE formula earnings and QBE grants earned by the state charter school based on the school's enrollment, school profile, and student characteristics. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term “ QBE formula earnings ” means funds earned for the Quality Basic Education Formula pursuant to Code Section 20-2-161 , including the portion of such funds that are calculated in accordance with Code Section 20-2-164 . QBE formula earnings shall include the salary portion of direct instructional costs, the adjustment for training and experience, the nonsalary portion of direct instructional costs, and earnings for psychologists and school social workers, school administration, facility maintenance and operation, media centers, additional days of instruction in accordance with Code Section 20-2-184.1 , and staff development, as determined by the department. (ii) A proportional share of earned state categorical grants, non-QBE state grants, transportation grants, school nutrition grants, and all other state grants, except state equalization grants, as determined by the department; (B) The state-wide average amount of the total revenues less federal revenues less state revenues other than equalization grants per full-time equivalent for all school systems; provided, however, that, if the average amount of the total revenues less federal revenues less state revenues other than equalization grants per full-time equivalent for the local school systems that comprise the attendance zone of the state charter school is less than the state-wide average amount of the total revenues less federal revenues less state revenues other than equalization grants per full-time equivalent for all school systems, the state charter school shall receive the greater of: (i) The average amount of the total revenues less federal revenues less state revenues other than equalization grants per full-time equivalent for the local school systems that comprise the attendance zone of the state charter school; or (ii) The average amount of the total revenues less federal revenues less state revenues other than equalization grants per full-time equivalent for the lowest five school systems ranked by assessed valuation per weighted full-time equivalent count, as determined by the department; and (C)(i) For brick-and-mortar state charter schools, the state-wide average total capital revenue, excluding local revenue bonds, per full-time equivalent, as determined by the department or the capital revenue per full-time equivalent for the local school system where the brick-and-mortar state charter school is located, whichever is greater; and (ii) For state charter schools that offer virtual instruction, an amount equal to 25 percent of the state-wide average total capital revenue per full-time equivalent if such school provides computer hardware, software, associated technical equipment, and ongoing maintenance required and necessary for its students to participate in such virtual instruction.

(a)(1) The earnings for a student in a state charter school shall be equal to the earnings for any other student with similar student characteristics in a state charter school, regardless of the local school system in which the student resides or the school system in which the state charter school is located, and, except as otherwise provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the department shall pay to each state charter school through appropriation of state funds an amount equal to the sum of:

(A)(i) QBE formula earnings and QBE grants earned by the state charter school based on the school's enrollment, school profile, and student characteristics. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term “ QBE formula earnings ” means funds earned for the Quality Basic Education Formula pursuant to Code Section 20-2-161 , including the portion of such funds that are calculated in accordance with Code Section 20-2-164 . QBE formula earnings shall include the salary portion of direct instructional costs, the adjustment for training and experience, the nonsalary portion of direct instructional costs, and earnings for psychologists and school social workers, school administration, facility maintenance and operation, media centers, additional days of instruction in accordance with Code Section 20-2-184.1 , and staff development, as determined by the department. (ii) A proportional share of earned state categorical grants, non-QBE state grants, transportation grants, school nutrition grants, and all other state grants, except state equalization grants, as determined by the department;

(A)(i) QBE formula earnings and QBE grants earned by the state charter school based on the school's enrollment, school profile, and student characteristics. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term “ QBE formula earnings ” means funds earned for the Quality Basic Education Formula pursuant to Code Section 20-2-161 , including the portion of such funds that are calculated in accordance with Code Section 20-2-164 . QBE formula earnings shall include the salary portion of direct instructional costs, the adjustment for training and experience, the nonsalary portion of direct instructional costs, and earnings for psychologists and school social workers, school administration, facility maintenance and operation, media centers, additional days of instruction in accordance with Code Section 20-2-184.1 , and staff development, as determined by the department.

(A)(i) QBE formula earnings and QBE grants earned by the state charter school based on the school's enrollment, school profile, and student characteristics. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term “ QBE formula earnings ” means funds earned for the Quality Basic Education Formula pursuant to Code Section 20-2-161 , including the portion of such funds that are calculated in accordance with Code Section 20-2-164 . QBE formula earnings shall include the salary portion of direct instructional costs, the adjustment for training and experience, the nonsalary portion of direct instructional costs, and earnings for psychologists and school social workers, school administration, facility maintenance and operation, media centers, additional days of instruction in accordance with Code Section 20-2-184.1 , and staff development, as determined by the department.

(ii) A proportional share of earned state categorical grants, non-QBE state grants, transportation grants, school nutrition grants, and all other state grants, except state equalization grants, as determined by the department;

(ii) A proportional share of earned state categorical grants, non-QBE state grants, transportation grants, school nutrition grants, and all other state grants, except state equalization grants, as determined by the department;

(B) The state-wide average amount of the total revenues less federal revenues less state revenues other than equalization grants per full-time equivalent for all school systems; provided, however, that, if the average amount of the total revenues less federal revenues less state revenues other than equalization grants per full-time equivalent for the local school systems that comprise the attendance zone of the state charter school is less than the state-wide average amount of the total revenues less federal revenues less state revenues other than equalization grants per full-time equivalent for all school systems, the state charter school shall receive the greater of: (i) The average amount of the total revenues less federal revenues less state revenues other than equalization grants per full-time equivalent for the local school systems that comprise the attendance zone of the state charter school; or (ii) The average amount of the total revenues less federal revenues less state revenues other than equalization grants per full-time equivalent for the lowest five school systems ranked by assessed valuation per weighted full-time equivalent count, as determined by the department; and

(B) The state-wide average amount of the total revenues less federal revenues less state revenues other than equalization grants per full-time equivalent for all school systems; provided, however, that, if the average amount of the total revenues less federal revenues less state revenues other than equalization grants per full-time equivalent for the local school systems that comprise the attendance zone of the state charter school is less than the state-wide average amount of the total revenues less federal revenues less state revenues other than equalization grants per full-time equivalent for all school systems, the state charter school shall receive the greater of:

(i) The average amount of the total revenues less federal revenues less state revenues other than equalization grants per full-time equivalent for the local school systems that comprise the attendance zone of the state charter school; or

(i) The average amount of the total revenues less federal revenues less state revenues other than equalization grants per full-time equivalent for the local school systems that comprise the attendance zone of the state charter school; or

(ii) The average amount of the total revenues less federal revenues less state revenues other than equalization grants per full-time equivalent for the lowest five school systems ranked by assessed valuation per weighted full-time equivalent count, as determined by the department; and

(ii) The average amount of the total revenues less federal revenues less state revenues other than equalization grants per full-time equivalent for the lowest five school systems ranked by assessed valuation per weighted full-time equivalent count, as determined by the department; and

(C)(i) For brick-and-mortar state charter schools, the state-wide average total capital revenue, excluding local revenue bonds, per full-time equivalent, as determined by the department or the capital revenue per full-time equivalent for the local school system where the brick-and-mortar state charter school is located, whichever is greater; and (ii) For state charter schools that offer virtual instruction, an amount equal to 25 percent of the state-wide average total capital revenue per full-time equivalent if such school provides computer hardware, software, associated technical equipment, and ongoing maintenance required and necessary for its students to participate in such virtual instruction.

