O.C.G.A. § 20-3-295 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 3 / Section 20-3-295
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-3-295
Status: reserved

(a) As used in this Code section, the term: (1) “ Agency ” means the Georgia Higher Education Assistance Corporation created in Code Section 20-3-263 which is responsible for administering a program of guaranteed educational loans to eligible students and eligible parents known as the Georgia Higher Education Loan Program. (2) “ Applicant ” means any person applying for issuance or renewal of a license. (3) “ Borrower ” means an individual who borrowed a guaranteed educational loan under the Georgia Higher Education Loan Program. (4) Reserved. (5) “ Default ” means default as defined by federal law under the Higher Education Act of 1965. 1 (6) “ License ” means a certificate, permit, registration, or any other authorization issued by any licensing entity that allows a person to engage in a profession, business, or occupation. (7) “ Licensee ” means any person holding a license. (8) “ Licensing entity ” means any state agency, department, or board of this state which issues or renews any license, certificate, permit, or registration to authorize a person to engage in a profession, business, or occupation, including those under Article 3 of Chapter 7 of Title 2, the “Georgia Pesticide Use and Application Act of 1976”; Article 13 of Chapter 1 of Title 7, relating to mortgage lenders and mortgage brokers; Chapter 5 of Title 10, the “Georgia Uniform Securities Act of 2008,” relating to securities salespersons and investment adviser representatives; Part 2 of Article 1 of Chapter 6 of Title 12, relating to foresters; Chapter 4 of Title 26, relating to pharmacists; Chapter 23 of Title 33, relating to insurance agents, counselors, and other personnel; Chapter 1 of Title 43, relating to professions and businesses; Chapter 3 of Title 43, relating to accountants; Chapter 39A of Title 43, relating to real estate appraisers; or Chapter 40 of Title 43, relating to real estate brokers and salespersons. (9) “ Satisfactory repayment status ” means the borrower has agreed to repay the defaulted loan to the agency and has made a payment in the most recent prior 60 days.

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

(1) “ Agency ” means the Georgia Higher Education Assistance Corporation created in Code Section 20-3-263 which is responsible for administering a program of guaranteed educational loans to eligible students and eligible parents known as the Georgia Higher Education Loan Program.

(1) “ Agency ” means the Georgia Higher Education Assistance Corporation created in Code Section 20-3-263 which is responsible for administering a program of guaranteed educational loans to eligible students and eligible parents known as the Georgia Higher Education Loan Program.

(2) “ Applicant ” means any person applying for issuance or renewal of a license.

(2) “ Applicant ” means any person applying for issuance or renewal of a license.

(3) “ Borrower ” means an individual who borrowed a guaranteed educational loan under the Georgia Higher Education Loan Program.

(3) “ Borrower ” means an individual who borrowed a guaranteed educational loan under the Georgia Higher Education Loan Program.

(4) Reserved.

(4) Reserved.

(5) “ Default ” means default as defined by federal law under the Higher Education Act of 1965. 1

(5) “ Default ” means default as defined by federal law under the Higher Education Act of 1965. 1

(6) “ License ” means a certificate, permit, registration, or any other authorization issued by any licensing entity that allows a person to engage in a profession, business, or occupation.

(6) “ License ” means a certificate, permit, registration, or any other authorization issued by any licensing entity that allows a person to engage in a profession, business, or occupation.

(7) “ Licensee ” means any person holding a license.

(7) “ Licensee ” means any person holding a license.

(8) “ Licensing entity ” means any state agency, department, or board of this state which issues or renews any license, certificate, permit, or registration to authorize a person to engage in a profession, business, or occupation, including those under Article 3 of Chapter 7 of Title 2, the “Georgia Pesticide Use and Application Act of 1976”; Article 13 of Chapter 1 of Title 7, relating to mortgage lenders and mortgage brokers; Chapter 5 of Title 10, the “Georgia Uniform Securities Act of 2008,” relating to securities salespersons and investment adviser representatives; Part 2 of Article 1 of Chapter 6 of Title 12, relating to foresters; Chapter 4 of Title 26, relating to pharmacists; Chapter 23 of Title 33, relating to insurance agents, counselors, and other personnel; Chapter 1 of Title 43, relating to professions and businesses; Chapter 3 of Title 43, relating to accountants; Chapter 39A of Title 43, relating to real estate appraisers; or Chapter 40 of Title 43, relating to real estate brokers and salespersons.

(8) “ Licensing entity ” means any state agency, department, or board of this state which issues or renews any license, certificate, permit, or registration to authorize a person to engage in a profession, business, or occupation, including those under Article 3 of Chapter 7 of Title 2, the “Georgia Pesticide Use and Application Act of 1976”; Article 13 of Chapter 1 of Title 7, relating to mortgage lenders and mortgage brokers; Chapter 5 of Title 10, the “Georgia Uniform Securities Act of 2008,” relating to securities salespersons and investment adviser representatives; Part 2 of Article 1 of Chapter 6 of Title 12, relating to foresters; Chapter 4 of Title 26, relating to pharmacists; Chapter 23 of Title 33, relating to insurance agents, counselors, and other personnel; Chapter 1 of Title 43, relating to professions and businesses; Chapter 3 of Title 43, relating to accountants; Chapter 39A of Title 43, relating to real estate appraisers; or Chapter 40 of Title 43, relating to real estate brokers and salespersons.

(9) “ Satisfactory repayment status ” means the borrower has agreed to repay the defaulted loan to the agency and has made a payment in the most recent prior 60 days.

(9) “ Satisfactory repayment status ” means the borrower has agreed to repay the defaulted loan to the agency and has made a payment in the most recent prior 60 days.

(b) No licensing entity shall refuse to issue nor suspend or revoke a license to an applicant or licensee because he or she is a borrower in default who is not in satisfactory repayment status as determined by the agency or who has been certified by any entity of the federal government for nonpayment or default or breach of a repayment or service obligation under any federal educational loan, loan repayment, or service conditional scholarship program.

(b) No licensing entity shall refuse to issue nor suspend or revoke a license to an applicant or licensee because he or she is a borrower in default who is not in satisfactory repayment status as determined by the agency or who has been certified by any entity of the federal government for nonpayment or default or breach of a repayment or service obligation under any federal educational loan, loan repayment, or service conditional scholarship program.

1 20 U.S.C.A. § 1001 et seq.
O.C.G.A. § 20-14-33 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 14 / Section 20-14-33
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-14-33
Status: in_force

(a) The office, in coordination with the Department of Education, shall adopt and annually review, and revise as necessary, indicators of the quality of learning by students, financial efficiency, and school climate for individual schools and for school systems.

(a) The office, in coordination with the Department of Education, shall adopt and annually review, and revise as necessary, indicators of the quality of learning by students, financial efficiency, and school climate for individual schools and for school systems.

(b) The performance indicators of quality of learning shall be based on data that include student achievement, achievement gap closure, and student progress. The performance indicators of quality of learning shall include all students regardless of ethnicity, sex, disability, language proficiency, and socioeconomic status and shall be disaggregated by all subgroups as required under the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended.

(b) The performance indicators of quality of learning shall be based on data that include student achievement, achievement gap closure, and student progress. The performance indicators of quality of learning shall include all students regardless of ethnicity, sex, disability, language proficiency, and socioeconomic status and shall be disaggregated by all subgroups as required under the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended.

(c)(1) Performance on the indicators of quality of learning, financial efficiency, school climate, and any other indicators the office adopts shall be compared to state standards, progress on improved student achievement, and comparable performance. The standards for comparison shall be established by the office as provided in Code Section 20-14-31 , in coordination with the Department of Education. Data and information regarding the standards shall be included in the annual report provided for in paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of Code Section 20-14-27 . Financial efficiency may include an analysis of how federal and state funds spent by local school systems impact student achievement and school improvement, and components used to determine financial efficiency may include actual achievement, resource efficiency, and student participation in standardized testing. School climate determinations may utilize data from student health surveys, data on environmental and behavior indicators, data on student behavioral and school-based reactions, and teacher and parent survey instruments. Financial efficiency and school climate shall have one of the following star ratings based upon the factors included in this subsection, as further defined by rules and regulations of the office: (A) “5-star” schools ranked excellent according to the state determined financial efficiency or school climate index, as appropriate; (B) “4-star” schools ranked above average according to the state determined financial efficiency or school climate index, as appropriate; (C) “3-star” schools ranked average according to the state determined financial efficiency or school climate index, as appropriate; (D) “2-star” schools ranked below satisfactory according to the state determined financial efficiency or school climate index, as appropriate; or (E) “1-star” schools ranked unsatisfactory according to the state determined financial efficiency or school climate index, as appropriate. (2) Data and information regarding student discipline shall be included in the annual report provided for in paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of Code Section 20-14-27 . (3) Each local school system shall publish electronically in a prominent location on its website the reported information regarding student disciplinary and placement actions provided for in subsections (a) and (b) of Code Section 20-2-740 and shall furnish a print copy of the specific information as reported for a particular school to any requester at no charge. Regardless of whether published in electronic or print form, the reported information shall be presented in a format that can be easily understood by parents and other members of the community who are not educators, and such publication shall include such reported information for each school in the local school system. (4) Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to relieve any school system or school administrator or personnel from any obligation to report a violation of a code of student conduct as provided for by law or policy.

(c)(1) Performance on the indicators of quality of learning, financial efficiency, school climate, and any other indicators the office adopts shall be compared to state standards, progress on improved student achievement, and comparable performance. The standards for comparison shall be established by the office as provided in Code Section 20-14-31 , in coordination with the Department of Education. Data and information regarding the standards shall be included in the annual report provided for in paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of Code Section 20-14-27 . Financial efficiency may include an analysis of how federal and state funds spent by local school systems impact student achievement and school improvement, and components used to determine financial efficiency may include actual achievement, resource efficiency, and student participation in standardized testing. School climate determinations may utilize data from student health surveys, data on environmental and behavior indicators, data on student behavioral and school-based reactions, and teacher and parent survey instruments. Financial efficiency and school climate shall have one of the following star ratings based upon the factors included in this subsection, as further defined by rules and regulations of the office: (A) “5-star” schools ranked excellent according to the state determined financial efficiency or school climate index, as appropriate; (B) “4-star” schools ranked above average according to the state determined financial efficiency or school climate index, as appropriate; (C) “3-star” schools ranked average according to the state determined financial efficiency or school climate index, as appropriate; (D) “2-star” schools ranked below satisfactory according to the state determined financial efficiency or school climate index, as appropriate; or (E) “1-star” schools ranked unsatisfactory according to the state determined financial efficiency or school climate index, as appropriate.

(c)(1) Performance on the indicators of quality of learning, financial efficiency, school climate, and any other indicators the office adopts shall be compared to state standards, progress on improved student achievement, and comparable performance. The standards for comparison shall be established by the office as provided in Code Section 20-14-31 , in coordination with the Department of Education. Data and information regarding the standards shall be included in the annual report provided for in paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of Code Section 20-14-27 . Financial efficiency may include an analysis of how federal and state funds spent by local school systems impact student achievement and school improvement, and components used to determine financial efficiency may include actual achievement, resource efficiency, and student participation in standardized testing. School climate determinations may utilize data from student health surveys, data on environmental and behavior indicators, data on student behavioral and school-based reactions, and teacher and parent survey instruments. Financial efficiency and school climate shall have one of the following star ratings based upon the factors included in this subsection, as further defined by rules and regulations of the office:

(A) “5-star” schools ranked excellent according to the state determined financial efficiency or school climate index, as appropriate;

(B) “4-star” schools ranked above average according to the state determined financial efficiency or school climate index, as appropriate;

(B) “4-star” schools ranked above average according to the state determined financial efficiency or school climate index, as appropriate;

(C) “3-star” schools ranked average according to the state determined financial efficiency or school climate index, as appropriate;

(C) “3-star” schools ranked average according to the state determined financial efficiency or school climate index, as appropriate;

(D) “2-star” schools ranked below satisfactory according to the state determined financial efficiency or school climate index, as appropriate; or

(D) “2-star” schools ranked below satisfactory according to the state determined financial efficiency or school climate index, as appropriate; or

(E) “1-star” schools ranked unsatisfactory according to the state determined financial efficiency or school climate index, as appropriate.

(E) “1-star” schools ranked unsatisfactory according to the state determined financial efficiency or school climate index, as appropriate.

(2) Data and information regarding student discipline shall be included in the annual report provided for in paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of Code Section 20-14-27 .

(2) Data and information regarding student discipline shall be included in the annual report provided for in paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of Code Section 20-14-27 .

(3) Each local school system shall publish electronically in a prominent location on its website the reported information regarding student disciplinary and placement actions provided for in subsections (a) and (b) of Code Section 20-2-740 and shall furnish a print copy of the specific information as reported for a particular school to any requester at no charge. Regardless of whether published in electronic or print form, the reported information shall be presented in a format that can be easily understood by parents and other members of the community who are not educators, and such publication shall include such reported information for each school in the local school system.

(3) Each local school system shall publish electronically in a prominent location on its website the reported information regarding student disciplinary and placement actions provided for in subsections (a) and (b) of Code Section 20-2-740 and shall furnish a print copy of the specific information as reported for a particular school to any requester at no charge. Regardless of whether published in electronic or print form, the reported information shall be presented in a format that can be easily understood by parents and other members of the community who are not educators, and such publication shall include such reported information for each school in the local school system.

(4) Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to relieve any school system or school administrator or personnel from any obligation to report a violation of a code of student conduct as provided for by law or policy.

(4) Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to relieve any school system or school administrator or personnel from any obligation to report a violation of a code of student conduct as provided for by law or policy.

(d) The office, in coordination with the Department of Education, shall establish and annually calculate individual school and school system ratings, which shall be a numerical score on a scale of 0-100, for each public school and school system in this state based on the indicators of quality of learning adopted pursuant to this Code section for student achievement, achievement gap closure, and student progress with a majority of the score based on student achievement.

(d) The office, in coordination with the Department of Education, shall establish and annually calculate individual school and school system ratings, which shall be a numerical score on a scale of 0-100, for each public school and school system in this state based on the indicators of quality of learning adopted pursuant to this Code section for student achievement, achievement gap closure, and student progress with a majority of the score based on student achievement.

(e) Each school system shall provide all student performance data and all other data necessary for the calculation of the school and school system rating to the Department of Education's educational information system in accordance with rules and timelines established by the State Board of Education and the Department of Education shall make such data available to the office to enable it to conduct its required duties.

(e) Each school system shall provide all student performance data and all other data necessary for the calculation of the school and school system rating to the Department of Education's educational information system in accordance with rules and timelines established by the State Board of Education and the Department of Education shall make such data available to the office to enable it to conduct its required duties.