(C)(i) For brick-and-mortar state charter schools, the state-wide average total capital revenue, excluding local revenue bonds, per full-time equivalent, as determined by the department or the capital revenue per full-time equivalent for the local school system where the brick-and-mortar state charter school is located, whichever is greater; and

(C)(i) For brick-and-mortar state charter schools, the state-wide average total capital revenue, excluding local revenue bonds, per full-time equivalent, as determined by the department or the capital revenue per full-time equivalent for the local school system where the brick-and-mortar state charter school is located, whichever is greater; and

(ii) For state charter schools that offer virtual instruction, an amount equal to 25 percent of the state-wide average total capital revenue per full-time equivalent if such school provides computer hardware, software, associated technical equipment, and ongoing maintenance required and necessary for its students to participate in such virtual instruction.

(ii) For state charter schools that offer virtual instruction, an amount equal to 25 percent of the state-wide average total capital revenue per full-time equivalent if such school provides computer hardware, software, associated technical equipment, and ongoing maintenance required and necessary for its students to participate in such virtual instruction.

(2) In the event that a state charter school offers virtual instruction, the amount of funds received pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be equal to two-thirds of such calculated amount; provided, however, that this two-thirds amount may be increased by any amount up to the originally calculated amount in the discretion of the commission if relevant factors warrant such increase.

(2) In the event that a state charter school offers virtual instruction, the amount of funds received pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be equal to two-thirds of such calculated amount; provided, however, that this two-thirds amount may be increased by any amount up to the originally calculated amount in the discretion of the commission if relevant factors warrant such increase.

(3) For purposes of this subsection, the terms: (A) “ Assessed valuation ” is defined as 40 percent of the equalized adjusted property tax digest reduced by the amount calculated pursuant to subsection (g) of Code Section 20-2-164 . (B) “ Assessed valuation per weighted full-time equivalent count ” is defined as the assessed valuation for the most recent year available divided by the weighted full-time equivalent count for the year of the digest.

(3) For purposes of this subsection, the terms:

(A) “ Assessed valuation ” is defined as 40 percent of the equalized adjusted property tax digest reduced by the amount calculated pursuant to subsection (g) of Code Section 20-2-164 .

(A) “ Assessed valuation ” is defined as 40 percent of the equalized adjusted property tax digest reduced by the amount calculated pursuant to subsection (g) of Code Section 20-2-164 .

(B) “ Assessed valuation per weighted full-time equivalent count ” is defined as the assessed valuation for the most recent year available divided by the weighted full-time equivalent count for the year of the digest.

(B) “ Assessed valuation per weighted full-time equivalent count ” is defined as the assessed valuation for the most recent year available divided by the weighted full-time equivalent count for the year of the digest.

(b) The department may withhold up to 3 percent of the amount determined pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section for each state charter school for use in administering the duties required pursuant to Code Section 20-2-2083 ; provided, however, that any amount withheld pursuant to this subsection shall be spent solely on expenses incurred by the commission in performing the duties required by this article.

(b) The department may withhold up to 3 percent of the amount determined pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section for each state charter school for use in administering the duties required pursuant to Code Section 20-2-2083 ; provided, however, that any amount withheld pursuant to this subsection shall be spent solely on expenses incurred by the commission in performing the duties required by this article.

(c) No deduction shall be made to any state funding which a local school system is otherwise authorized to receive pursuant to this chapter as a direct result or consequence of the enrollment in a state charter school of a specific student or students who reside in the geographical area of the local school system.

(c) No deduction shall be made to any state funding which a local school system is otherwise authorized to receive pursuant to this chapter as a direct result or consequence of the enrollment in a state charter school of a specific student or students who reside in the geographical area of the local school system.

(d) For purposes of funding students enrolled in a state charter school in the first year of such school's operation, in the first year that an existing state charter school offers a new grade level, or in an upcoming year in which student growth in the existing state charter school is projected to exceed 2 percent if authorized by the charter, and prior to the initial student count, the commission shall calculate and the department shall distribute the funding for the state charter school on the basis of its projected enrollment according to an enrollment counting procedure or projection method stipulated in the terms of the charter. Such initial funding shall include the adjustments in each program for training and experience. No later than July 1 of each year, the commission shall notify the department and the Office of Planning and Budget of the funding estimates calculated pursuant to this subsection for any new state charter schools, any new grade levels offered by existing state charter schools, or any existing state charter schools with projected student growth exceeding 2 percent. After the initial student count during the first year of such state charter school's operation, newly offered grade level, or projected student growth exceeding 2 percent and in all years of operation thereafter, each state charter school's student enrollment shall be based on the actual enrollment in the current school year according to the most recent student count. Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to require the department to conduct more than two student counts per year.

(d) For purposes of funding students enrolled in a state charter school in the first year of such school's operation, in the first year that an existing state charter school offers a new grade level, or in an upcoming year in which student growth in the existing state charter school is projected to exceed 2 percent if authorized by the charter, and prior to the initial student count, the commission shall calculate and the department shall distribute the funding for the state charter school on the basis of its projected enrollment according to an enrollment counting procedure or projection method stipulated in the terms of the charter. Such initial funding shall include the adjustments in each program for training and experience. No later than July 1 of each year, the commission shall notify the department and the Office of Planning and Budget of the funding estimates calculated pursuant to this subsection for any new state charter schools, any new grade levels offered by existing state charter schools, or any existing state charter schools with projected student growth exceeding 2 percent. After the initial student count during the first year of such state charter school's operation, newly offered grade level, or projected student growth exceeding 2 percent and in all years of operation thereafter, each state charter school's student enrollment shall be based on the actual enrollment in the current school year according to the most recent student count. Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to require the department to conduct more than two student counts per year.

(e) Funding for state charter schools pursuant to this Code section shall be subject to appropriations by the General Assembly and such schools shall be treated consistently with all other public schools in this state, pursuant to the respective statutory funding formulas and grants.

(e) Funding for state charter schools pursuant to this Code section shall be subject to appropriations by the General Assembly and such schools shall be treated consistently with all other public schools in this state, pursuant to the respective statutory funding formulas and grants.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-992 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-992
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-992
Status: in_force

Nothing in this article shall be construed as waiving any immunity or privilege now or hereafter enjoyed by the State Board of Education, by the board of control of any cooperative educational service agency, by any local board of education, by any member of any such board, or by any employee of the state board, school superintendent, principal, teacher, administrator, or other employee or as waiving any immunity or privilege of any state or other public body, board, agency, or political subdivision.
O.C.G.A. § 20-8-1 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 8 / Section 20-8-1
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-8-1
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, the term:

(1) “ Campus ” means the grounds and buildings owned or occupied by a college or university, the grounds and buildings owned or occupied by any college or university that has entered into a united police force agreement, or the grounds and buildings of a school or training facility operated by or under the authority of the State Board of Education. The term “ campus ” shall also include any public or private property within 500 yards of the property of an educational facility and one-quarter mile of any public street or public sidewalk connecting different buildings of the same educational facility when the property or buildings of the educational facility are located within any county in this state having a population of 400,000 or more according to the United States decennial census of 1970 or any future such census.

(1) “ Campus ” means the grounds and buildings owned or occupied by a college or university, the grounds and buildings owned or occupied by any college or university that has entered into a united police force agreement, or the grounds and buildings of a school or training facility operated by or under the authority of the State Board of Education. The term “ campus ” shall also include any public or private property within 500 yards of the property of an educational facility and one-quarter mile of any public street or public sidewalk connecting different buildings of the same educational facility when the property or buildings of the educational facility are located within any county in this state having a population of 400,000 or more according to the United States decennial census of 1970 or any future such census.

(2) “ Campus policeman ” means an employee of an educational facility whose duties include the enforcement of the laws of this state; the preservation of public order; the protection of life and property; the prevention, detection, or investigation of crime; or any combination thereof.

(2) “ Campus policeman ” means an employee of an educational facility whose duties include the enforcement of the laws of this state; the preservation of public order; the protection of life and property; the prevention, detection, or investigation of crime; or any combination thereof.

(3) “ College or university ” means an accredited, nonproprietary, public or private educational institution of higher learning located in this state.

(3) “ College or university ” means an accredited, nonproprietary, public or private educational institution of higher learning located in this state.

(4) “ Educational facility ” means a college or university or a school or training facility operated by or under the authority of the State Board of Education.

(4) “ Educational facility ” means a college or university or a school or training facility operated by or under the authority of the State Board of Education.

(5) “ United police force agreement ” means a contract entered into by two or more colleges or universities for the purpose of sharing campus policemen and related resources.

(5) “ United police force agreement ” means a contract entered into by two or more colleges or universities for the purpose of sharing campus policemen and related resources.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-2063-1 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-2063-1
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-2063.1
Status: in_force

(a) The state board shall establish a Charter Advisory Committee to review charter petitions for compliance with established standards of the state board, to make recommendations to the state board on charter policy, and to provide recommendations to the state board regarding charter petitions. The committee shall be composed of nine members as follows: (1) Three members appointed by the chairperson of the state board; (2) Three members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor; and (3) Three members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. All members shall serve at the pleasure of their respective appointing officials. The committee shall elect a chairperson from among its membership.

(a) The state board shall establish a Charter Advisory Committee to review charter petitions for compliance with established standards of the state board, to make recommendations to the state board on charter policy, and to provide recommendations to the state board regarding charter petitions. The committee shall be composed of nine members as follows:

(1) Three members appointed by the chairperson of the state board;

(1) Three members appointed by the chairperson of the state board;

(2) Three members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor; and

(2) Three members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor; and

(3) Three members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

(3) Three members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

All members shall serve at the pleasure of their respective appointing officials. The committee shall elect a chairperson from among its membership.

(b) The committee shall conduct itself in accordance with any rules and guidelines established by the state board with regard to timeframes, procedures, and protocol.

(b) The committee shall conduct itself in accordance with any rules and guidelines established by the state board with regard to timeframes, procedures, and protocol.

(c) The committee shall be authorized to request clarifying information from a charter petitioner and to receive input from interested parties on a charter petition.

(c) The committee shall be authorized to request clarifying information from a charter petitioner and to receive input from interested parties on a charter petition.

(d) The committee shall: (1) Make recommendations to the state board of approval or denial on each charter petition and shall specify the reasons for such recommendations; (2) Periodically make recommendations to the state board regarding charter policy; and (3) Make recommendations to the state board on the disbursement of planning grants for charter systems, if funds are made available.

(d) The committee shall:

(1) Make recommendations to the state board of approval or denial on each charter petition and shall specify the reasons for such recommendations;

(1) Make recommendations to the state board of approval or denial on each charter petition and shall specify the reasons for such recommendations;

(2) Periodically make recommendations to the state board regarding charter policy; and

(2) Periodically make recommendations to the state board regarding charter policy; and

(3) Make recommendations to the state board on the disbursement of planning grants for charter systems, if funds are made available.

(3) Make recommendations to the state board on the disbursement of planning grants for charter systems, if funds are made available.

(e) The committee shall be authorized to enter into contracts, subject to available funding, with one or more consultants to assist the committee in its duties and if directed to do so by the committee, to do the following: (1) Assist charter petitioners in the drafting of their petitions; (2) Assist charter petitioners in the design and implementation of innovative education programs and school level governance based on research, model programs, or other credible information; (3) Monitor and assist charter schools and charter systems; and (4) Perform any other functions related to the support of the committee.

(e) The committee shall be authorized to enter into contracts, subject to available funding, with one or more consultants to assist the committee in its duties and if directed to do so by the committee, to do the following:

(1) Assist charter petitioners in the drafting of their petitions;

(1) Assist charter petitioners in the drafting of their petitions;

(2) Assist charter petitioners in the design and implementation of innovative education programs and school level governance based on research, model programs, or other credible information;

(2) Assist charter petitioners in the design and implementation of innovative education programs and school level governance based on research, model programs, or other credible information;

(3) Monitor and assist charter schools and charter systems; and

(3) Monitor and assist charter schools and charter systems; and

(4) Perform any other functions related to the support of the committee.

(4) Perform any other functions related to the support of the committee.

(f) The committee shall work in cooperation with the Office of Charter School Compliance, as established pursuant to Code Section 20-2-2069 .

(f) The committee shall work in cooperation with the Office of Charter School Compliance, as established pursuant to Code Section 20-2-2069 .

(g) The members of the committee shall receive no compensation for their services but shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred by them in carrying out their duties.

(g) The members of the committee shall receive no compensation for their services but shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred by them in carrying out their duties.

(h) The committee shall be assigned to the Department of Education for administrative purposes only, as prescribed in Code Section 50-4-3 .