(f) The office shall develop and the State Board of Education shall adopt a uniform definition of “dropout.” All schools and school systems shall report student dropout information to the Department of Education's educational information system in accordance with rules and timelines established by the state board as provided in subsection (b) of Code Section 20-2-167 . Each school system shall cooperate with the office in determining whether a student is a dropout under this subsection and shall adopt the uniform definition of “dropout.” Data and information regarding the establishment of the definition and the tracking of dropout and school completion data shall be included in the annual report provided for in paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of Code Section 20-14-27 . School completion data shall be included in the performance indicators of quality of learning for each school and school system.

(f) The office shall develop and the State Board of Education shall adopt a uniform definition of “dropout.” All schools and school systems shall report student dropout information to the Department of Education's educational information system in accordance with rules and timelines established by the state board as provided in subsection (b) of Code Section 20-2-167 . Each school system shall cooperate with the office in determining whether a student is a dropout under this subsection and shall adopt the uniform definition of “dropout.” Data and information regarding the establishment of the definition and the tracking of dropout and school completion data shall be included in the annual report provided for in paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of Code Section 20-14-27 . School completion data shall be included in the performance indicators of quality of learning for each school and school system.

(g) The office shall develop and the State Board of Education shall adopt a uniform definition of a “below grade level” student for purposes of placing students in the early intervention program under Code Section 20-2-153 and for purposes of tracking these students for accountability purposes. Data and information regarding the establishment of the definition shall be included in the annual report provided for in paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of Code Section 20-14-27 .

(g) The office shall develop and the State Board of Education shall adopt a uniform definition of a “below grade level” student for purposes of placing students in the early intervention program under Code Section 20-2-153 and for purposes of tracking these students for accountability purposes. Data and information regarding the establishment of the definition shall be included in the annual report provided for in paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of Code Section 20-14-27 .
O.C.G.A. § 20-13-1 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 13 / Section 20-13-1
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-13-1
Status: in_force

(a) There is created a body corporate and politic to be known as the Georgia Public Telecommunications Commission 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, sue and be sued, implead and be impleaded, and complain and defend in all courts of this state.

(a) There is created a body corporate and politic to be known as the Georgia Public Telecommunications Commission 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, sue and be sued, implead and be impleaded, and complain and defend in all courts of this state.

(b) The commission shall have perpetual existence. Any change in name or composition of the commission shall in no way affect the vested rights of any person under this chapter or impair the obligations of any contracts existing under this chapter.

(b) The commission shall have perpetual existence. Any change in name or composition of the commission shall in no way affect the vested rights of any person under this chapter or impair the obligations of any contracts existing under this chapter.

(c) The commission shall be attached to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia for administrative purposes only, as provided for in Code Section 50-4-3 .

(c) The commission shall be attached to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia for administrative purposes only, as provided for in Code Section 50-4-3 .
O.C.G.A. § 20-3-130 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 3 / Section 20-3-130
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-3-130
Status: in_force

This article shall be known as the “Junior College Act of 1958,” and the system established by this article shall be known as the “Junior College Program of the State of Georgia.”
O.C.G.A. § 20-3-353 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 3 / Section 20-3-353
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-3-353
Status: in_force

No director or officer of the authority shall be subject to any personal liability or accountability by reason of his execution of any obligations or the issuance thereof.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-67 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-67
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-67
Status: in_force

(a) When an audit by the Department of Audits and Accounts finds and reports irregularities or budget deficits in the fund accounting information regarding a local school system or a school within the local school system, the Department of Audits and Accounts shall report the findings of irregularities or budget deficits to the State Board of Education and the local board of education. The Department of Audits and Accounts shall designate local school systems that have had reported irregularities or budget deficits for three or more consecutive years as high-risk local school systems and shall designate local school systems that have had reported irregularities or budget deficits for one year or two consecutive years as moderate-risk local school systems.

(a) When an audit by the Department of Audits and Accounts finds and reports irregularities or budget deficits in the fund accounting information regarding a local school system or a school within the local school system, the Department of Audits and Accounts shall report the findings of irregularities or budget deficits to the State Board of Education and the local board of education. The Department of Audits and Accounts shall designate local school systems that have had reported irregularities or budget deficits for three or more consecutive years as high-risk local school systems and shall designate local school systems that have had reported irregularities or budget deficits for one year or two consecutive years as moderate-risk local school systems.

(b) The State Board of Education shall inform the superintendent of the local school system of the irregularities or budget deficits regarding a local school system's or a school's fund accounting information, including if a local school system has been designated as a high-risk local school system or moderate-risk local school system. The superintendent shall submit to the Department of Education a response to the findings and a corrective action plan approved by the local board of education at a board meeting within 120 days of receiving notice of designation as a high-risk local school system or moderate-risk local school system, as defined by rules and regulations adopted by the State Board of Education designed to correct the financial irregularities or budget deficits for the school or school system. From the time such irregularity or budget deficit is discovered until the time it is eliminated, the local school superintendent shall present to each member of the local board of education for his or her review and written acknowledgment a monthly report containing all anticipated expenditures by budget function for such school or school system during the current month. The report shall be presented to local board members on or before the tenth business day of each month. Each monthly report shall be signed by each member of that local board and recorded and retained in the minutes of the meeting of the local board of education.

(b) The State Board of Education shall inform the superintendent of the local school system of the irregularities or budget deficits regarding a local school system's or a school's fund accounting information, including if a local school system has been designated as a high-risk local school system or moderate-risk local school system. The superintendent shall submit to the Department of Education a response to the findings and a corrective action plan approved by the local board of education at a board meeting within 120 days of receiving notice of designation as a high-risk local school system or moderate-risk local school system, as defined by rules and regulations adopted by the State Board of Education designed to correct the financial irregularities or budget deficits for the school or school system. From the time such irregularity or budget deficit is discovered until the time it is eliminated, the local school superintendent shall present to each member of the local board of education for his or her review and written acknowledgment a monthly report containing all anticipated expenditures by budget function for such school or school system during the current month. The report shall be presented to local board members on or before the tenth business day of each month. Each monthly report shall be signed by each member of that local board and recorded and retained in the minutes of the meeting of the local board of education.

(c) Not later than September 30 of the year, each local board of education shall cause to be published in the official county organ wherein the local school system is located once a week for two weeks a statement of actual financial operations for such schools or school system identified by the Department of Audits and Accounts as having financial irregularities. Such statement of actual financial operations shall be in a form to be specified and prescribed by the state auditor for the purpose of indicating the current financial status of the schools or school system. Prior to publication, such form shall be executed by the local board of education and signed by each member of said board and the local school superintendent.

(c) Not later than September 30 of the year, each local board of education shall cause to be published in the official county organ wherein the local school system is located once a week for two weeks a statement of actual financial operations for such schools or school system identified by the Department of Audits and Accounts as having financial irregularities. Such statement of actual financial operations shall be in a form to be specified and prescribed by the state auditor for the purpose of indicating the current financial status of the schools or school system. Prior to publication, such form shall be executed by the local board of education and signed by each member of said board and the local school superintendent.

(d) A copy of the actual financial operations form required to be published by subsection (c) of this Code section shall be mailed by each local board of education to the Department of Education and the local county board of commissioners or local municipal governing authority. A current copy of said form shall be maintained on file in the central administrative office of the local school system for public inspection for a period of at least two years from the date of its publication. Copies of the statement shall be made available on request.

(d) A copy of the actual financial operations form required to be published by subsection (c) of this Code section shall be mailed by each local board of education to the Department of Education and the local county board of commissioners or local municipal governing authority. A current copy of said form shall be maintained on file in the central administrative office of the local school system for public inspection for a period of at least two years from the date of its publication. Copies of the statement shall be made available on request.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-304 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-304
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-304
Status: in_force

(a) The Department of Education shall develop curriculum materials and resource guides for an environmental education, recycling, and composting awareness program for kindergarten through grade 12. The purpose of such program shall be to instill in students an appreciation for the environment and their place within the environment.

(a) The Department of Education shall develop curriculum materials and resource guides for an environmental education, recycling, and composting awareness program for kindergarten through grade 12. The purpose of such program shall be to instill in students an appreciation for the environment and their place within the environment.

(b) The department shall compile and disseminate to interested persons information on successful environmental programs in this state and elsewhere in the country. The department shall include environmental education and recycling and composting awareness programs as a part of the in-service training and staff development programs for schools, school systems, and regional educational service agencies.

(b) The department shall compile and disseminate to interested persons information on successful environmental programs in this state and elsewhere in the country. The department shall include environmental education and recycling and composting awareness programs as a part of the in-service training and staff development programs for schools, school systems, and regional educational service agencies.
O.C.G.A. § 20-3-386 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 3 / Section 20-3-386
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-3-386
Status: in_force

(a) Beginning the seventh month that an attorney is employed in one of the positions listed in Code Section 20-3-385 , the authority may distribute education loan repayment assistance for the attorney in an amount not to exceed $600.00 per month or the attorney's monthly debt service at the time the initial payments on the loan commenced, whichever is smaller except as otherwise provided in Code Section 20-3-387 . The attorney may also elect to receive an amount less than the maximum amount authorized and less than the attorney's monthly debt service.

(a) Beginning the seventh month that an attorney is employed in one of the positions listed in Code Section 20-3-385 , the authority may distribute education loan repayment assistance for the attorney in an amount not to exceed $600.00 per month or the attorney's monthly debt service at the time the initial payments on the loan commenced, whichever is smaller except as otherwise provided in Code Section 20-3-387 . The attorney may also elect to receive an amount less than the maximum amount authorized and less than the attorney's monthly debt service.

(b) As a condition of receipt of the loan forgiveness provided for in subsection (a) of this Code section, the attorney shall enter into a contract with the authority providing that the attorney will remain employed in one of the capacities specified in subsection (a) of Code Section 20-3-385 for one month after receipt of the attorney's last monthly installment of such assistance for each month for which such assistance was received up to a maximum of 18 months. If the attorney receives the maximum amount authorized, the attorney shall remain employed in such capacity for 18 months after receipt of the last monthly installment. If the attorney receives a lesser amount of education loan repayment assistance than the maximum amount authorized, the employment commitment shall be decreased proportionately, as determined by the authority; provided, however, that the authority may release the attorney from such obligation if it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the authority that such attorney is unable to obtain employment in said specified capacities.

(b) As a condition of receipt of the loan forgiveness provided for in subsection (a) of this Code section, the attorney shall enter into a contract with the authority providing that the attorney will remain employed in one of the capacities specified in subsection (a) of Code Section 20-3-385 for one month after receipt of the attorney's last monthly installment of such assistance for each month for which such assistance was received up to a maximum of 18 months. If the attorney receives the maximum amount authorized, the attorney shall remain employed in such capacity for 18 months after receipt of the last monthly installment. If the attorney receives a lesser amount of education loan repayment assistance than the maximum amount authorized, the employment commitment shall be decreased proportionately, as determined by the authority; provided, however, that the authority may release the attorney from such obligation if it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the authority that such attorney is unable to obtain employment in said specified capacities.

(c) In the event that the attorney breaches the conditions of the contract with the authority, all moneys distributed by the authority under the contract during the 18 months immediately preceding the month in which the breach occurs shall at once become due and payable to the authority in cash with interest at a rate to be set by the authority.

(c) In the event that the attorney breaches the conditions of the contract with the authority, all moneys distributed by the authority under the contract during the 18 months immediately preceding the month in which the breach occurs shall at once become due and payable to the authority in cash with interest at a rate to be set by the authority.

(d) The authority shall attempt to operate in such a manner as to qualify for the tax benefits provided in 26 U.S.C.A. Section 108 .

(d) The authority shall attempt to operate in such a manner as to qualify for the tax benefits provided in 26 U.S.C.A. Section 108 .

(e) Nothing in this subpart shall preclude the obligations of the attorney to repay his or her student loan by cash or by service.

(e) Nothing in this subpart shall preclude the obligations of the attorney to repay his or her student loan by cash or by service.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-2071 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-2071
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-2071
Status: in_force

Any charter which was granted pursuant to Code Section 20-2-255 and is in effect on July 1, 1998, shall continue to be valid until such charter expires according to its terms.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-2096-4 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-2096-4
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-2096.4
Status: in_force

(a) Each completion special school shall be governed by a governing board which shall be responsible for the school level governance of such school; provided, however, that the day-to-day management and operations of such school shall be delegated to the school superintendent.

(a) Each completion special school shall be governed by a governing board which shall be responsible for the school level governance of such school; provided, however, that the day-to-day management and operations of such school shall be delegated to the school superintendent.

(b)(1)(A) The superintendent of each local school system that is a party to a collaborative operating agreement with the completion special school shall serve as an ex officio member of such school's governing board. (B)(i) Subject to the provisions of divisions (ii) and (iii) of this subparagraph, the members of each completion special school's governing board shall elect from among themselves five members to be voting members of such governing board. (ii) If fewer than five local school systems are a party to a collaborative operating agreement with the completion special school, then the superintendents of each such local school system shall serve as voting members of such school's governing board. (iii) The governing board of each completion special school provided for in division (a)(2)(A)(i) of Code Section 20-2-2096.2 shall convene by January 15, 2024, to elect the voting members of such governing board who shall, thereupon, elect a chairperson. (C) The voting members of each completion special school's governing board shall serve staggered terms of two years concurrent with school years beginning July 1 and ending June 30; provided, however, that voting members shall serve until their successors are elected. The state board shall adopt rules and regulations necessary to provide for such terms, including, but not limited to, rules and regulations for the initial terms of each completion special school's governing board to accomplish the required staggering of terms, except as provided in subparagraph (D) of this paragraph. A voting member may serve multiple terms. (D) The voting members of each completion special school's governing board shall elect a chairperson from among themselves. The first chairperson shall serve an initial term ending June 30 of the year following his or her election, and each successive chairperson shall serve terms of two years concurrent with school years beginning July 1 and ending June 30; provided, however, that chairpersons shall serve until their successors are elected. A chairperson may serve multiple terms. (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (c) of Code Section 20-2-51 , a local school superintendent who is qualified to serve on the governing board of a completion special school pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection shall not be disqualified from such service due to an immediate family member serving as a principal, assistant principal, or on the administrative staff of such school; provided, however, that such local school superintendent shall be permitted to designate another official from his or her local school system to serve on such governing board in his or her place.

(b)(1)(A) The superintendent of each local school system that is a party to a collaborative operating agreement with the completion special school shall serve as an ex officio member of such school's governing board. (B)(i) Subject to the provisions of divisions (ii) and (iii) of this subparagraph, the members of each completion special school's governing board shall elect from among themselves five members to be voting members of such governing board. (ii) If fewer than five local school systems are a party to a collaborative operating agreement with the completion special school, then the superintendents of each such local school system shall serve as voting members of such school's governing board. (iii) The governing board of each completion special school provided for in division (a)(2)(A)(i) of Code Section 20-2-2096.2 shall convene by January 15, 2024, to elect the voting members of such governing board who shall, thereupon, elect a chairperson. (C) The voting members of each completion special school's governing board shall serve staggered terms of two years concurrent with school years beginning July 1 and ending June 30; provided, however, that voting members shall serve until their successors are elected. The state board shall adopt rules and regulations necessary to provide for such terms, including, but not limited to, rules and regulations for the initial terms of each completion special school's governing board to accomplish the required staggering of terms, except as provided in subparagraph (D) of this paragraph. A voting member may serve multiple terms. (D) The voting members of each completion special school's governing board shall elect a chairperson from among themselves. The first chairperson shall serve an initial term ending June 30 of the year following his or her election, and each successive chairperson shall serve terms of two years concurrent with school years beginning July 1 and ending June 30; provided, however, that chairpersons shall serve until their successors are elected. A chairperson may serve multiple terms.

(b)(1)(A) The superintendent of each local school system that is a party to a collaborative operating agreement with the completion special school shall serve as an ex officio member of such school's governing board.

(b)(1)(A) The superintendent of each local school system that is a party to a collaborative operating agreement with the completion special school shall serve as an ex officio member of such school's governing board.

(B)(i) Subject to the provisions of divisions (ii) and (iii) of this subparagraph, the members of each completion special school's governing board shall elect from among themselves five members to be voting members of such governing board. (ii) If fewer than five local school systems are a party to a collaborative operating agreement with the completion special school, then the superintendents of each such local school system shall serve as voting members of such school's governing board. (iii) The governing board of each completion special school provided for in division (a)(2)(A)(i) of Code Section 20-2-2096.2 shall convene by January 15, 2024, to elect the voting members of such governing board who shall, thereupon, elect a chairperson.

(B)(i) Subject to the provisions of divisions (ii) and (iii) of this subparagraph, the members of each completion special school's governing board shall elect from among themselves five members to be voting members of such governing board.

(B)(i) Subject to the provisions of divisions (ii) and (iii) of this subparagraph, the members of each completion special school's governing board shall elect from among themselves five members to be voting members of such governing board.

(ii) If fewer than five local school systems are a party to a collaborative operating agreement with the completion special school, then the superintendents of each such local school system shall serve as voting members of such school's governing board.

(ii) If fewer than five local school systems are a party to a collaborative operating agreement with the completion special school, then the superintendents of each such local school system shall serve as voting members of such school's governing board.

(iii) The governing board of each completion special school provided for in division (a)(2)(A)(i) of Code Section 20-2-2096.2 shall convene by January 15, 2024, to elect the voting members of such governing board who shall, thereupon, elect a chairperson.

(iii) The governing board of each completion special school provided for in division (a)(2)(A)(i) of Code Section 20-2-2096.2 shall convene by January 15, 2024, to elect the voting members of such governing board who shall, thereupon, elect a chairperson.

(C) The voting members of each completion special school's governing board shall serve staggered terms of two years concurrent with school years beginning July 1 and ending June 30; provided, however, that voting members shall serve until their successors are elected. The state board shall adopt rules and regulations necessary to provide for such terms, including, but not limited to, rules and regulations for the initial terms of each completion special school's governing board to accomplish the required staggering of terms, except as provided in subparagraph (D) of this paragraph. A voting member may serve multiple terms.

(C) The voting members of each completion special school's governing board shall serve staggered terms of two years concurrent with school years beginning July 1 and ending June 30; provided, however, that voting members shall serve until their successors are elected. The state board shall adopt rules and regulations necessary to provide for such terms, including, but not limited to, rules and regulations for the initial terms of each completion special school's governing board to accomplish the required staggering of terms, except as provided in subparagraph (D) of this paragraph. A voting member may serve multiple terms.

(D) The voting members of each completion special school's governing board shall elect a chairperson from among themselves. The first chairperson shall serve an initial term ending June 30 of the year following his or her election, and each successive chairperson shall serve terms of two years concurrent with school years beginning July 1 and ending June 30; provided, however, that chairpersons shall serve until their successors are elected. A chairperson may serve multiple terms.

(D) The voting members of each completion special school's governing board shall elect a chairperson from among themselves. The first chairperson shall serve an initial term ending June 30 of the year following his or her election, and each successive chairperson shall serve terms of two years concurrent with school years beginning July 1 and ending June 30; provided, however, that chairpersons shall serve until their successors are elected. A chairperson may serve multiple terms.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (c) of Code Section 20-2-51 , a local school superintendent who is qualified to serve on the governing board of a completion special school pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection shall not be disqualified from such service due to an immediate family member serving as a principal, assistant principal, or on the administrative staff of such school; provided, however, that such local school superintendent shall be permitted to designate another official from his or her local school system to serve on such governing board in his or her place.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (c) of Code Section 20-2-51 , a local school superintendent who is qualified to serve on the governing board of a completion special school pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection shall not be disqualified from such service due to an immediate family member serving as a principal, assistant principal, or on the administrative staff of such school; provided, however, that such local school superintendent shall be permitted to designate another official from his or her local school system to serve on such governing board in his or her place.

(c) The state board shall adopt rules and regulations to provide for the filling of vacancies on the governing boards of completion special schools.

(c) The state board shall adopt rules and regulations to provide for the filling of vacancies on the governing boards of completion special schools.

(d) The governing board of each completion special school shall meet quarterly at such dates and times as it may by resolution provide and may hold additional meetings upon the call of the chairperson or the written request of a majority of the members of the governing board. A simple majority of the voting members of the governing board shall constitute a quorum. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (f) and (g) of Code Section 50-14-1 , the governing boards of completion special schools shall be authorized to conduct meetings by teleconference; provided, however, that any such meeting is conducted in substantial compliance with the provisions of Chapter 14 of Title 50.

(d) The governing board of each completion special school shall meet quarterly at such dates and times as it may by resolution provide and may hold additional meetings upon the call of the chairperson or the written request of a majority of the members of the governing board. A simple majority of the voting members of the governing board shall constitute a quorum. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (f) and (g) of Code Section 50-14-1 , the governing boards of completion special schools shall be authorized to conduct meetings by teleconference; provided, however, that any such meeting is conducted in substantial compliance with the provisions of Chapter 14 of Title 50.

(e) The members of each completion special school governing board shall participate in initial training for boards of newly established completion special schools and annual training thereafter, conducted or approved by the state board. The state board shall provide for or approve such initial and annual training. The training shall include, but not be limited to, best practices on school level governance, the constitutional and statutory requirements relating to public records and meetings, and the requirements of applicable statutes and rules and regulations. The training shall also include two to three hours annually regarding sound fiscal management and monitoring the implementation of the budget in accordance with state laws and regulations which includes the following elements: (1) Governing board developed policies to ensure sound fiscal management, including, but not limited to, balanced budget requirements, spending level authorizations and permissions, deficit spending restrictions, establishment of special funds, and reserve maintenance requirements; (2) Holding the school superintendent accountable for the implementation of the budget in a manner consistent with the school's strategic plan; (3) Establishing, through policy, the level of spending beyond the budget for which the school superintendent must seek board approval; (4) Monitoring the school's audits, monthly financial reports, and additional financial reports needed to make informed decisions and to ensure execution of the budget in a manner consistent with the strategic plan and strategic goals of the school; (5) Reviewing and addressing annually audited financial records and audit findings, with a goal of proactively preventing audit exceptions; (6) Addressing fiscal matters in a manner consistent with state law, sound business practice, and ethical principles regarding conflicts of interest; and (7) Operating in a manner such that the governing board's financial decisions and actions do not provide unfair financial or other opportunistic advantages to any member of the governing board, their family members, associates, or individual constituents.

(e) The members of each completion special school governing board shall participate in initial training for boards of newly established completion special schools and annual training thereafter, conducted or approved by the state board. The state board shall provide for or approve such initial and annual training. The training shall include, but not be limited to, best practices on school level governance, the constitutional and statutory requirements relating to public records and meetings, and the requirements of applicable statutes and rules and regulations. The training shall also include two to three hours annually regarding sound fiscal management and monitoring the implementation of the budget in accordance with state laws and regulations which includes the following elements:

(1) Governing board developed policies to ensure sound fiscal management, including, but not limited to, balanced budget requirements, spending level authorizations and permissions, deficit spending restrictions, establishment of special funds, and reserve maintenance requirements;

(1) Governing board developed policies to ensure sound fiscal management, including, but not limited to, balanced budget requirements, spending level authorizations and permissions, deficit spending restrictions, establishment of special funds, and reserve maintenance requirements;

(2) Holding the school superintendent accountable for the implementation of the budget in a manner consistent with the school's strategic plan;

(2) Holding the school superintendent accountable for the implementation of the budget in a manner consistent with the school's strategic plan;

(3) Establishing, through policy, the level of spending beyond the budget for which the school superintendent must seek board approval;

(3) Establishing, through policy, the level of spending beyond the budget for which the school superintendent must seek board approval;

(4) Monitoring the school's audits, monthly financial reports, and additional financial reports needed to make informed decisions and to ensure execution of the budget in a manner consistent with the strategic plan and strategic goals of the school;

(4) Monitoring the school's audits, monthly financial reports, and additional financial reports needed to make informed decisions and to ensure execution of the budget in a manner consistent with the strategic plan and strategic goals of the school;

(5) Reviewing and addressing annually audited financial records and audit findings, with a goal of proactively preventing audit exceptions;

(5) Reviewing and addressing annually audited financial records and audit findings, with a goal of proactively preventing audit exceptions;

(6) Addressing fiscal matters in a manner consistent with state law, sound business practice, and ethical principles regarding conflicts of interest; and

(6) Addressing fiscal matters in a manner consistent with state law, sound business practice, and ethical principles regarding conflicts of interest; and

(7) Operating in a manner such that the governing board's financial decisions and actions do not provide unfair financial or other opportunistic advantages to any member of the governing board, their family members, associates, or individual constituents.

(7) Operating in a manner such that the governing board's financial decisions and actions do not provide unfair financial or other opportunistic advantages to any member of the governing board, their family members, associates, or individual constituents.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-10 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-10
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-10
Status: in_force

(a) No member or appointee of the State Board of Education or any other person having authority to select or aid in the selection of textbooks for the schools shall for himself or any member of his family receive any gift, compensation, or remuneration from any schoolbook publishing house, corporation, individual, or agent or representative of either; nor shall any such person, publishing house, or corporation offer, directly or indirectly, to any member of the state board or his family or appointees any gift, compensation, or remuneration. Should any such publishing house, corporation, or person offer to any such officers, their families, or appointees any compensation, remuneration, or gift, they shall report such offer to the grand juries of their respective counties. The judges of the superior courts in charging the grand jury from term to term shall give instructions concerning this Code section and article.

(a) No member or appointee of the State Board of Education or any other person having authority to select or aid in the selection of textbooks for the schools shall for himself or any member of his family receive any gift, compensation, or remuneration from any schoolbook publishing house, corporation, individual, or agent or representative of either; nor shall any such person, publishing house, or corporation offer, directly or indirectly, to any member of the state board or his family or appointees any gift, compensation, or remuneration. Should any such publishing house, corporation, or person offer to any such officers, their families, or appointees any compensation, remuneration, or gift, they shall report such offer to the grand juries of their respective counties. The judges of the superior courts in charging the grand jury from term to term shall give instructions concerning this Code section and article.

(b) Any person violating subsection (a) of this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

(b) Any person violating subsection (a) of this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-490 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-490
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-490
Status: in_force

Authority is given by the Constitution of Georgia to municipalities now authorized by law to operate independent school systems to maintain public schools in their respective limits by local taxation.
O.C.G.A. § 20-16-10 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 16 / Section 20-16-10
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-16-10
Status: in_force

Revenue bonds issued under this chapter shall not be deemed to constitute a debt of the state or a pledge of the faith and credit of the state, but such bonds shall be payable solely from the property provided for in Code Section 20-16-5 ; and the issuance of such revenue bonds shall not directly, indirectly, or contingently obligate the state to levy or to pledge any form of taxation whatever therefor or to make any appropriation for their payment; and all such bonds shall contain recitals on their face covering substantially the foregoing provisions of this Code section.
O.C.G.A. § 20-3-250-14 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 3 / Section 20-3-250-14
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-3-250.14
Status: in_force

(a) Any person claiming damage or loss as a result of any act or practice by a nonpublic postsecondary educational institution which is a violation of this part or of the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto may file with the executive director a complaint against such institution. A complaint shall be filed with the executive director within a reasonable period of time, as determined by regulations of the commission, after the event giving rise to the complaint. The complaint shall set forth the alleged violation and shall contain such other information as may be required by the commission. A complaint may also be filed with the executive director by the commission's representatives or by the Attorney General. A complainant may also file with the executive director as a representative of a class of complainants.

(a) Any person claiming damage or loss as a result of any act or practice by a nonpublic postsecondary educational institution which is a violation of this part or of the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto may file with the executive director a complaint against such institution. A complaint shall be filed with the executive director within a reasonable period of time, as determined by regulations of the commission, after the event giving rise to the complaint. The complaint shall set forth the alleged violation and shall contain such other information as may be required by the commission. A complaint may also be filed with the executive director by the commission's representatives or by the Attorney General. A complainant may also file with the executive director as a representative of a class of complainants.

(b) The executive director shall investigate any such complaint and may, at his or her discretion, attempt to effectuate a settlement by persuasion and conciliation. The executive director shall consider a complaint pursuant to rules, regulations, and procedures promulgated by the commission.

(b) The executive director shall investigate any such complaint and may, at his or her discretion, attempt to effectuate a settlement by persuasion and conciliation. The executive director shall consider a complaint pursuant to rules, regulations, and procedures promulgated by the commission.

(c) If, based upon all the evidence at a hearing or other procedure, the executive director finds that a nonpublic postsecondary educational institution has engaged in or is engaging in any act or practice which violates this part or the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, the executive director shall issue and cause to be served upon such institution an order requiring such institution to cease and desist from such act or practice. Additionally, if the executive director finds that the complainant or class of complainants has suffered loss or damage as a result of such act or practice, the executive director may, at his or her discretion, award the complainant or class of complainants full or partial restitution for such damage or loss and may impose the penalties provided for in Code Section 20-3-250.21 . The executive director may also, as appropriate, based on his or her own investigation or the evidence adduced at such hearing or on the basis of such investigation and evidence, commence an action to revoke an institution's authorization to operate.

(c) If, based upon all the evidence at a hearing or other procedure, the executive director finds that a nonpublic postsecondary educational institution has engaged in or is engaging in any act or practice which violates this part or the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, the executive director shall issue and cause to be served upon such institution an order requiring such institution to cease and desist from such act or practice. Additionally, if the executive director finds that the complainant or class of complainants has suffered loss or damage as a result of such act or practice, the executive director may, at his or her discretion, award the complainant or class of complainants full or partial restitution for such damage or loss and may impose the penalties provided for in Code Section 20-3-250.21 . The executive director may also, as appropriate, based on his or her own investigation or the evidence adduced at such hearing or on the basis of such investigation and evidence, commence an action to revoke an institution's authorization to operate.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-665 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-665
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-665
Status: in_force

(a) Unless required by state or federal law or in cases of health or safety emergencies, local boards of education shall not report to the department the following student data or student information: (1) Juvenile delinquency records; (2) Criminal records; or (3) Medical and health records.