(h) The committee shall be assigned to the Department of Education for administrative purposes only, as prescribed in Code Section 50-4-3 .
O.C.G.A. § 20-4-21-1 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 4 / Section 20-4-21-1
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-4-21.1
Status: repealed

Revenue collected by any or all institutions under the Technical College System of Georgia from tuition, departmental sales or services, continuing education fees, technology fees, or indirect cost recoveries shall not lapse. The amount of revenue from tuition that shall not lapse under this Code section shall not exceed 15 percent of the tuition collected. This Code section shall stand repealed on July 1, 2026. Not later than October 15 each year, the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia shall provide to the Governor, the chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations, and the chairperson of the Senate Appropriations Committee a report of all nonlapsing revenue provided for in this Code section from the preceding fiscal year, the anticipated plans for the use of such nonlapsing revenue, the actual expenses paid for from nonlapsing revenue from the previous fiscal year, and the cumulative balance of nonlapsed revenue.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-984 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-984
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-984
Status: reserved

(a) The commission shall create and implement standards and procedures for certifying educational personnel as qualified for a certificate to practice in the public schools of Georgia; provided, however, that such standards and procedures shall not require an individual to participate in or complete any training program in which divisive concepts, as such term is defined in Code Section 20-1-11 , are advocated for; provided, further, that such standards shall include the following: (1) Procedures for limiting the number and types of certificates to the fewest possible consistent with providing qualified teachers for Georgia's schools; (2) In-service training and related requirements needed to renew or maintain certification; (3) Multiple or alternative routes to professional teacher certification, including, but not limited to, the alternative and nontraditional teacher certification programs provided for in Code Section 20-2-206 ; provided, however, that the commission's standards and procedures consider for in-state certification nationally accredited teacher certification programs outside of this state which are state sponsored and meet the academic accreditation and certification requirements of the commission; and (4)(A) Requirements, including appropriate examinations and assessments, for acquiring and maintaining certification pursuant to Code Section 20-2-200 . (B) Beginning July 1, 2025, the Georgia Assessments for Certification of Educators (GACE), or any other assessment required by the commission for teacher certification, shall be aligned with developmentally appropriate evidence based literacy instruction.

(a) The commission shall create and implement standards and procedures for certifying educational personnel as qualified for a certificate to practice in the public schools of Georgia; provided, however, that such standards and procedures shall not require an individual to participate in or complete any training program in which divisive concepts, as such term is defined in Code Section 20-1-11 , are advocated for; provided, further, that such standards shall include the following:

(1) Procedures for limiting the number and types of certificates to the fewest possible consistent with providing qualified teachers for Georgia's schools;

(1) Procedures for limiting the number and types of certificates to the fewest possible consistent with providing qualified teachers for Georgia's schools;

(2) In-service training and related requirements needed to renew or maintain certification;

(2) In-service training and related requirements needed to renew or maintain certification;

(3) Multiple or alternative routes to professional teacher certification, including, but not limited to, the alternative and nontraditional teacher certification programs provided for in Code Section 20-2-206 ; provided, however, that the commission's standards and procedures consider for in-state certification nationally accredited teacher certification programs outside of this state which are state sponsored and meet the academic accreditation and certification requirements of the commission; and

(3) Multiple or alternative routes to professional teacher certification, including, but not limited to, the alternative and nontraditional teacher certification programs provided for in Code Section 20-2-206 ; provided, however, that the commission's standards and procedures consider for in-state certification nationally accredited teacher certification programs outside of this state which are state sponsored and meet the academic accreditation and certification requirements of the commission; and

(4)(A) Requirements, including appropriate examinations and assessments, for acquiring and maintaining certification pursuant to Code Section 20-2-200 . (B) Beginning July 1, 2025, the Georgia Assessments for Certification of Educators (GACE), or any other assessment required by the commission for teacher certification, shall be aligned with developmentally appropriate evidence based literacy instruction.

(4)(A) Requirements, including appropriate examinations and assessments, for acquiring and maintaining certification pursuant to Code Section 20-2-200 .

(4)(A) Requirements, including appropriate examinations and assessments, for acquiring and maintaining certification pursuant to Code Section 20-2-200 .

(B) Beginning July 1, 2025, the Georgia Assessments for Certification of Educators (GACE), or any other assessment required by the commission for teacher certification, shall be aligned with developmentally appropriate evidence based literacy instruction.

(B) Beginning July 1, 2025, the Georgia Assessments for Certification of Educators (GACE), or any other assessment required by the commission for teacher certification, shall be aligned with developmentally appropriate evidence based literacy instruction.

(b) The commission shall recommend to the board of regents and private colleges and universities standards and procedures for preparing educational personnel to qualify for initial and renewable certification to practice in the public schools of Georgia, including the following: (1) Pre-service preparation; (2) Approval of teacher education programs, both graduate and undergraduate, which shall include, at a minimum, mandatory coursework in: (A) Differentiated instruction, including the development and implementation of explicit curricula to effectively support and deliver differentiated instruction to students. As used in this subparagraph, the term “ differentiated instruction ” means instruction that demonstrates a teacher's recognition of students as individuals in terms of their abilities, achievement, learning styles, and needs, including but not limited to, at-risk students, English language learners, students with special needs, and gifted students, and that gives greater emphasis to individualization in teaching by making adjustments to curricula, materials, learning activities, and assessment techniques to ensure that all students in a mixed-ability classroom can have equal access to appropriate avenues for processing new information and developing skills; and (B) Instruction related to the development of fundamental reading skills, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension; (3) Approval of programs of alternative certification; (4) The creation of innovative programs designed to increase the number of minority teachers entering the profession, including, but not limited to, programs designed to promote increased student enrollment in and completion of teacher education programs offered at historically black colleges and universities in this state; and (5) The creation of standards designed to ensure that postsecondary students completing teacher certification programs in this state graduate with the knowledge and skills necessary to teach reading.

(b) The commission shall recommend to the board of regents and private colleges and universities standards and procedures for preparing educational personnel to qualify for initial and renewable certification to practice in the public schools of Georgia, including the following:

(1) Pre-service preparation;

(1) Pre-service preparation;

(2) Approval of teacher education programs, both graduate and undergraduate, which shall include, at a minimum, mandatory coursework in: (A) Differentiated instruction, including the development and implementation of explicit curricula to effectively support and deliver differentiated instruction to students. As used in this subparagraph, the term “ differentiated instruction ” means instruction that demonstrates a teacher's recognition of students as individuals in terms of their abilities, achievement, learning styles, and needs, including but not limited to, at-risk students, English language learners, students with special needs, and gifted students, and that gives greater emphasis to individualization in teaching by making adjustments to curricula, materials, learning activities, and assessment techniques to ensure that all students in a mixed-ability classroom can have equal access to appropriate avenues for processing new information and developing skills; and (B) Instruction related to the development of fundamental reading skills, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension;

(2) Approval of teacher education programs, both graduate and undergraduate, which shall include, at a minimum, mandatory coursework in:

(A) Differentiated instruction, including the development and implementation of explicit curricula to effectively support and deliver differentiated instruction to students. As used in this subparagraph, the term “ differentiated instruction ” means instruction that demonstrates a teacher's recognition of students as individuals in terms of their abilities, achievement, learning styles, and needs, including but not limited to, at-risk students, English language learners, students with special needs, and gifted students, and that gives greater emphasis to individualization in teaching by making adjustments to curricula, materials, learning activities, and assessment techniques to ensure that all students in a mixed-ability classroom can have equal access to appropriate avenues for processing new information and developing skills; and