(a) Unless required by state or federal law or in cases of health or safety emergencies, local boards of education shall not report to the department the following student data or student information:

(1) Juvenile delinquency records;

(1) Juvenile delinquency records;

(2) Criminal records; or

(2) Criminal records; or

(3) Medical and health records.

(3) Medical and health records.

(b) Unless required by state or federal law or in cases of health or safety emergencies, schools shall not collect the following data on students or their families: (1) Political affiliation; (2) Voting history; (3) Income, except as required by law or where a local board of education determines income information is required to apply for, administer, research, or evaluate programs to assist students from low-income families; or (4) Religious affiliation or beliefs.

(b) Unless required by state or federal law or in cases of health or safety emergencies, schools shall not collect the following data on students or their families:

(1) Political affiliation;

(1) Political affiliation;

(2) Voting history;

(2) Voting history;

(3) Income, except as required by law or where a local board of education determines income information is required to apply for, administer, research, or evaluate programs to assist students from low-income families; or

(3) Income, except as required by law or where a local board of education determines income information is required to apply for, administer, research, or evaluate programs to assist students from low-income families; or

(4) Religious affiliation or beliefs.

(4) Religious affiliation or beliefs.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-751-6 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-751-6
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-751.6
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this Code section, the term “ physical violence ” means: (1) Intentionally making physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature with the person of another; or (2) Intentionally making physical contact which causes physical harm to another unless such physical contacts or physical harms were in defense of himself or herself, as provided in Code Section 16-3-21 .

(a) As used in this Code section, the term “ physical violence ” means:

(1) Intentionally making physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature with the person of another; or

(1) Intentionally making physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature with the person of another; or

(2) Intentionally making physical contact which causes physical harm to another unless such physical contacts or physical harms were in defense of himself or herself, as provided in Code Section 16-3-21 .

(2) Intentionally making physical contact which causes physical harm to another unless such physical contacts or physical harms were in defense of himself or herself, as provided in Code Section 16-3-21 .

(b) Local board of education policies and student codes of conduct shall provide for the penalties to be assessed against a student found by a disciplinary hearing officer, panel, or tribunal pursuant to Code Section 20-2-752 to have committed any act of physical violence against a teacher, school bus driver, or other school official or employee. Such disciplinary hearing officer, panel, or tribunal shall hold any disciplinary hearing in accordance with the provisions of Code Section 20-2-754 . Any student alleged to have committed an act of physical violence shall be suspended pending the hearing by the disciplinary hearing officer, panel, or tribunal. The decision of the disciplinary hearing officer, panel, or tribunal may be appealed to the local school board pursuant to Code Section 20-2-754 . If appropriate under paragraph (1) of subsection (c) of this Code section, the decision of the disciplinary hearing officer, panel, or tribunal shall include a recommendation as to whether a student may return to public school and, if return is recommended, a recommended time for the student's return to public school. The local school board may impose penalties not recommended by the disciplinary hearing officer, panel, or tribunal.

(b) Local board of education policies and student codes of conduct shall provide for the penalties to be assessed against a student found by a disciplinary hearing officer, panel, or tribunal pursuant to Code Section 20-2-752 to have committed any act of physical violence against a teacher, school bus driver, or other school official or employee. Such disciplinary hearing officer, panel, or tribunal shall hold any disciplinary hearing in accordance with the provisions of Code Section 20-2-754 . Any student alleged to have committed an act of physical violence shall be suspended pending the hearing by the disciplinary hearing officer, panel, or tribunal. The decision of the disciplinary hearing officer, panel, or tribunal may be appealed to the local school board pursuant to Code Section 20-2-754 . If appropriate under paragraph (1) of subsection (c) of this Code section, the decision of the disciplinary hearing officer, panel, or tribunal shall include a recommendation as to whether a student may return to public school and, if return is recommended, a recommended time for the student's return to public school. The local school board may impose penalties not recommended by the disciplinary hearing officer, panel, or tribunal.

(c)(1) A student found by a disciplinary hearing officer, panel, or tribunal to have committed an act of physical violence as defined in paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of this Code section against a teacher, school bus driver, school official, or school employee shall be expelled from the public school system. The expulsion shall be for the remainder of the student's eligibility to attend public school pursuant to Code Section 20-2-150 . The local school board at its discretion may permit the student to attend an alternative education program for the period of the student's expulsion. If the student who commits an act of physical violence is in kindergarten through grade eight, then the local school board at its discretion and on the recommendation of the disciplinary hearing officer, panel, or tribunal may permit such a student to reenroll in the regular public school program for grades nine through 12. If the local school board does not operate an alternative education program for students in kindergarten through grade six, the local school board at its discretion may permit a student in kindergarten through grade six who has committed an act of physical violence as defined in paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of this Code section to reenroll in the public school system; (2) Any student who is found by a disciplinary hearing officer, panel, or tribunal to have committed an act of physical violence against a teacher, school bus driver, school official, or school employee as defined in paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of this Code section shall be referred to juvenile court with a request for a petition alleging delinquent behavior; and (3) Any student who is found by a disciplinary hearing officer, panel, or tribunal to have committed an act of physical violence as defined in paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of this Code section against a teacher, school bus driver, school official, or school employee may be disciplined by expulsion, long-term suspension, or short-term suspension.

(c)(1) A student found by a disciplinary hearing officer, panel, or tribunal to have committed an act of physical violence as defined in paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of this Code section against a teacher, school bus driver, school official, or school employee shall be expelled from the public school system. The expulsion shall be for the remainder of the student's eligibility to attend public school pursuant to Code Section 20-2-150 . The local school board at its discretion may permit the student to attend an alternative education program for the period of the student's expulsion. If the student who commits an act of physical violence is in kindergarten through grade eight, then the local school board at its discretion and on the recommendation of the disciplinary hearing officer, panel, or tribunal may permit such a student to reenroll in the regular public school program for grades nine through 12. If the local school board does not operate an alternative education program for students in kindergarten through grade six, the local school board at its discretion may permit a student in kindergarten through grade six who has committed an act of physical violence as defined in paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of this Code section to reenroll in the public school system;

(c)(1) A student found by a disciplinary hearing officer, panel, or tribunal to have committed an act of physical violence as defined in paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of this Code section against a teacher, school bus driver, school official, or school employee shall be expelled from the public school system. The expulsion shall be for the remainder of the student's eligibility to attend public school pursuant to Code Section 20-2-150 . The local school board at its discretion may permit the student to attend an alternative education program for the period of the student's expulsion. If the student who commits an act of physical violence is in kindergarten through grade eight, then the local school board at its discretion and on the recommendation of the disciplinary hearing officer, panel, or tribunal may permit such a student to reenroll in the regular public school program for grades nine through 12. If the local school board does not operate an alternative education program for students in kindergarten through grade six, the local school board at its discretion may permit a student in kindergarten through grade six who has committed an act of physical violence as defined in paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of this Code section to reenroll in the public school system;

(2) Any student who is found by a disciplinary hearing officer, panel, or tribunal to have committed an act of physical violence against a teacher, school bus driver, school official, or school employee as defined in paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of this Code section shall be referred to juvenile court with a request for a petition alleging delinquent behavior; and

(2) Any student who is found by a disciplinary hearing officer, panel, or tribunal to have committed an act of physical violence against a teacher, school bus driver, school official, or school employee as defined in paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of this Code section shall be referred to juvenile court with a request for a petition alleging delinquent behavior; and

(3) Any student who is found by a disciplinary hearing officer, panel, or tribunal to have committed an act of physical violence as defined in paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of this Code section against a teacher, school bus driver, school official, or school employee may be disciplined by expulsion, long-term suspension, or short-term suspension.

(3) Any student who is found by a disciplinary hearing officer, panel, or tribunal to have committed an act of physical violence as defined in paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of this Code section against a teacher, school bus driver, school official, or school employee may be disciplined by expulsion, long-term suspension, or short-term suspension.

(d) The provisions of this Code section shall apply with respect to any local school system which receives state funding pursuant to Code Sections 20-2-161 and 20-2-260 .

(d) The provisions of this Code section shall apply with respect to any local school system which receives state funding pursuant to Code Sections 20-2-161 and 20-2-260 .

(e) Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to infringe on any right provided to students with Individualized Education Programs pursuant to the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 1 Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 2 or the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. 3

(e) Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to infringe on any right provided to students with Individualized Education Programs pursuant to the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 1 Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 2 or the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. 3

1 20 U.S.C.A. § 1400 et seq.

2 29 U.S.C.A. § 794.

3 42 U.S.C.A. § 12101 et seq.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-1010 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-1010
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-1010
Status: in_force

(a) The State Board of Education is authorized to prescribe, by regulation, the definition of the term “ instructional materials and content ” to include but not be limited to systematically designed material in any medium, including digital instructional materials and content and any computer hardware, software, and technical equipment necessary to support such instructional materials and content, that constitutes the principal source of study for a state funded course to be used in the various grades in the public schools of this state, including the elementary grades and high school grades. The state board may provide, by regulation, for multiple listings of instructional materials and content for use in the various grades and may, in its discretion, authorize the local school superintendents to exercise a choice as between various instructional materials and content so listed or adopted for any particular grade.

(a) The State Board of Education is authorized to prescribe, by regulation, the definition of the term “ instructional materials and content ” to include but not be limited to systematically designed material in any medium, including digital instructional materials and content and any computer hardware, software, and technical equipment necessary to support such instructional materials and content, that constitutes the principal source of study for a state funded course to be used in the various grades in the public schools of this state, including the elementary grades and high school grades. The state board may provide, by regulation, for multiple listings of instructional materials and content for use in the various grades and may, in its discretion, authorize the local school superintendents to exercise a choice as between various instructional materials and content so listed or adopted for any particular grade.

(b) Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to exempt computer hardware or related equipment acquired by the state from competitive bidding.

(b) Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to exempt computer hardware or related equipment acquired by the state from competitive bidding.
O.C.G.A. § 20-1a-4-1 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 1A / Section 20-1a-4-1
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-1A-4.1
Status: in_force

(a) The department shall have the power and authority to incorporate a nonprofit corporation that could qualify as a public foundation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code to aid the department in carrying out any of its powers and in accomplishing any of its purposes. Any nonprofit corporation created pursuant to this power shall be created pursuant to Chapter 3 of Title 14, the “Georgia Nonprofit Corporation Code,” and the Secretary of State shall be authorized to accept such filing.

(a) The department shall have the power and authority to incorporate a nonprofit corporation that could qualify as a public foundation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code to aid the department in carrying out any of its powers and in accomplishing any of its purposes. Any nonprofit corporation created pursuant to this power shall be created pursuant to Chapter 3 of Title 14, the “Georgia Nonprofit Corporation Code,” and the Secretary of State shall be authorized to accept such filing.

(b) Any nonprofit corporation created pursuant to this Code section shall be subject to the following provisions: (1) In accordance with the Constitution of Georgia, no governmental functions or regulatory powers shall be conducted by any such nonprofit corporation; (2) Upon dissolution of any such nonprofit corporation incorporated by the department, any assets shall revert to the department or to any successor to the department or, failing such succession, to the State of Georgia; (3) As used in this paragraph, the term “ direct employee costs ” means salary, benefits, and travel expenses. To avoid the appearance of undue influence on regulatory functions by donors, no donations to any such nonprofit corporation from private sources shall be used for direct employee costs of the department; (4) Any such nonprofit corporation shall be subject to all laws relating to open meetings and the inspection of public records; (5) The department shall not be liable for the action or omission to act of any such nonprofit corporation; (6) No debts, bonds, notes, or other obligations incurred by any such nonprofit corporation shall constitute an indebtedness or obligation of the State of Georgia nor shall any act of any such nonprofit corporation constitute or result in the creation of an indebtedness of the state. No holder or holders of any such bonds, notes, or other obligations shall ever have the right to compel any exercise of the taxing power of the state nor to enforce the payment thereof against the state; and (7) Any nonprofit corporation created pursuant to this Code section shall not acquire or hold a fee simple interest in real property by any method, including but not limited to gift, purchase, condemnation, devise, court order, and exchange.

(b) Any nonprofit corporation created pursuant to this Code section shall be subject to the following provisions:

(1) In accordance with the Constitution of Georgia, no governmental functions or regulatory powers shall be conducted by any such nonprofit corporation;

(1) In accordance with the Constitution of Georgia, no governmental functions or regulatory powers shall be conducted by any such nonprofit corporation;

(2) Upon dissolution of any such nonprofit corporation incorporated by the department, any assets shall revert to the department or to any successor to the department or, failing such succession, to the State of Georgia;

(2) Upon dissolution of any such nonprofit corporation incorporated by the department, any assets shall revert to the department or to any successor to the department or, failing such succession, to the State of Georgia;

(3) As used in this paragraph, the term “ direct employee costs ” means salary, benefits, and travel expenses. To avoid the appearance of undue influence on regulatory functions by donors, no donations to any such nonprofit corporation from private sources shall be used for direct employee costs of the department;

(3) As used in this paragraph, the term “ direct employee costs ” means salary, benefits, and travel expenses. To avoid the appearance of undue influence on regulatory functions by donors, no donations to any such nonprofit corporation from private sources shall be used for direct employee costs of the department;

(4) Any such nonprofit corporation shall be subject to all laws relating to open meetings and the inspection of public records;

(4) Any such nonprofit corporation shall be subject to all laws relating to open meetings and the inspection of public records;

(5) The department shall not be liable for the action or omission to act of any such nonprofit corporation;

(5) The department shall not be liable for the action or omission to act of any such nonprofit corporation;

(6) No debts, bonds, notes, or other obligations incurred by any such nonprofit corporation shall constitute an indebtedness or obligation of the State of Georgia nor shall any act of any such nonprofit corporation constitute or result in the creation of an indebtedness of the state. No holder or holders of any such bonds, notes, or other obligations shall ever have the right to compel any exercise of the taxing power of the state nor to enforce the payment thereof against the state; and

(6) No debts, bonds, notes, or other obligations incurred by any such nonprofit corporation shall constitute an indebtedness or obligation of the State of Georgia nor shall any act of any such nonprofit corporation constitute or result in the creation of an indebtedness of the state. No holder or holders of any such bonds, notes, or other obligations shall ever have the right to compel any exercise of the taxing power of the state nor to enforce the payment thereof against the state; and

(7) Any nonprofit corporation created pursuant to this Code section shall not acquire or hold a fee simple interest in real property by any method, including but not limited to gift, purchase, condemnation, devise, court order, and exchange.

(7) Any nonprofit corporation created pursuant to this Code section shall not acquire or hold a fee simple interest in real property by any method, including but not limited to gift, purchase, condemnation, devise, court order, and exchange.

(c) Pursuant to this Code section, the department may establish a nonprofit corporation to be designated as the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning to Promote Public-Private Partnerships between businesses, nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, local school systems, public schools, and early care and education programs for the purpose of supporting educational excellence for children and families. Funds received by the foundation may be awarded through a competitive grant process administered by the department. The General Assembly may appropriate funds for purposes of this foundation.

(c) Pursuant to this Code section, the department may establish a nonprofit corporation to be designated as the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning to Promote Public-Private Partnerships between businesses, nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, local school systems, public schools, and early care and education programs for the purpose of supporting educational excellence for children and families. Funds received by the foundation may be awarded through a competitive grant process administered by the department. The General Assembly may appropriate funds for purposes of this foundation.

(d) Any nonprofit corporation created pursuant to this Code section shall make public and provide an annual report showing the identity of all donors and the amount each person or entity donated as well as all expenditures or other disposal of money or property donated.

(d) Any nonprofit corporation created pursuant to this Code section shall make public and provide an annual report showing the identity of all donors and the amount each person or entity donated as well as all expenditures or other disposal of money or property donated.
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-1 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 5 / Section 20-5-1
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-5-1
Status: in_force

It is declared to be the policy of the state, as a part of the provisions for public education, to promote the establishment of public library service throughout the state.
O.C.G.A. § 20-3-372 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 3 / Section 20-3-372
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-3-372
Status: in_force

The authority is authorized to be a lender in the Georgia Higher Education Loan Program, as provided for in Part 2 of this article, and to establish and administer a state direct educational loan program pursuant to this subpart. The authority is authorized to prescribe all rules, regulations, policies, and procedures necessary or convenient for the administration of the program and all terms and conditions applicable to loans made under this subpart; provided, however, that they shall conform with this subpart and with Part 2 of this article in order that such loans shall be guaranteed by the corporation.
O.C.G.A. § 20-14-26-1 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 14 / Section 20-14-26-1
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-14-26.1
Status: in_force

<Text of section effective December 31, 2023. See, Laws 2017, Act 32, § 3 .>

(a) The office shall have the power and authority to incorporate a nonprofit corporation that could qualify as a public foundation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code to aid the office in carrying out any of its powers and in accomplishing any of its purposes. Any nonprofit corporation created pursuant to this power shall be created pursuant to Chapter 3 of Title 14, the "Georgia Nonprofit Corporation Code," and the Secretary of State shall be authorized to accept such filing.

(a) The office shall have the power and authority to incorporate a nonprofit corporation that could qualify as a public foundation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code to aid the office in carrying out any of its powers and in accomplishing any of its purposes. Any nonprofit corporation created pursuant to this power shall be created pursuant to Chapter 3 of Title 14, the "Georgia Nonprofit Corporation Code," and the Secretary of State shall be authorized to accept such filing.

(b) Any nonprofit corporation created pursuant to this Code section shall be subject to the following provisions: (1) In accordance with the Constitution of Georgia, no governmental functions or regulatory powers shall be conducted by any such nonprofit corporation; (2) Upon dissolution of any such nonprofit corporation incorporated by the office, any assets shall revert to the office or to any successor to the office or, failing such succession, to the State of Georgia; (3) As used in this paragraph, the term "direct employee costs" means salary, benefits, and travel expenses. To avoid the appearance of undue influence on regulatory functions by donors, no donations to any such nonprofit corporation from private sources shall be used for direct employee costs of the office; (4) Any such nonprofit corporation shall be subject to all laws relating to open meetings and the inspection of public records; (5) The office shall not be liable for the action or omission to act of any such nonprofit corporation; (6) No debts, bonds, notes, or other obligations incurred by any such nonprofit corporation shall constitute an indebtedness or obligation of the State of Georgia nor shall any act of any such nonprofit corporation constitute or result in the creation of an indebtedness of the state. No holder or holders of any such bonds, notes, or other obligations shall ever have the right to compel any exercise of the taxing power of the state nor to enforce the payment thereof against the state; and (7) Any nonprofit corporation created pursuant to this Code section shall not acquire or hold a fee simple interest in real property by any method, including but not limited to gift, purchase, condemnation, devise, court order, and exchange.

(b) Any nonprofit corporation created pursuant to this Code section shall be subject to the following provisions:

(1) In accordance with the Constitution of Georgia, no governmental functions or regulatory powers shall be conducted by any such nonprofit corporation;

(1) In accordance with the Constitution of Georgia, no governmental functions or regulatory powers shall be conducted by any such nonprofit corporation;

(2) Upon dissolution of any such nonprofit corporation incorporated by the office, any assets shall revert to the office or to any successor to the office or, failing such succession, to the State of Georgia;

(2) Upon dissolution of any such nonprofit corporation incorporated by the office, any assets shall revert to the office or to any successor to the office or, failing such succession, to the State of Georgia;

(3) As used in this paragraph, the term "direct employee costs" means salary, benefits, and travel expenses. To avoid the appearance of undue influence on regulatory functions by donors, no donations to any such nonprofit corporation from private sources shall be used for direct employee costs of the office;

(3) As used in this paragraph, the term "direct employee costs" means salary, benefits, and travel expenses. To avoid the appearance of undue influence on regulatory functions by donors, no donations to any such nonprofit corporation from private sources shall be used for direct employee costs of the office;

(4) Any such nonprofit corporation shall be subject to all laws relating to open meetings and the inspection of public records;

(4) Any such nonprofit corporation shall be subject to all laws relating to open meetings and the inspection of public records;

(5) The office shall not be liable for the action or omission to act of any such nonprofit corporation;

(5) The office shall not be liable for the action or omission to act of any such nonprofit corporation;

(6) No debts, bonds, notes, or other obligations incurred by any such nonprofit corporation shall constitute an indebtedness or obligation of the State of Georgia nor shall any act of any such nonprofit corporation constitute or result in the creation of an indebtedness of the state. No holder or holders of any such bonds, notes, or other obligations shall ever have the right to compel any exercise of the taxing power of the state nor to enforce the payment thereof against the state; and

(6) No debts, bonds, notes, or other obligations incurred by any such nonprofit corporation shall constitute an indebtedness or obligation of the State of Georgia nor shall any act of any such nonprofit corporation constitute or result in the creation of an indebtedness of the state. No holder or holders of any such bonds, notes, or other obligations shall ever have the right to compel any exercise of the taxing power of the state nor to enforce the payment thereof against the state; and

(7) Any nonprofit corporation created pursuant to this Code section shall not acquire or hold a fee simple interest in real property by any method, including but not limited to gift, purchase, condemnation, devise, court order, and exchange.

(7) Any nonprofit corporation created pursuant to this Code section shall not acquire or hold a fee simple interest in real property by any method, including but not limited to gift, purchase, condemnation, devise, court order, and exchange.

(b.1) Pursuant to this Code section, the office may establish a nonprofit corporation to be designated as the Public Education Innovation Fund Foundation to promote Public-Private Partnerships between businesses, nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, local school systems, and public schools, for the purpose of improving student achievement. Funds received by the foundation may be awarded through a competitive grant process administered by the office. The General Assembly may appropriate funds for purposes of this foundation beginning in Fiscal Year 2015.

(b.1) Pursuant to this Code section, the office may establish a nonprofit corporation to be designated as the Public Education Innovation Fund Foundation to promote Public-Private Partnerships between businesses, nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, local school systems, and public schools, for the purpose of improving student achievement. Funds received by the foundation may be awarded through a competitive grant process administered by the office. The General Assembly may appropriate funds for purposes of this foundation beginning in Fiscal Year 2015.

(c) Any nonprofit corporation created pursuant to this Code section shall make public and provide an annual report showing the identity of all donors and the amount each person or entity donated as well as all expenditures or other disposal of money or property donated. Such report shall be provided to the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the chairpersons of the House Committee on Education and the Senate Education and Youth Committee. Any such nonprofit corporation shall also provide such persons with a copy of all corporate filings with the federal Internal Revenue Service.

(c) Any nonprofit corporation created pursuant to this Code section shall make public and provide an annual report showing the identity of all donors and the amount each person or entity donated as well as all expenditures or other disposal of money or property donated. Such report shall be provided to the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the chairpersons of the House Committee on Education and the Senate Education and Youth Committee. Any such nonprofit corporation shall also provide such persons with a copy of all corporate filings with the federal Internal Revenue Service.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-2085 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-2085
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-2085
Status: in_force

A petition may be submitted pursuant to this Code section by an existing charter school approved by a local board of education or the State Board of Education provided that the obligations of its charter with the local board of education or State Board of Education will expire prior to entering into a new charter with the commission. Upon the existing charter school's request, a local board of education or the State Board of Education in the case of a state chartered special school may agree to rescind or waive the obligations of a current charter to allow a petition to be submitted by an existing charter school pursuant to this Code section. An existing charter school that is established as a state charter school pursuant to this Code section shall be allowed to continue the use of all facilities, equipment, and other assets it used prior to the expiration or rescission of its charter with a local board of education; provided, however, that the local board shall be authorized to charge or continue to charge a reasonable fee for use of the facilities.
O.C.G.A. § 20-4-11-1 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 4 / Section 20-4-11-1
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-4-11.1
Status: reserved

(a) As used in this Code section, the term: (1) “ Campus community ” means students, administrators, faculty, and staff at the public institution of higher education and their invited guests. (2) “ Materially and substantially disrupts ” means when a person intentionally engages in conduct or expressive activity which such person knew or reasonably should have known would significantly hinder another person's or group's expressive activity, prevent the communication of the person's or group's message, or prevent the transaction of the business of a lawful meeting, gathering, or procession by: (A) Engaging in fighting, violent, or other unlawful behavior; or (B) Physically blocking, using threats of violence, or creating loud or sustained noise or vocalization intended to prevent any person from attending, listening to, viewing, or otherwise participating in an expressive activity. Conduct or expressive activity shall not be considered a material or substantial disruption if it is protected under the Georgia Constitution or the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, including, but not limited to, lawful protests in an unrestricted outdoor area of campus (except during times when those areas have been reserved in advance for other events) or minor, brief, or fleeting nonviolent disruptions of events that are isolated and short in duration. (3) “ Public institution of higher education ” or “ institution ” means any postsecondary technical school or other postsecondary branch of the Technical College System of Georgia. (4) “ Student ” means any person who is enrolled on a full-time or part-time basis in a public institution of higher education. (5) “ Student-on-student harassment ” means unwelcome conduct or expressive activity directed at a student that is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that a student is effectively denied equal access to educational opportunities or benefits provided by the public institution of higher education. This term shall not apply to or govern any employment policy of a public institution of higher education relating to harassment. (6) “ Student organization ” means any association, club, fraternity, society, sorority, or organized group of students, whether academic, athletic, political, social, or otherwise, that is officially recognized by a public institution of higher education. (7) “ Unrestricted outdoor area of campus ” means any outdoor area of campus that is generally accessible to members of the campus community, including, but not limited to, grassy areas, walkways, or other common areas, and does not include outdoor areas when and where access to members of the campus community is lawfully restricted.

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

(1) “ Campus community ” means students, administrators, faculty, and staff at the public institution of higher education and their invited guests.

(1) “ Campus community ” means students, administrators, faculty, and staff at the public institution of higher education and their invited guests.

(2) “ Materially and substantially disrupts ” means when a person intentionally engages in conduct or expressive activity which such person knew or reasonably should have known would significantly hinder another person's or group's expressive activity, prevent the communication of the person's or group's message, or prevent the transaction of the business of a lawful meeting, gathering, or procession by: (A) Engaging in fighting, violent, or other unlawful behavior; or (B) Physically blocking, using threats of violence, or creating loud or sustained noise or vocalization intended to prevent any person from attending, listening to, viewing, or otherwise participating in an expressive activity. Conduct or expressive activity shall not be considered a material or substantial disruption if it is protected under the Georgia Constitution or the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, including, but not limited to, lawful protests in an unrestricted outdoor area of campus (except during times when those areas have been reserved in advance for other events) or minor, brief, or fleeting nonviolent disruptions of events that are isolated and short in duration.

(2) “ Materially and substantially disrupts ” means when a person intentionally engages in conduct or expressive activity which such person knew or reasonably should have known would significantly hinder another person's or group's expressive activity, prevent the communication of the person's or group's message, or prevent the transaction of the business of a lawful meeting, gathering, or procession by:

(A) Engaging in fighting, violent, or other unlawful behavior; or

(A) Engaging in fighting, violent, or other unlawful behavior; or

(B) Physically blocking, using threats of violence, or creating loud or sustained noise or vocalization intended to prevent any person from attending, listening to, viewing, or otherwise participating in an expressive activity.

(B) Physically blocking, using threats of violence, or creating loud or sustained noise or vocalization intended to prevent any person from attending, listening to, viewing, or otherwise participating in an expressive activity.

Conduct or expressive activity shall not be considered a material or substantial disruption if it is protected under the Georgia Constitution or the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, including, but not limited to, lawful protests in an unrestricted outdoor area of campus (except during times when those areas have been reserved in advance for other events) or minor, brief, or fleeting nonviolent disruptions of events that are isolated and short in duration.

(3) “ Public institution of higher education ” or “ institution ” means any postsecondary technical school or other postsecondary branch of the Technical College System of Georgia.

(3) “ Public institution of higher education ” or “ institution ” means any postsecondary technical school or other postsecondary branch of the Technical College System of Georgia.

(4) “ Student ” means any person who is enrolled on a full-time or part-time basis in a public institution of higher education.

(4) “ Student ” means any person who is enrolled on a full-time or part-time basis in a public institution of higher education.

(5) “ Student-on-student harassment ” means unwelcome conduct or expressive activity directed at a student that is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that a student is effectively denied equal access to educational opportunities or benefits provided by the public institution of higher education. This term shall not apply to or govern any employment policy of a public institution of higher education relating to harassment.

(5) “ Student-on-student harassment ” means unwelcome conduct or expressive activity directed at a student that is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that a student is effectively denied equal access to educational opportunities or benefits provided by the public institution of higher education. This term shall not apply to or govern any employment policy of a public institution of higher education relating to harassment.

(6) “ Student organization ” means any association, club, fraternity, society, sorority, or organized group of students, whether academic, athletic, political, social, or otherwise, that is officially recognized by a public institution of higher education.

(6) “ Student organization ” means any association, club, fraternity, society, sorority, or organized group of students, whether academic, athletic, political, social, or otherwise, that is officially recognized by a public institution of higher education.

(7) “ Unrestricted outdoor area of campus ” means any outdoor area of campus that is generally accessible to members of the campus community, including, but not limited to, grassy areas, walkways, or other common areas, and does not include outdoor areas when and where access to members of the campus community is lawfully restricted.

(7) “ Unrestricted outdoor area of campus ” means any outdoor area of campus that is generally accessible to members of the campus community, including, but not limited to, grassy areas, walkways, or other common areas, and does not include outdoor areas when and where access to members of the campus community is lawfully restricted.