(A) Differentiated instruction, including the development and implementation of explicit curricula to effectively support and deliver differentiated instruction to students. As used in this subparagraph, the term “ differentiated instruction ” means instruction that demonstrates a teacher's recognition of students as individuals in terms of their abilities, achievement, learning styles, and needs, including but not limited to, at-risk students, English language learners, students with special needs, and gifted students, and that gives greater emphasis to individualization in teaching by making adjustments to curricula, materials, learning activities, and assessment techniques to ensure that all students in a mixed-ability classroom can have equal access to appropriate avenues for processing new information and developing skills; and

(B) Instruction related to the development of fundamental reading skills, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension;

(B) Instruction related to the development of fundamental reading skills, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension;

(3) Approval of programs of alternative certification;

(3) Approval of programs of alternative certification;

(4) The creation of innovative programs designed to increase the number of minority teachers entering the profession, including, but not limited to, programs designed to promote increased student enrollment in and completion of teacher education programs offered at historically black colleges and universities in this state; and

(4) The creation of innovative programs designed to increase the number of minority teachers entering the profession, including, but not limited to, programs designed to promote increased student enrollment in and completion of teacher education programs offered at historically black colleges and universities in this state; and

(5) The creation of standards designed to ensure that postsecondary students completing teacher certification programs in this state graduate with the knowledge and skills necessary to teach reading.

(5) The creation of standards designed to ensure that postsecondary students completing teacher certification programs in this state graduate with the knowledge and skills necessary to teach reading.

(c) All certificates in force in this state which were issued by the state board prior to July 1, 1991, shall continue in full force and effect, subject to all the terms and conditions under which they were issued, until they expire by virtue of their own limitations or until their terms or conditions are modified by action of the commission. All such certificates issued by the state board prior to July 1, 1991, shall be deemed to have been issued by the commission for purposes of any law or regulation relating to such certificates.

(c) All certificates in force in this state which were issued by the state board prior to July 1, 1991, shall continue in full force and effect, subject to all the terms and conditions under which they were issued, until they expire by virtue of their own limitations or until their terms or conditions are modified by action of the commission. All such certificates issued by the state board prior to July 1, 1991, shall be deemed to have been issued by the commission for purposes of any law or regulation relating to such certificates.

(d) The commission shall not have authority over the compensation, benefits, or working conditions of educational personnel in the public schools of Georgia; provided, however, that the commission shall have the authority to make recommendations to the State Board of Education regarding compensation as it relates to certification.

(d) The commission shall not have authority over the compensation, benefits, or working conditions of educational personnel in the public schools of Georgia; provided, however, that the commission shall have the authority to make recommendations to the State Board of Education regarding compensation as it relates to certification.

(e) Reserved.

(e) Reserved.

(f) The commission shall have the authority to deny, revoke, or suspend certification or renewal of a school system educator as provided for in Code Section 20-2-984.5 .

(f) The commission shall have the authority to deny, revoke, or suspend certification or renewal of a school system educator as provided for in Code Section 20-2-984.5 .

(g) The commission shall have the authority to issue formal warnings, reprimands, monitoring, or any combination thereof to educators as provided for in Code Section 20-2-984.5 .

(g) The commission shall have the authority to issue formal warnings, reprimands, monitoring, or any combination thereof to educators as provided for in Code Section 20-2-984.5 .

(h) The commission may provide consultative services pertaining to the teaching profession to anyone who has a vested interest in education and make recommendations to the state board or to local boards which will promote an improvement in the teaching profession. The commission shall be authorized to hold meetings for the purposes of determining recommendations pursuant to this subsection; and, at such meetings, the commission may receive testimony from educators or other persons interested in the improvement of the teaching profession; but the investigative powers of the commission may not be exercised pursuant to the authority of this subsection.

(h) The commission may provide consultative services pertaining to the teaching profession to anyone who has a vested interest in education and make recommendations to the state board or to local boards which will promote an improvement in the teaching profession. The commission shall be authorized to hold meetings for the purposes of determining recommendations pursuant to this subsection; and, at such meetings, the commission may receive testimony from educators or other persons interested in the improvement of the teaching profession; but the investigative powers of the commission may not be exercised pursuant to the authority of this subsection.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-152-2 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-152-2
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-152.2
Status: in_force

(a) The General Assembly finds that foster care students are particularly vulnerable to exposure to traumatic events and situations. The General Assembly also finds that a foster care student's exposure to trauma can be exacerbated by changing schools, particularly when the student may be eligible for special education and related services. Therefore, it is the intent of the General Assembly that a protocol be developed for use by each school that receives state funds under this article to immediately and deliberately assess foster care students upon their enrollment at a new school and determine whether exposure to trauma has had or is likely to have an adverse impact on the foster care student's educational performance, including both academics and classroom behavior.

(a) The General Assembly finds that foster care students are particularly vulnerable to exposure to traumatic events and situations. The General Assembly also finds that a foster care student's exposure to trauma can be exacerbated by changing schools, particularly when the student may be eligible for special education and related services. Therefore, it is the intent of the General Assembly that a protocol be developed for use by each school that receives state funds under this article to immediately and deliberately assess foster care students upon their enrollment at a new school and determine whether exposure to trauma has had or is likely to have an adverse impact on the foster care student's educational performance, including both academics and classroom behavior.

(b) As used in this Code section, the term: (1) “ Foster care student ” means a student who is placed in a foster family home, child care institution, or another substitute care setting approved by the Department of Human Services. (2) “ Trauma ” means exposure of a foster care student, as a witness or direct participant, to one or more traumatic events or traumatic situations.

(b) As used in this Code section, the term:

(1) “ Foster care student ” means a student who is placed in a foster family home, child care institution, or another substitute care setting approved by the Department of Human Services.

(1) “ Foster care student ” means a student who is placed in a foster family home, child care institution, or another substitute care setting approved by the Department of Human Services.

(2) “ Trauma ” means exposure of a foster care student, as a witness or direct participant, to one or more traumatic events or traumatic situations.

(2) “ Trauma ” means exposure of a foster care student, as a witness or direct participant, to one or more traumatic events or traumatic situations.

(c) No later than August 1, 2021, the State Board of Education shall adopt any rules, regulations, and protocols necessary for use by public school personnel to immediately and deliberately assess whether exposure to trauma has had or is likely to have an adverse impact on the foster care student's educational performance, including both academics and classroom behavior. Such rules, regulations, and protocols shall also provide that the impact of trauma shall be considered at the appropriate time among the relevant criteria considered by school personnel to determine the eligibility of foster care students for special education and related services as provided for in Code Section 20-2-152 . Further, the Department of Education shall provide guidance to local school systems regarding trauma, the impacts of trauma on students, including, but not limited to, foster care students, and procedures for the immediate and deliberate assessment of newly enrolled foster care students.

(c) No later than August 1, 2021, the State Board of Education shall adopt any rules, regulations, and protocols necessary for use by public school personnel to immediately and deliberately assess whether exposure to trauma has had or is likely to have an adverse impact on the foster care student's educational performance, including both academics and classroom behavior. Such rules, regulations, and protocols shall also provide that the impact of trauma shall be considered at the appropriate time among the relevant criteria considered by school personnel to determine the eligibility of foster care students for special education and related services as provided for in Code Section 20-2-152 . Further, the Department of Education shall provide guidance to local school systems regarding trauma, the impacts of trauma on students, including, but not limited to, foster care students, and procedures for the immediate and deliberate assessment of newly enrolled foster care students.

(d) Upon the enrollment of a foster care student, a local school system shall immediately and deliberately assess whether exposure to trauma has had or is likely to have an adverse impact on the foster care student's educational performance, including both academics and classroom behavior. The local school system's assessment shall be part of its overall determination of whether the initial evaluation process for determining eligibility for special education and related services should be commenced for such foster care student.

(d) Upon the enrollment of a foster care student, a local school system shall immediately and deliberately assess whether exposure to trauma has had or is likely to have an adverse impact on the foster care student's educational performance, including both academics and classroom behavior. The local school system's assessment shall be part of its overall determination of whether the initial evaluation process for determining eligibility for special education and related services should be commenced for such foster care student.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-140 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-140
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-140
Status: in_force

(a) The State Board of Education shall establish uniformly sequenced content standards that each student is expected to master prior to completion of the student's public school education. The state board shall adopt content standards for students in kindergarten through grade 12. Each local unit of administration may expand and enrich the content standards to the extent it deems necessary and appropriate for its students and communities. Each local school system shall adopt its own curriculum which shall include appropriate instruction in the content standards.

(a) The State Board of Education shall establish uniformly sequenced content standards that each student is expected to master prior to completion of the student's public school education. The state board shall adopt content standards for students in kindergarten through grade 12. Each local unit of administration may expand and enrich the content standards to the extent it deems necessary and appropriate for its students and communities. Each local school system shall adopt its own curriculum which shall include appropriate instruction in the content standards.

(b) The State Board of Education, working with the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia, shall establish college and career readiness standards to demonstrate competency in reading, writing, and mathematics aligned with the content standards adopted by the state board pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section with the level of performance necessary to meet college-readiness standards in the state's technical colleges, community colleges, state colleges, and universities and in other advanced training programs.

(b) The State Board of Education, working with the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia, shall establish college and career readiness standards to demonstrate competency in reading, writing, and mathematics aligned with the content standards adopted by the state board pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section with the level of performance necessary to meet college-readiness standards in the state's technical colleges, community colleges, state colleges, and universities and in other advanced training programs.

(c) The State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia shall require its institutions to accept core coursework completed by high school students for purposes of admission into its institutions.

(c) The State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia shall require its institutions to accept core coursework completed by high school students for purposes of admission into its institutions.
O.C.G.A. § 20-1-6-1 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 1 / Section 20-1-6-1
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-1-6.1
Status: in_force

Plains High School is designated as the official Georgia state school.
O.C.G.A. § 20-3-316-2 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 3 / Section 20-3-316-2
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-3-316.2
Status: in_force

(a)(1) Each Georgia income tax return form for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2017, shall contain appropriate language, to be determined by the state revenue commissioner, offering the taxpayer the opportunity to make a charitable contribution to the Georgia Student Finance Authority to provide financial assistance toward the postsecondary educational costs of the children of law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and prison guards employed by the state or other public employer, and Highway Emergency Response Operators of the Department of Transportation who were permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty by either donating all or any part of any tax refund due and authorizing a reduction in the refund check otherwise payable or contributing any amount over and above any amount of tax owed by adding that amount to the taxpayer's payment. The instructions accompanying the income tax return shall include a description of the intended use of the moneys received from the contributions. Each taxpayer required to file a state income tax return who desires to make a charitable contribution to the Georgia Student Finance Authority may designate such contribution as provided on the appropriate income tax return form. (2) The Department of Revenue shall determine annually the total amount so contributed and shall transmit such amount to the Georgia Student Finance Authority.

(a)(1) Each Georgia income tax return form for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2017, shall contain appropriate language, to be determined by the state revenue commissioner, offering the taxpayer the opportunity to make a charitable contribution to the Georgia Student Finance Authority to provide financial assistance toward the postsecondary educational costs of the children of law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and prison guards employed by the state or other public employer, and Highway Emergency Response Operators of the Department of Transportation who were permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty by either donating all or any part of any tax refund due and authorizing a reduction in the refund check otherwise payable or contributing any amount over and above any amount of tax owed by adding that amount to the taxpayer's payment. The instructions accompanying the income tax return shall include a description of the intended use of the moneys received from the contributions. Each taxpayer required to file a state income tax return who desires to make a charitable contribution to the Georgia Student Finance Authority may designate such contribution as provided on the appropriate income tax return form.

(a)(1) Each Georgia income tax return form for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2017, shall contain appropriate language, to be determined by the state revenue commissioner, offering the taxpayer the opportunity to make a charitable contribution to the Georgia Student Finance Authority to provide financial assistance toward the postsecondary educational costs of the children of law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and prison guards employed by the state or other public employer, and Highway Emergency Response Operators of the Department of Transportation who were permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty by either donating all or any part of any tax refund due and authorizing a reduction in the refund check otherwise payable or contributing any amount over and above any amount of tax owed by adding that amount to the taxpayer's payment. The instructions accompanying the income tax return shall include a description of the intended use of the moneys received from the contributions. Each taxpayer required to file a state income tax return who desires to make a charitable contribution to the Georgia Student Finance Authority may designate such contribution as provided on the appropriate income tax return form.

(2) The Department of Revenue shall determine annually the total amount so contributed and shall transmit such amount to the Georgia Student Finance Authority.

(2) The Department of Revenue shall determine annually the total amount so contributed and shall transmit such amount to the Georgia Student Finance Authority.

(b) Beginning January 1, 2017, the Department of Driver Services shall, through appropriate language on its forms for the issuance and renewal of drivers' licenses and identification cards, offer individuals the opportunity to make a voluntary charitable contribution of $1.00, $5.00, or $10.00 to the Georgia Student Finance Authority to provide financial assistance toward the postsecondary educational costs of the children of law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and prison guards employed by the state or other public employer, and Highway Emergency Response Operators of the Department of Transportation who were permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty. The form shall contain a description of the intended use of moneys received from the contributions. Each individual who desires to make a charitable contribution may designate such contribution on the appropriate form, and the Department of Driver Services shall accept such contribution. The Department of Driver Services shall determine annually the total amount so contributed, shall withhold therefrom a reasonable amount for administering this voluntary charitable contribution program, and shall transmit the balance to the Georgia Student Finance Authority for funding, in whole or in part, the postsecondary educational costs of such students. If, in any tax year, the administrative costs of the Department of Driver Services for collecting charitable contributions pursuant to this subsection exceed the sum of such contributions, the administrative costs which the Department of Driver Services is authorized to withhold from such contributions shall not exceed the sum of such contributions.