(b) Unrestricted outdoor areas of campuses of public institutions of higher education in this state shall be deemed public forums for the campus community, and public institutions of higher education shall not create “free speech zones” or other designated areas of campus outside of which expressive activities are prohibited for the campus community.

(b) Unrestricted outdoor areas of campuses of public institutions of higher education in this state shall be deemed public forums for the campus community, and public institutions of higher education shall not create “free speech zones” or other designated areas of campus outside of which expressive activities are prohibited for the campus community.

(c) Public institutions of higher education may maintain and enforce reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions for the campus community narrowly tailored in service of a significant institutional interest only when such restrictions employ clear, published, content- and viewpoint-neutral criteria, and provide for ample alternative means of expression. Any such restrictions shall allow for members of the campus community to spontaneously and contemporaneously assemble and distribute literature. Nothing in this Code section shall be interpreted as limiting the right of student expression elsewhere on campus.

(c) Public institutions of higher education may maintain and enforce reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions for the campus community narrowly tailored in service of a significant institutional interest only when such restrictions employ clear, published, content- and viewpoint-neutral criteria, and provide for ample alternative means of expression. Any such restrictions shall allow for members of the campus community to spontaneously and contemporaneously assemble and distribute literature. Nothing in this Code section shall be interpreted as limiting the right of student expression elsewhere on campus.

(d) Protected expressive activity under this Code section consists of speech and other conduct protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, including, but not limited to, lawful verbal, written, audio-visual, or electronic expression by which individuals may communicate ideas to one another, including all forms of peaceful assembly, distributing literature, carrying signs, circulating petitions, demonstrations, protests, and speeches including those by guest speakers.

(d) Protected expressive activity under this Code section consists of speech and other conduct protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, including, but not limited to, lawful verbal, written, audio-visual, or electronic expression by which individuals may communicate ideas to one another, including all forms of peaceful assembly, distributing literature, carrying signs, circulating petitions, demonstrations, protests, and speeches including those by guest speakers.

(e) Any person who wishes to engage in noncommercial expressive activity in an unrestricted outdoor area of campus shall be permitted to do so freely, as long as the person's conduct is not unlawful and does not materially and substantially disrupt the functioning of the public institution of higher education, subject to restrictions lawfully imposed under subsections (c) and (d) of this Code section. Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to make the unrestricted areas of campus into a designated public forum for persons who are not members of the campus community.

(e) Any person who wishes to engage in noncommercial expressive activity in an unrestricted outdoor area of campus shall be permitted to do so freely, as long as the person's conduct is not unlawful and does not materially and substantially disrupt the functioning of the public institution of higher education, subject to restrictions lawfully imposed under subsections (c) and (d) of this Code section. Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to make the unrestricted areas of campus into a designated public forum for persons who are not members of the campus community.

(f) Nothing in this Code section shall be interpreted as preventing public institutions of higher education from prohibiting student-on-student harassment as defined in this Code section; from complying with federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment; or from prohibiting, limiting, or restricting expression that is not protected under the Georgia Constitution or the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, including, but not limited to, true threats or expressive activity directed to provoke imminent lawless actions and likely to produce it.

(f) Nothing in this Code section shall be interpreted as preventing public institutions of higher education from prohibiting student-on-student harassment as defined in this Code section; from complying with federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment; or from prohibiting, limiting, or restricting expression that is not protected under the Georgia Constitution or the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, including, but not limited to, true threats or expressive activity directed to provoke imminent lawless actions and likely to produce it.

(g) Nothing in this Code section shall enable individuals to engage in conduct that materially and substantially disrupts another's expressive activity that is occurring in an unrestricted outdoor area of campus or a campus space reserved for that activity under the exclusive use or control of a particular group.

(g) Nothing in this Code section shall enable individuals to engage in conduct that materially and substantially disrupts another's expressive activity that is occurring in an unrestricted outdoor area of campus or a campus space reserved for that activity under the exclusive use or control of a particular group.

(h) Public institutions of higher education shall make public in their handbooks, on their websites, and through their orientation programs for students the policies, regulations, and expectations of students regarding free expressive activity on campus consistent with this Code section.

(h) Public institutions of higher education shall make public in their handbooks, on their websites, and through their orientation programs for students the policies, regulations, and expectations of students regarding free expressive activity on campus consistent with this Code section.

(i) Public institutions of higher education shall develop materials, programs, and procedures to ensure that those persons who have responsibility for discipline or education of students, such as administrators, campus police officers, residence life officials, and professors, understand the policies, regulations, and duties of public institutions of higher education regarding expressive activity on campus consistent with this Code section.

(i) Public institutions of higher education shall develop materials, programs, and procedures to ensure that those persons who have responsibility for discipline or education of students, such as administrators, campus police officers, residence life officials, and professors, understand the policies, regulations, and duties of public institutions of higher education regarding expressive activity on campus consistent with this Code section.

(j) The State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia shall make and publish an annual report and provide a copy to the Governor and each chamber of the General Assembly on July 1 of each year addressing the following from the previous calendar year: (1) Any barriers to, or disruptions of, free expression within public institutions of higher education; (2) Administrative response and discipline relating to violation of regulations and policies established pursuant to Code Section 20-3-48 ; (3) Actions taken by public institutions of higher education, including difficulties, controversies, or successes, in maintaining a posture of administrative and institutional neutrality with regard to political or social issues; and (4) Any assessments, criticisms, commendations, or recommendations the board of regents deems appropriate to further include in the report.

(j) The State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia shall make and publish an annual report and provide a copy to the Governor and each chamber of the General Assembly on July 1 of each year addressing the following from the previous calendar year:

(1) Any barriers to, or disruptions of, free expression within public institutions of higher education;

(1) Any barriers to, or disruptions of, free expression within public institutions of higher education;

(2) Administrative response and discipline relating to violation of regulations and policies established pursuant to Code Section 20-3-48 ;

(2) Administrative response and discipline relating to violation of regulations and policies established pursuant to Code Section 20-3-48 ;

(3) Actions taken by public institutions of higher education, including difficulties, controversies, or successes, in maintaining a posture of administrative and institutional neutrality with regard to political or social issues; and

(3) Actions taken by public institutions of higher education, including difficulties, controversies, or successes, in maintaining a posture of administrative and institutional neutrality with regard to political or social issues; and

(4) Any assessments, criticisms, commendations, or recommendations the board of regents deems appropriate to further include in the report.

(4) Any assessments, criticisms, commendations, or recommendations the board of regents deems appropriate to further include in the report.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-832 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-832
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-832
Status: in_force

The Governor is authorized to use any funds in the treasury, which may have been allocated for any special fund or purpose, for the payment of public school teachers to avoid increasing the public debt of the state. Such funds shall be used without payment of interest thereon and it shall be the duty of the Governor, when any fund shall be so used, to replace the fund or funds by borrowing the amount used, if necessary, at such time as will not interfere with the expenditure for the purpose appropriated of any special or allocated funds or funds so drawn upon by the Governor by virtue of the authority granted in this Code section.
O.C.G.A. § 20-3-445 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 3 / Section 20-3-445
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-3-445
Status: in_force

The University of North Georgia shall be subject to examination by the state auditor for the sole purpose of determining whether the school has properly certified eligibility and enrollment of students and credited grants paid on behalf of such students. However, nothing in this subpart shall be construed to interfere with the authority of the school to determine admissibility of students or to control its own curriculum, philosophy, purpose, or administration. In the event it is determined that the school knowingly or through error certified an ineligible student to be eligible for a grant under this subpart, the amount of the grant paid to the school pursuant to such certification shall be refunded by the school to the authority.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-466 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-466
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-466
Status: in_force

In the event that two-thirds of the votes cast at such election shall be in favor of refunding “outstanding schoolhouse bonds” and such two-thirds are also a majority of all the voters qualified to vote in such election, then the refunding schoolhouse bonds shall, after validation, as provided in Code Section 20-2-470 be issued, sold, or exchanged under all of the regulations now provided for the sale of county bonds under Code Section 20-2-430 or provided in this subpart for the sale or exchange of such refunding bonds.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-2096-7 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-2096-7
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-2096.7
Status: in_force

(a) The state board shall establish the following attendance zones: (1) Zone 1 shall comprise the Northwest Georgia, North Georgia, and Pioneer regional education service agency service areas; (2) Zone 2 shall comprise the Metro regional education service agency service area; (3) Zone 3 shall comprise the Northeast Georgia, Griffin, and Middle Georgia regional education service agency service areas; (4) Zone 4 shall comprise the West Georgia and Chattahoochee-Flint regional education service agency service areas; (5) Zone 5 shall comprise the Oconee, Central Savannah River, and Heart of Georgia regional education service agency service areas; (6) Zone 6 shall comprise the First District and Okefenokee regional education service agency service areas; and (7) Zone 7 shall comprise the Southwest Georgia and Coastal Plains regional education service agency service areas.

(a) The state board shall establish the following attendance zones:

(1) Zone 1 shall comprise the Northwest Georgia, North Georgia, and Pioneer regional education service agency service areas;

(1) Zone 1 shall comprise the Northwest Georgia, North Georgia, and Pioneer regional education service agency service areas;

(2) Zone 2 shall comprise the Metro regional education service agency service area;

(2) Zone 2 shall comprise the Metro regional education service agency service area;

(3) Zone 3 shall comprise the Northeast Georgia, Griffin, and Middle Georgia regional education service agency service areas;

(3) Zone 3 shall comprise the Northeast Georgia, Griffin, and Middle Georgia regional education service agency service areas;

(4) Zone 4 shall comprise the West Georgia and Chattahoochee-Flint regional education service agency service areas;

(4) Zone 4 shall comprise the West Georgia and Chattahoochee-Flint regional education service agency service areas;

(5) Zone 5 shall comprise the Oconee, Central Savannah River, and Heart of Georgia regional education service agency service areas;

(5) Zone 5 shall comprise the Oconee, Central Savannah River, and Heart of Georgia regional education service agency service areas;

(6) Zone 6 shall comprise the First District and Okefenokee regional education service agency service areas; and

(6) Zone 6 shall comprise the First District and Okefenokee regional education service agency service areas; and

(7) Zone 7 shall comprise the Southwest Georgia and Coastal Plains regional education service agency service areas.

(7) Zone 7 shall comprise the Southwest Georgia and Coastal Plains regional education service agency service areas.

(b)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, only one completion special school may operate in each attendance zone provided for in subsection (a) of this Code section. (2)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B) or (C) of this paragraph, upon being established as a completion special school, if such school is currently operating one or more programs outside the attendance zone assigned to such school by the state board then the state board shall be authorized to permit such school to continue to operate such program or programs until the earlier of June 30, 2028, or the establishment of a new completion special school that is assigned to the attendance zone where such program or programs are operating. (B) The state board shall be authorized to permit one or more completion special schools to operate one or more programs outside the attendance zone assigned to such school; provided, however, that such permitted program exclusively provides education programs and services for students in grades nine through 12 to individuals who are attending a United States Department of Defense Youth Challenge Academy or who are in the custody of a correctional facility, detention facility, jail, prison, or other lawful place of confinement; and provided, further, that the state board shall be authorized to designate which completion special school is authorized to provide such program or programs. (C) The state board shall be authorized to permit an enrollment eligible student to attend a completion special school outside of his or her attendance zone, provided that such student resides in a county that is contiguous to but outside of the attendance zone of such school; and provided, further, that such school is located closer to such student's residence than the completion special school with the attendance zone where such student's residence is located.

(b)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, only one completion special school may operate in each attendance zone provided for in subsection (a) of this Code section.

(b)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, only one completion special school may operate in each attendance zone provided for in subsection (a) of this Code section.

(2)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B) or (C) of this paragraph, upon being established as a completion special school, if such school is currently operating one or more programs outside the attendance zone assigned to such school by the state board then the state board shall be authorized to permit such school to continue to operate such program or programs until the earlier of June 30, 2028, or the establishment of a new completion special school that is assigned to the attendance zone where such program or programs are operating. (B) The state board shall be authorized to permit one or more completion special schools to operate one or more programs outside the attendance zone assigned to such school; provided, however, that such permitted program exclusively provides education programs and services for students in grades nine through 12 to individuals who are attending a United States Department of Defense Youth Challenge Academy or who are in the custody of a correctional facility, detention facility, jail, prison, or other lawful place of confinement; and provided, further, that the state board shall be authorized to designate which completion special school is authorized to provide such program or programs. (C) The state board shall be authorized to permit an enrollment eligible student to attend a completion special school outside of his or her attendance zone, provided that such student resides in a county that is contiguous to but outside of the attendance zone of such school; and provided, further, that such school is located closer to such student's residence than the completion special school with the attendance zone where such student's residence is located.

(2)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B) or (C) of this paragraph, upon being established as a completion special school, if such school is currently operating one or more programs outside the attendance zone assigned to such school by the state board then the state board shall be authorized to permit such school to continue to operate such program or programs until the earlier of June 30, 2028, or the establishment of a new completion special school that is assigned to the attendance zone where such program or programs are operating.

(2)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B) or (C) of this paragraph, upon being established as a completion special school, if such school is currently operating one or more programs outside the attendance zone assigned to such school by the state board then the state board shall be authorized to permit such school to continue to operate such program or programs until the earlier of June 30, 2028, or the establishment of a new completion special school that is assigned to the attendance zone where such program or programs are operating.

(B) The state board shall be authorized to permit one or more completion special schools to operate one or more programs outside the attendance zone assigned to such school; provided, however, that such permitted program exclusively provides education programs and services for students in grades nine through 12 to individuals who are attending a United States Department of Defense Youth Challenge Academy or who are in the custody of a correctional facility, detention facility, jail, prison, or other lawful place of confinement; and provided, further, that the state board shall be authorized to designate which completion special school is authorized to provide such program or programs.

(B) The state board shall be authorized to permit one or more completion special schools to operate one or more programs outside the attendance zone assigned to such school; provided, however, that such permitted program exclusively provides education programs and services for students in grades nine through 12 to individuals who are attending a United States Department of Defense Youth Challenge Academy or who are in the custody of a correctional facility, detention facility, jail, prison, or other lawful place of confinement; and provided, further, that the state board shall be authorized to designate which completion special school is authorized to provide such program or programs.

(C) The state board shall be authorized to permit an enrollment eligible student to attend a completion special school outside of his or her attendance zone, provided that such student resides in a county that is contiguous to but outside of the attendance zone of such school; and provided, further, that such school is located closer to such student's residence than the completion special school with the attendance zone where such student's residence is located.