(b) Beginning January 1, 2017, the Department of Driver Services shall, through appropriate language on its forms for the issuance and renewal of drivers' licenses and identification cards, offer individuals the opportunity to make a voluntary charitable contribution of $1.00, $5.00, or $10.00 to the Georgia Student Finance Authority to provide financial assistance toward the postsecondary educational costs of the children of law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and prison guards employed by the state or other public employer, and Highway Emergency Response Operators of the Department of Transportation who were permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty. The form shall contain a description of the intended use of moneys received from the contributions. Each individual who desires to make a charitable contribution may designate such contribution on the appropriate form, and the Department of Driver Services shall accept such contribution. The Department of Driver Services shall determine annually the total amount so contributed, shall withhold therefrom a reasonable amount for administering this voluntary charitable contribution program, and shall transmit the balance to the Georgia Student Finance Authority for funding, in whole or in part, the postsecondary educational costs of such students. If, in any tax year, the administrative costs of the Department of Driver Services for collecting charitable contributions pursuant to this subsection exceed the sum of such contributions, the administrative costs which the Department of Driver Services is authorized to withhold from such contributions shall not exceed the sum of such contributions.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-396 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-396
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-396
Status: in_force

When any money shall be borrowed under this part, it shall be paid over to the county school superintendent and become a part of the public school fund of the county. The superintendent shall be responsible for any money borrowed and received under the authority of this part in the same way and to the same extent that he is responsible for any other public schools funds.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-319-1 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-319-1
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-319.1
Status: in_force

(a) The State Board of Education is authorized to establish the Georgia Virtual School whereby students may enroll in courses via the Internet or in any other manner not involving on-site interaction with a teacher. Any Georgia student who is age 21 or younger shall be eligible to enroll in the Georgia Virtual School. The State Board of Education is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations pertaining to the Georgia Virtual School. Such rules and regulations, if established, shall include, at a minimum, a process for students to enroll in Georgia Virtual School courses and a process whereby a student's grade in the course is reported on the student's transcript. All teachers who provide instruction through the Georgia Virtual School shall be certified by the Professional Standards Commission. A local school system shall not prohibit any student from taking a course through the Georgia Virtual School, regardless of whether the school in which the student is enrolled offers the same course.

(a) The State Board of Education is authorized to establish the Georgia Virtual School whereby students may enroll in courses via the Internet or in any other manner not involving on-site interaction with a teacher. Any Georgia student who is age 21 or younger shall be eligible to enroll in the Georgia Virtual School. The State Board of Education is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations pertaining to the Georgia Virtual School. Such rules and regulations, if established, shall include, at a minimum, a process for students to enroll in Georgia Virtual School courses and a process whereby a student's grade in the course is reported on the student's transcript. All teachers who provide instruction through the Georgia Virtual School shall be certified by the Professional Standards Commission. A local school system shall not prohibit any student from taking a course through the Georgia Virtual School, regardless of whether the school in which the student is enrolled offers the same course.

(b)(1) The department is authorized to establish a Georgia Virtual School grant account with funds appropriated by the General Assembly. The department shall use funds from such grant account to pay for costs associated with the Georgia Virtual School incurred by the department, including, but not limited to, actual costs associated with the maintenance of the Georgia Virtual School, such as new course development, credit recovery, blended learning training, and operating a clearing-house, and costs for tuition, materials, and fees for courses taken through the Georgia Virtual School by students in home study programs or private schools in this state. (2) The local school system shall pay to the department costs for tuition, materials, and fees directly related to the approved course taken by a student in its school system through the Georgia Virtual School; provided, however, that in no event shall the amount of tuition charged to and paid by the local school system on behalf of such student exceed $250.00 per student per semester course; and provided, further, that if a student participates in courses through the Georgia Virtual School that are in excess of the maximum number of courses a student may be enrolled in during a school day, such student shall be subject to the cost of tuition not to exceed $250.00 per student per semester course. (3) Students in home study programs and private schools in this state may enroll in courses through the Georgia Virtual School at no cost, if appropriations are provided for such purpose in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection. If appropriations are not provided or if appropriations are provided but have been expended for such purpose, students in home study programs and private schools in this state may enroll in courses through the Georgia Virtual School based on availability of slots; provided, however, that such students shall be subject to the cost of tuition not to exceed $250.00 per student per semester course.

(b)(1) The department is authorized to establish a Georgia Virtual School grant account with funds appropriated by the General Assembly. The department shall use funds from such grant account to pay for costs associated with the Georgia Virtual School incurred by the department, including, but not limited to, actual costs associated with the maintenance of the Georgia Virtual School, such as new course development, credit recovery, blended learning training, and operating a clearing-house, and costs for tuition, materials, and fees for courses taken through the Georgia Virtual School by students in home study programs or private schools in this state.

(b)(1) The department is authorized to establish a Georgia Virtual School grant account with funds appropriated by the General Assembly. The department shall use funds from such grant account to pay for costs associated with the Georgia Virtual School incurred by the department, including, but not limited to, actual costs associated with the maintenance of the Georgia Virtual School, such as new course development, credit recovery, blended learning training, and operating a clearing-house, and costs for tuition, materials, and fees for courses taken through the Georgia Virtual School by students in home study programs or private schools in this state.

(2) The local school system shall pay to the department costs for tuition, materials, and fees directly related to the approved course taken by a student in its school system through the Georgia Virtual School; provided, however, that in no event shall the amount of tuition charged to and paid by the local school system on behalf of such student exceed $250.00 per student per semester course; and provided, further, that if a student participates in courses through the Georgia Virtual School that are in excess of the maximum number of courses a student may be enrolled in during a school day, such student shall be subject to the cost of tuition not to exceed $250.00 per student per semester course.

(2) The local school system shall pay to the department costs for tuition, materials, and fees directly related to the approved course taken by a student in its school system through the Georgia Virtual School; provided, however, that in no event shall the amount of tuition charged to and paid by the local school system on behalf of such student exceed $250.00 per student per semester course; and provided, further, that if a student participates in courses through the Georgia Virtual School that are in excess of the maximum number of courses a student may be enrolled in during a school day, such student shall be subject to the cost of tuition not to exceed $250.00 per student per semester course.

(3) Students in home study programs and private schools in this state may enroll in courses through the Georgia Virtual School at no cost, if appropriations are provided for such purpose in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection. If appropriations are not provided or if appropriations are provided but have been expended for such purpose, students in home study programs and private schools in this state may enroll in courses through the Georgia Virtual School based on availability of slots; provided, however, that such students shall be subject to the cost of tuition not to exceed $250.00 per student per semester course.