(C) The state board shall be authorized to permit an enrollment eligible student to attend a completion special school outside of his or her attendance zone, provided that such student resides in a county that is contiguous to but outside of the attendance zone of such school; and provided, further, that such school is located closer to such student's residence than the completion special school with the attendance zone where such student's residence is located.
O.C.G.A. § 20-16-15 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 16 / Section 20-16-15
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-16-15
Status: in_force

All moneys received pursuant to the authority of this chapter, whether as proceeds from the sale of revenue bonds, as grants or other contributions, or as revenues, rents, and earnings, shall be deemed to be trust funds to be held and applied solely as provided in this chapter.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-81 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-81
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-81
Status: in_force

(a) Each local school system which elects to request increased flexibility pursuant to this article shall develop a five-year strategic plan which sets out the school system's vision and mission for improving the performance of its schools and shall clearly delineate in a proposed contract the following for measuring the improvement and performance of its schools: (1) Current performance data, grade levels, and demographic data for each school within the school system; (2) Performance goals for each school, including both improvement and achievement; and (3) Performance measures and benchmarks for each school for evaluating improvement and achievement and monitoring progress toward yearly performance goals.

(a) Each local school system which elects to request increased flexibility pursuant to this article shall develop a five-year strategic plan which sets out the school system's vision and mission for improving the performance of its schools and shall clearly delineate in a proposed contract the following for measuring the improvement and performance of its schools:

(1) Current performance data, grade levels, and demographic data for each school within the school system;

(1) Current performance data, grade levels, and demographic data for each school within the school system;

(2) Performance goals for each school, including both improvement and achievement; and

(2) Performance goals for each school, including both improvement and achievement; and

(3) Performance measures and benchmarks for each school for evaluating improvement and achievement and monitoring progress toward yearly performance goals.

(3) Performance measures and benchmarks for each school for evaluating improvement and achievement and monitoring progress toward yearly performance goals.

(b) The proposed strategic plan shall incorporate, to the extent practicable, school improvement plans in effect for schools in the local school system.

(b) The proposed strategic plan shall incorporate, to the extent practicable, school improvement plans in effect for schools in the local school system.

(c) The department shall provide an electronic template accessible through the Internet for local school systems to input their proposed contracts. The template shall be designed to include the information contained in subsection (a) of this Code section.

(c) The department shall provide an electronic template accessible through the Internet for local school systems to input their proposed contracts. The template shall be designed to include the information contained in subsection (a) of this Code section.

(d) Prior to the submission of a proposed contract to the department, a local board of education shall schedule and hold a public hearing for the purpose of providing an opportunity for full discussion and public input on the strategic plan and proposed contract, including formal, written comments or suggestions regarding the local school system's flexibility requests and performance goals and their impact on each school. The public hearing shall be advertised in a local newspaper of general circulation which shall be the same newspaper in which other legal announcements of the local board of education are advertised.

(d) Prior to the submission of a proposed contract to the department, a local board of education shall schedule and hold a public hearing for the purpose of providing an opportunity for full discussion and public input on the strategic plan and proposed contract, including formal, written comments or suggestions regarding the local school system's flexibility requests and performance goals and their impact on each school. The public hearing shall be advertised in a local newspaper of general circulation which shall be the same newspaper in which other legal announcements of the local board of education are advertised.

(e) The local school system shall submit the proposed contract to the department in accordance with time frames established by the department.

(e) The local school system shall submit the proposed contract to the department in accordance with time frames established by the department.

(f) A local school system which elects to request increased flexibility pursuant to this article shall be known as a strategic waivers school system.

(f) A local school system which elects to request increased flexibility pursuant to this article shall be known as a strategic waivers school system.
O.C.G.A. § 20-6-20 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 6 / Section 20-6-20
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-6-20
Status: in_force

The Compact for Education is entered into and enacted into law with all jurisdictions legally joining therein, in the form substantially as follows:

COMPACT FOR EDUCATION

Article I. Purpose and Policy.

(a) It is the purpose of this Compact to: (1) Establish and maintain close cooperation and understanding among executive, legislative, professional, educational and lay leadership on a nationwide basis at the State and local levels. (2) Provide a forum for the discussion, development, crystallization and recommendation of public policy alternatives in the field of education. (3) Provide a clearinghouse of information on matters relating to educational problems and how they are being met in different places throughout the nation, so that the executive and legislative branches of State government and of local communities may have ready access to the experience and record of the entire country, and so that both lay and professional groups in the field of education may have additional avenues for the sharing of experience and the interchange of ideas in the formation of public policy in education. (4) Facilitate the improvement of State and local educational systems so that all of them will be able to meet adequate and desirable goals in a society which requires continuous qualitative and quantitative advance in educational opportunities, methods and facilities.

(a) It is the purpose of this Compact to:

(1) Establish and maintain close cooperation and understanding among executive, legislative, professional, educational and lay leadership on a nationwide basis at the State and local levels.

(1) Establish and maintain close cooperation and understanding among executive, legislative, professional, educational and lay leadership on a nationwide basis at the State and local levels.

(2) Provide a forum for the discussion, development, crystallization and recommendation of public policy alternatives in the field of education.

(2) Provide a forum for the discussion, development, crystallization and recommendation of public policy alternatives in the field of education.

(3) Provide a clearinghouse of information on matters relating to educational problems and how they are being met in different places throughout the nation, so that the executive and legislative branches of State government and of local communities may have ready access to the experience and record of the entire country, and so that both lay and professional groups in the field of education may have additional avenues for the sharing of experience and the interchange of ideas in the formation of public policy in education.

(3) Provide a clearinghouse of information on matters relating to educational problems and how they are being met in different places throughout the nation, so that the executive and legislative branches of State government and of local communities may have ready access to the experience and record of the entire country, and so that both lay and professional groups in the field of education may have additional avenues for the sharing of experience and the interchange of ideas in the formation of public policy in education.

(4) Facilitate the improvement of State and local educational systems so that all of them will be able to meet adequate and desirable goals in a society which requires continuous qualitative and quantitative advance in educational opportunities, methods and facilities.

(4) Facilitate the improvement of State and local educational systems so that all of them will be able to meet adequate and desirable goals in a society which requires continuous qualitative and quantitative advance in educational opportunities, methods and facilities.

(b) It is the policy of this Compact to encourage and promote local and State initiative in the development, maintenance, improvement and administration of educational systems and institutions in a manner which will accord with the needs and advantages of diversity among localities and States.

(b) It is the policy of this Compact to encourage and promote local and State initiative in the development, maintenance, improvement and administration of educational systems and institutions in a manner which will accord with the needs and advantages of diversity among localities and States.

(c) The party States recognize that each of them has an interest in the quality and quantity of education furnished in each of the other States, as well as in the excellence of its own educational systems and institutions, because of the highly mobile character of individuals within the nation, and because the products and services contributing to the health, welfare and economic advancement of each State are supplied in significant part by persons educated in other States. Article II. State Defined. As used in this Compact, “State” means a State, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Article III. the Commission.

(c) The party States recognize that each of them has an interest in the quality and quantity of education furnished in each of the other States, as well as in the excellence of its own educational systems and institutions, because of the highly mobile character of individuals within the nation, and because the products and services contributing to the health, welfare and economic advancement of each State are supplied in significant part by persons educated in other States.

Article II. State Defined.

As used in this Compact, “State” means a State, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Article III. the Commission.

(a) The Education Commission of the States, hereinafter called the “Commission”, is hereby established. The Commission shall consist of seven members representing each party State. One of such members shall be the Governor; two shall be members of the State legislature selected by its respective houses and serving in such manner as the legislature may determine; and four shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Governor, unless the laws of the State otherwise provide. If the laws of a State prevent legislators from serving on the Commission, six members shall be appointed and serve at the pleasure of the Governor, unless the laws of the State otherwise provide. In addition to any other principles or requirements which a State may establish for the appointment and service of its members of the Commission, the guiding principle for the composition of the membership on the Commission for each party State shall be that the members representing such State shall, by virtue of their training, experience, knowledge or affiliations be in a position collectively to reflect broadly the interests of the State government, higher education, the State education system, local education, lay and professional, public and nonpublic educational leadership. Of those appointees, one shall be the head of a State agency or institution, designated by the Governor, having responsibility for one or more programs of public education. In addition to the members of the Commission representing the party States, there may be not to exceed ten nonvoting commissioners selected by the steering committee for terms of one year. Such commissioners shall represent leading national organizations of professional educators or persons concerned with educational administration.

(a) The Education Commission of the States, hereinafter called the “Commission”, is hereby established. The Commission shall consist of seven members representing each party State. One of such members shall be the Governor; two shall be members of the State legislature selected by its respective houses and serving in such manner as the legislature may determine; and four shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Governor, unless the laws of the State otherwise provide. If the laws of a State prevent legislators from serving on the Commission, six members shall be appointed and serve at the pleasure of the Governor, unless the laws of the State otherwise provide. In addition to any other principles or requirements which a State may establish for the appointment and service of its members of the Commission, the guiding principle for the composition of the membership on the Commission for each party State shall be that the members representing such State shall, by virtue of their training, experience, knowledge or affiliations be in a position collectively to reflect broadly the interests of the State government, higher education, the State education system, local education, lay and professional, public and nonpublic educational leadership. Of those appointees, one shall be the head of a State agency or institution, designated by the Governor, having responsibility for one or more programs of public education. In addition to the members of the Commission representing the party States, there may be not to exceed ten nonvoting commissioners selected by the steering committee for terms of one year. Such commissioners shall represent leading national organizations of professional educators or persons concerned with educational administration.

(b) The members of the Commission shall be entitled to one vote each on the Commission. No action of the Commission shall be binding unless taken at a meeting at which a majority of the total number of votes on the Commission are cast in favor thereof. Action of the Commission shall be only at a meeting at which a majority of the commissioners are present. The Commission shall meet at least once a year. In its bylaws, and subject to such directions and limitations as may be contained therein, the Commission may delegate the exercise of any of its powers to the steering committee or the executive director, except for the power to approve budgets or requests for appropriations, the power to make policy recommendations pursuant to Article IV and adoption of the annual report pursuant to Article III (j).

(b) The members of the Commission shall be entitled to one vote each on the Commission. No action of the Commission shall be binding unless taken at a meeting at which a majority of the total number of votes on the Commission are cast in favor thereof. Action of the Commission shall be only at a meeting at which a majority of the commissioners are present. The Commission shall meet at least once a year. In its bylaws, and subject to such directions and limitations as may be contained therein, the Commission may delegate the exercise of any of its powers to the steering committee or the executive director, except for the power to approve budgets or requests for appropriations, the power to make policy recommendations pursuant to Article IV and adoption of the annual report pursuant to Article III (j).

(c) The Commission shall have a seal.

(c) The Commission shall have a seal.

(d) The Commission shall elect annually, from among its members, a chairman, who shall be a Governor, a vice-chairman and a treasurer. The Commission shall provide for the appointment of an executive director. Such executive director shall serve at the pleasure of the Commission, and together with the treasurer and such other personnel as the Commission may deem appropriate shall be bonded in such amount as the Commission shall determine. The executive director shall be secretary.

(d) The Commission shall elect annually, from among its members, a chairman, who shall be a Governor, a vice-chairman and a treasurer. The Commission shall provide for the appointment of an executive director. Such executive director shall serve at the pleasure of the Commission, and together with the treasurer and such other personnel as the Commission may deem appropriate shall be bonded in such amount as the Commission shall determine. The executive director shall be secretary.

(e) Irrespective of the civil service, personnel, or other merit system laws of any of the party States, the executive director subject to the approval of the steering committee shall appoint, remove or discharge such personnel as may be necessary for the performance of the functions of the Commission, and shall fix the duties and compensation of such personnel. The Commission in its bylaws shall provide for the personnel policies and programs of the Commission.

(e) Irrespective of the civil service, personnel, or other merit system laws of any of the party States, the executive director subject to the approval of the steering committee shall appoint, remove or discharge such personnel as may be necessary for the performance of the functions of the Commission, and shall fix the duties and compensation of such personnel. The Commission in its bylaws shall provide for the personnel policies and programs of the Commission.

(f) The Commission may borrow, accept or contract for the services of personnel from any party jurisdiction, the United States, or any subdivision or agency of the aforementioned governments, or form any agency of two or more of the party jurisdictions or their subdivisions.

(f) The Commission may borrow, accept or contract for the services of personnel from any party jurisdiction, the United States, or any subdivision or agency of the aforementioned governments, or form any agency of two or more of the party jurisdictions or their subdivisions.

(g) The Commission may accept for any of its purposes and functions under this Compact any and all donations, and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials and services, conditional or otherwise, from any State, the United States, or any other governmental agency, or from any person, firm, association, foundation or corporation, and may receive, utilize and dispose of the same. Any donation or grant accepted by the Commission pursuant to this paragraph or services borrowed pursuant to paragraph (f) of this Article shall be reported in the annual report of the Commission. Such report shall include the nature, amount and conditions, if any, of the donation, grant, or services borrowed, and the identity of the donor or lender.

(g) The Commission may accept for any of its purposes and functions under this Compact any and all donations, and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials and services, conditional or otherwise, from any State, the United States, or any other governmental agency, or from any person, firm, association, foundation or corporation, and may receive, utilize and dispose of the same. Any donation or grant accepted by the Commission pursuant to this paragraph or services borrowed pursuant to paragraph (f) of this Article shall be reported in the annual report of the Commission. Such report shall include the nature, amount and conditions, if any, of the donation, grant, or services borrowed, and the identity of the donor or lender.

(h) The Commission may establish and maintain such facilities as may be necessary for the transacting of its business. The Commission may acquire, hold, and convey real and personal property and any interest therein.

(h) The Commission may establish and maintain such facilities as may be necessary for the transacting of its business. The Commission may acquire, hold, and convey real and personal property and any interest therein.

(i) The Commission shall adopt bylaws for the conduct of its business and shall have the power to amend and rescind these bylaws. The Commission shall publish its bylaws in convenient form and shall file a copy thereof and a copy of any amendment thereto, with the appropriate agency or officer in each of the party States.

(i) The Commission shall adopt bylaws for the conduct of its business and shall have the power to amend and rescind these bylaws. The Commission shall publish its bylaws in convenient form and shall file a copy thereof and a copy of any amendment thereto, with the appropriate agency or officer in each of the party States.

(j) The Commission annually shall make to the Governor and legislature of each party State a report covering the activities of the Commission for the preceding year. The Commission may make such additional reports as it may deem desirable. Article IV. Powers. In addition to authority conferred on the Commission by other provisions of the Compact, the Commission shall have the authority to:

(j) The Commission annually shall make to the Governor and legislature of each party State a report covering the activities of the Commission for the preceding year. The Commission may make such additional reports as it may deem desirable.

Article IV. Powers.

In addition to authority conferred on the Commission by other provisions of the Compact, the Commission shall have the authority to:

(a) Collect, correlate, analyze and interpret information and data concerning educational needs and resources.

(a) Collect, correlate, analyze and interpret information and data concerning educational needs and resources.

(b) Encourage and foster research in all aspects of education, but with special reference to the desirable scope of instruction, organization, administration, and instructional methods and standards employed or suitable for employment in public educational systems.

(b) Encourage and foster research in all aspects of education, but with special reference to the desirable scope of instruction, organization, administration, and instructional methods and standards employed or suitable for employment in public educational systems.