(3) Students in home study programs and private schools in this state may enroll in courses through the Georgia Virtual School at no cost, if appropriations are provided for such purpose in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection. If appropriations are not provided or if appropriations are provided but have been expended for such purpose, students in home study programs and private schools in this state may enroll in courses through the Georgia Virtual School based on availability of slots; provided, however, that such students shall be subject to the cost of tuition not to exceed $250.00 per student per semester course.

(c) The Georgia Virtual School shall not be considered a school for purposes of Article 2 of Chapter 14 of this title.

(c) The Georgia Virtual School shall not be considered a school for purposes of Article 2 of Chapter 14 of this title.
O.C.G.A. § 20-1a-31 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 1A / Section 20-1a-31
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-1A-31
Status: in_force

(a) A support center may furnish to the department a records check application for each potential employee of any licensed, commissioned, or permitted early care and education program. Before a person affiliated with a support center may become an employee of any licensed, commissioned, or permitted early care and education program, such person shall obtain a comprehensive records check determination that is satisfactory. All potential employees, excluding students currently enrolled in an early education curriculum through an accredited school of higher education, may submit evidence, satisfactory to the department, that such potential employee received a comprehensive records check determination that is satisfactory and that includes a records check determination clearance date that is no more than 12 months old, notwithstanding Code Section 20-1A-45 , or that any employee whose fingerprint records check determination revealed a criminal record of any kind has either subsequently received a comprehensive records check determination that is satisfactory or has had the unsatisfactory determination reversed in accordance with Code Section 20-1A-43 , notwithstanding Code Section 20-1A-45 . A student currently enrolled in an early education curriculum through an accredited school of higher education may submit evidence, satisfactory to the department, that such student received a comprehensive records check determination that is satisfactory and that includes a records check clearance date that is no more than 24 months old, notwithstanding Code Section 20-1A-45 , or that such student whose comprehensive records check determination revealed a criminal record of any kind has either subsequently received a comprehensive records check determination that is satisfactory or has had the unsatisfactory determination reversed in accordance with Code Section 20-1A-43 , notwithstanding Code Section 20-1A-45 . The licensed, commissioned, or permitted early care and education program shall maintain documentation in the employee's personnel file, which is available to the department upon request, and which reflects that a comprehensive records check determination that was satisfactory was received before the employee is allowed to be present at a facility while children are present for care or to reside in a facility. If the comprehensive records check determination for any potential employee reveals a criminal record of any kind, such potential employee shall not be allowed to be present at a facility while children are present for care or to reside in a facility until such potential employee has either obtained a comprehensive records check determination that is satisfactory or has had the unsatisfactory comprehensive records check determination reversed in accordance with Code Section 20-1A-43 , notwithstanding Code Section 20-1A-45 . If the comprehensive records check determination is unsatisfactory, the licensed, commissioned, or permitted early care and education program shall, after receiving notification of such unsatisfactory determination, take such steps as are necessary so that such employee is no longer present at a facility while children are present for care and no longer resides in the facility. The time frames set forth in this subsection shall not apply when fingerprints have been retained by the department due to its participation in the program described in subparagraph (a)(1)(F) of Code Section 35-3-33 .

(a) A support center may furnish to the department a records check application for each potential employee of any licensed, commissioned, or permitted early care and education program. Before a person affiliated with a support center may become an employee of any licensed, commissioned, or permitted early care and education program, such person shall obtain a comprehensive records check determination that is satisfactory. All potential employees, excluding students currently enrolled in an early education curriculum through an accredited school of higher education, may submit evidence, satisfactory to the department, that such potential employee received a comprehensive records check determination that is satisfactory and that includes a records check determination clearance date that is no more than 12 months old, notwithstanding Code Section 20-1A-45 , or that any employee whose fingerprint records check determination revealed a criminal record of any kind has either subsequently received a comprehensive records check determination that is satisfactory or has had the unsatisfactory determination reversed in accordance with Code Section 20-1A-43 , notwithstanding Code Section 20-1A-45 . A student currently enrolled in an early education curriculum through an accredited school of higher education may submit evidence, satisfactory to the department, that such student received a comprehensive records check determination that is satisfactory and that includes a records check clearance date that is no more than 24 months old, notwithstanding Code Section 20-1A-45 , or that such student whose comprehensive records check determination revealed a criminal record of any kind has either subsequently received a comprehensive records check determination that is satisfactory or has had the unsatisfactory determination reversed in accordance with Code Section 20-1A-43 , notwithstanding Code Section 20-1A-45 . The licensed, commissioned, or permitted early care and education program shall maintain documentation in the employee's personnel file, which is available to the department upon request, and which reflects that a comprehensive records check determination that was satisfactory was received before the employee is allowed to be present at a facility while children are present for care or to reside in a facility. If the comprehensive records check determination for any potential employee reveals a criminal record of any kind, such potential employee shall not be allowed to be present at a facility while children are present for care or to reside in a facility until such potential employee has either obtained a comprehensive records check determination that is satisfactory or has had the unsatisfactory comprehensive records check determination reversed in accordance with Code Section 20-1A-43 , notwithstanding Code Section 20-1A-45 . If the comprehensive records check determination is unsatisfactory, the licensed, commissioned, or permitted early care and education program shall, after receiving notification of such unsatisfactory determination, take such steps as are necessary so that such employee is no longer present at a facility while children are present for care and no longer resides in the facility. The time frames set forth in this subsection shall not apply when fingerprints have been retained by the department due to its participation in the program described in subparagraph (a)(1)(F) of Code Section 35-3-33 .

(b) Notwithstanding the limited period of portability, every person affiliated with a support center as a potential employee of a licensed or commissioned early care and education program shall undergo additional comprehensive records check determinations such that the time between such additional comprehensive records check determinations and that person's previous comprehensive records check determination shall not exceed five years, except when fingerprints have been retained by the department due to its participation in the program described in subparagraph (a)(1)(F) of Code Section 35-3-33 , notwithstanding Code Section 20-1A-45 .

(b) Notwithstanding the limited period of portability, every person affiliated with a support center as a potential employee of a licensed or commissioned early care and education program shall undergo additional comprehensive records check determinations such that the time between such additional comprehensive records check determinations and that person's previous comprehensive records check determination shall not exceed five years, except when fingerprints have been retained by the department due to its participation in the program described in subparagraph (a)(1)(F) of Code Section 35-3-33 , notwithstanding Code Section 20-1A-45 .

(c) After the issuance of a registration, the department may require additional comprehensive records check determinations on any person affiliated with a support center during the course of a child abuse investigation involving such person or when the department has reason to believe such person has a criminal record that renders such person ineligible to be present at a facility while children are present for care or to reside in a facility.

(c) After the issuance of a registration, the department may require additional comprehensive records check determinations on any person affiliated with a support center during the course of a child abuse investigation involving such person or when the department has reason to believe such person has a criminal record that renders such person ineligible to be present at a facility while children are present for care or to reside in a facility.