(c) Develop proposals for adequate financing of education as a whole and at each of its many levels.

(c) Develop proposals for adequate financing of education as a whole and at each of its many levels.

(d) Conduct or participate in research of the types referred to in this Article in any instance where the Commission finds that such research is necessary for the advancement of the purposes and policies of this Compact, utilizing fully the resources of national associations, regional Compact organizations for higher education; and other agencies and institutions, both public and private.

(d) Conduct or participate in research of the types referred to in this Article in any instance where the Commission finds that such research is necessary for the advancement of the purposes and policies of this Compact, utilizing fully the resources of national associations, regional Compact organizations for higher education; and other agencies and institutions, both public and private.

(e) Formulate suggested policies and plans for the improvement of public education as a whole, or for any segment thereof, and make recommendations with respect thereto available to the appropriate governmental units, agencies and public officials.

(e) Formulate suggested policies and plans for the improvement of public education as a whole, or for any segment thereof, and make recommendations with respect thereto available to the appropriate governmental units, agencies and public officials.

(f) Do such other things as may be necessary or incidental to the administration of any of its authority or functions pursuant to this Compact. Article V. Cooperation with Federal Government.

(f) Do such other things as may be necessary or incidental to the administration of any of its authority or functions pursuant to this Compact.

Article V. Cooperation with Federal Government.

(a) If the laws of the United States specifically so provide, or if administrative provision is made therefor within the federal government, the United States may be represented on the Commission by not to exceed ten representatives. Any such representative or representatives of the United States shall be appointed and serve in such manner as may be provided by or pursuant to federal law, and may be drawn from any one or more branches of the federal government, but no such representative shall have a vote on the Commission.

(a) If the laws of the United States specifically so provide, or if administrative provision is made therefor within the federal government, the United States may be represented on the Commission by not to exceed ten representatives. Any such representative or representatives of the United States shall be appointed and serve in such manner as may be provided by or pursuant to federal law, and may be drawn from any one or more branches of the federal government, but no such representative shall have a vote on the Commission.

(b) The Commission may provide information and make recommendations to any executive or legislative agency or officer of the federal government concerning the common educational policies of the States, and may advise with any such agencies or officers concerning any matter of mutual interest. Article VI. Committees.

(b) The Commission may provide information and make recommendations to any executive or legislative agency or officer of the federal government concerning the common educational policies of the States, and may advise with any such agencies or officers concerning any matter of mutual interest.

Article VI. Committees.

(a) To assist in the expeditious conduct of its business when the full Commission is not meeting, the Commission shall elect a steering committee of thirty-two members, which, subject to the provisions of this Compact and consistent with the policies of the Commission, shall be constituted and function as provided in the bylaws of the Commission. One-fourth of the voting membership of the steering committee shall consist of Governors, one-fourth shall consist of legislators, and the remainder shall consist of other members of the Commission. A federal representative on the Commission may serve with the steering committee, but without vote. The voting members of the steering committee shall serve for terms of two years. The chairman, vice-chairman, and treasurer of the Commission shall be members of the steering committee and, anything in this paragraph to the contrary notwithstanding, shall serve during their continuance in these offices. Vacancies in the steering committee shall not affect its authority to act, but the Commission at its next regularly ensuing meeting following the occurrence of any vacancy shall fill it for the unexpired term. No person shall serve more than two terms as a member of the steering committee; provided that service for a partial term of one year or less shall not be counted toward the two term limitation.

(a) To assist in the expeditious conduct of its business when the full Commission is not meeting, the Commission shall elect a steering committee of thirty-two members, which, subject to the provisions of this Compact and consistent with the policies of the Commission, shall be constituted and function as provided in the bylaws of the Commission. One-fourth of the voting membership of the steering committee shall consist of Governors, one-fourth shall consist of legislators, and the remainder shall consist of other members of the Commission. A federal representative on the Commission may serve with the steering committee, but without vote. The voting members of the steering committee shall serve for terms of two years. The chairman, vice-chairman, and treasurer of the Commission shall be members of the steering committee and, anything in this paragraph to the contrary notwithstanding, shall serve during their continuance in these offices. Vacancies in the steering committee shall not affect its authority to act, but the Commission at its next regularly ensuing meeting following the occurrence of any vacancy shall fill it for the unexpired term. No person shall serve more than two terms as a member of the steering committee; provided that service for a partial term of one year or less shall not be counted toward the two term limitation.

(b) The Commission may establish advisory and technical committees composed of State, local and federal officials, and private persons to advise it with respect to any one or more of its functions. Any advisory or technical committee may on request of the States concerned, be established to consider any matter of special concern to two or more of the party States.

(b) The Commission may establish advisory and technical committees composed of State, local and federal officials, and private persons to advise it with respect to any one or more of its functions. Any advisory or technical committee may on request of the States concerned, be established to consider any matter of special concern to two or more of the party States.

(c) The Commission may establish such additional committees as its bylaws may provide. Article VII. Finance.

(c) The Commission may establish such additional committees as its bylaws may provide.

Article VII. Finance.

(a) The Commission shall advise the Governor or designated officer or officers of each party State of its budget and estimated expenditures for such period as may be required by the laws of that party State. Each of the Commission's budgets of estimated expenditures shall contain specific recommendations of the amount or amounts to be appropriated by each of the party States.

(a) The Commission shall advise the Governor or designated officer or officers of each party State of its budget and estimated expenditures for such period as may be required by the laws of that party State. Each of the Commission's budgets of estimated expenditures shall contain specific recommendations of the amount or amounts to be appropriated by each of the party States.

(b) The total amount of appropriation requests under any budget shall be apportioned among the party States. In making such apportionment, the Commission shall devise and employ a formula which takes equitable account of the populations and per capita income levels of the party States.

(b) The total amount of appropriation requests under any budget shall be apportioned among the party States. In making such apportionment, the Commission shall devise and employ a formula which takes equitable account of the populations and per capita income levels of the party States.

(c) The Commission shall not pledge the credit of any party States. The Commission may meet any of its obligations in whole or in part with funds available to it pursuant to Article III (g) of this Compact, provided that the Commission takes specific action setting aside such funds prior to incurring an obligation to be met in whole or in part in such manner. Except where the Commission makes use of funds available to it pursuant to Article III (g) thereof, the Commission shall not incur any obligation prior to the allotment of funds by the party States adequate to meet the same.

(c) The Commission shall not pledge the credit of any party States. The Commission may meet any of its obligations in whole or in part with funds available to it pursuant to Article III (g) of this Compact, provided that the Commission takes specific action setting aside such funds prior to incurring an obligation to be met in whole or in part in such manner. Except where the Commission makes use of funds available to it pursuant to Article III (g) thereof, the Commission shall not incur any obligation prior to the allotment of funds by the party States adequate to meet the same.

(d) The Commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the Commission shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established by its bylaws. However, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the Commission shall be audited yearly by a qualified public accountant, and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual reports of the Commission.

(d) The Commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the Commission shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established by its bylaws. However, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the Commission shall be audited yearly by a qualified public accountant, and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual reports of the Commission.

(e) The accounts of the Commission shall be open at any reasonable time for inspection by duly constituted officers of the party States and by any persons authorized by the Commission.

(e) The accounts of the Commission shall be open at any reasonable time for inspection by duly constituted officers of the party States and by any persons authorized by the Commission.

(f) Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent Commission compliance with laws relating to audit or inspection of accounts by or on behalf of any government contributing to the support of the Commission. Article VIII. Eligible Parties; Entry Into and Withdrawal.

(f) Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent Commission compliance with laws relating to audit or inspection of accounts by or on behalf of any government contributing to the support of the Commission.

Article VIII. Eligible Parties; Entry Into and Withdrawal.

(a) This Compact shall have as eligible parties all States, territories and possessions of the United States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. In respect of any such jurisdiction not having a Governor, the term “Governor”, as used in this Compact, shall mean the closest equivalent official of such jurisdiction.

(a) This Compact shall have as eligible parties all States, territories and possessions of the United States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. In respect of any such jurisdiction not having a Governor, the term “Governor”, as used in this Compact, shall mean the closest equivalent official of such jurisdiction.

(b) Any State or other eligible jurisdiction may enter into this Compact by legislative Act and it shall become binding thereon when it has adopted the same.

(b) Any State or other eligible jurisdiction may enter into this Compact by legislative Act and it shall become binding thereon when it has adopted the same.

(c) Any party State may withdraw from this Compact by enacting a statute repealing the same, but no such withdrawal shall take effect until one year after the Governor of the withdrawing State has given notice in writing of the withdrawal to the Governors of all other party States. No withdrawal shall affect any liability already incurred by or chargeable to a party State prior to the time of such withdrawal. Article IX. Construction and Severability. This Compact shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of this Compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provision of this Compact is declared to be contrary to the Constitution of any State or of the United States, or the application thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this Compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this Compact shall be held contrary to the Constitution of any State participating therein, the Compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the State affected as to all severable matters.

(c) Any party State may withdraw from this Compact by enacting a statute repealing the same, but no such withdrawal shall take effect until one year after the Governor of the withdrawing State has given notice in writing of the withdrawal to the Governors of all other party States. No withdrawal shall affect any liability already incurred by or chargeable to a party State prior to the time of such withdrawal.

Article IX. Construction and Severability.

This Compact shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of this Compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provision of this Compact is declared to be contrary to the Constitution of any State or of the United States, or the application thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this Compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this Compact shall be held contrary to the Constitution of any State participating therein, the Compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the State affected as to all severable matters.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-1070 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-1070
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-1070
Status: in_force

The State Board of Education is authorized to use a part of the public school fund to pay the salaries of bus drivers employed by the several county boards of education. The state board is authorized to administer any and all appropriations that may be made by the United States Congress, its agencies, or bureaus to assist this state in the maintenance and operation of pupil transportation and to administer all funds allocated or appropriated or otherwise made available by the state for pupil transportation; the state board is further authorized to accept and receive donations and gifts of both real and personal property, including vehicles and other equipment, from either public or private sources as may be offered for the support, maintenance, and operation of pupil transportation.
O.C.G.A. § 20-3-82 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 3 / Section 20-3-82
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-3-82
Status: in_force

(a) There is created the Georgia Eminent Scholars Endowment Trust Fund. The board of regents shall serve as trustees of such fund. The fund shall be a budget unit for the purpose of appropriations of state funds as provided for in Part 1 of Article 4 of Chapter 12 of Title 45.

(a) There is created the Georgia Eminent Scholars Endowment Trust Fund. The board of regents shall serve as trustees of such fund. The fund shall be a budget unit for the purpose of appropriations of state funds as provided for in Part 1 of Article 4 of Chapter 12 of Title 45.

(b) The fund created by this Code section is established for the purpose of providing challenge grants to raise funds to be used by units of the University System of Georgia and foundations established to further the work of such units in endowing chairs to attract eminent scholars to join the faculties of units of the University System of Georgia.

(b) The fund created by this Code section is established for the purpose of providing challenge grants to raise funds to be used by units of the University System of Georgia and foundations established to further the work of such units in endowing chairs to attract eminent scholars to join the faculties of units of the University System of Georgia.

(c) The General Assembly is authorized to appropriate state funds, by line item appropriation, to the trust fund established by this Code section. The board of regents is authorized to allocate any funds appropriated or available to the University System of Georgia to the trust fund created by this Code section. Any moneys so appropriated or allocated are deemed to be contractually obligated for the purposes specified in this Code section and any funds remaining in the trust fund at the end of any fiscal year shall not lapse.

(c) The General Assembly is authorized to appropriate state funds, by line item appropriation, to the trust fund established by this Code section. The board of regents is authorized to allocate any funds appropriated or available to the University System of Georgia to the trust fund created by this Code section. Any moneys so appropriated or allocated are deemed to be contractually obligated for the purposes specified in this Code section and any funds remaining in the trust fund at the end of any fiscal year shall not lapse.

(d) The trustees of the Georgia Eminent Scholars Endowment Trust Fund are authorized to make challenge grants to foundations established to further the work of the units of the University System of Georgia. The trustees of the Georgia Eminent Scholars Endowment Trust Fund shall adopt rules, regulations, and standards relative to the award of challenge grants under this Code section. Such rules, regulations, and standards shall include formulas for the awarding of such grants, provided that such formulas shall require foundations to contribute as much as possible but not less than 50 percent and not more than 75 percent of the total amount deemed necessary by the trustees to endow a chair. Such formulas may be revised at any time by the board of trustees so as to maximize the benefits which may result from endowing one or more chairs in any fiscal year and depending on the total funds available to the Georgia Eminent Scholars Endowment Trust Fund. No funds shall be granted to a foundation under this Code section except upon the express written condition that such funds and the earnings thereon be used by the foundation for the purpose of endowing a chair at a unit of the University System of Georgia. Such chairs shall be created by the board of regents after considering the existing programs of the system, the necessity for such a chair, and any duplication which the creation of the chair might cause. The amount of funds granted to a foundation under this Code section and the funds raised by the foundation shall be invested and maintained by the foundation and, together with the income therefrom, shall be used as provided in this Code section.

(d) The trustees of the Georgia Eminent Scholars Endowment Trust Fund are authorized to make challenge grants to foundations established to further the work of the units of the University System of Georgia. The trustees of the Georgia Eminent Scholars Endowment Trust Fund shall adopt rules, regulations, and standards relative to the award of challenge grants under this Code section. Such rules, regulations, and standards shall include formulas for the awarding of such grants, provided that such formulas shall require foundations to contribute as much as possible but not less than 50 percent and not more than 75 percent of the total amount deemed necessary by the trustees to endow a chair. Such formulas may be revised at any time by the board of trustees so as to maximize the benefits which may result from endowing one or more chairs in any fiscal year and depending on the total funds available to the Georgia Eminent Scholars Endowment Trust Fund. No funds shall be granted to a foundation under this Code section except upon the express written condition that such funds and the earnings thereon be used by the foundation for the purpose of endowing a chair at a unit of the University System of Georgia. Such chairs shall be created by the board of regents after considering the existing programs of the system, the necessity for such a chair, and any duplication which the creation of the chair might cause. The amount of funds granted to a foundation under this Code section and the funds raised by the foundation shall be invested and maintained by the foundation and, together with the income therefrom, shall be used as provided in this Code section.

(e) Persons selected to hold such chairs shall be selected under such procedure as may be established by the president of the unit of the University System of Georgia at which the chair is established.

(e) Persons selected to hold such chairs shall be selected under such procedure as may be established by the president of the unit of the University System of Georgia at which the chair is established.
O.C.G.A. § 20-14-46 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 14 / Section 20-14-46
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-14-46
Status: in_force

(a) Within 30 days of entering into a contract amendment or intervention contract between the State Board of Education and a local board of education pursuant to Code Section 20-14-45 , the local board of education shall, in consultation with the turnaround coach, select a third-party specialist to conduct a comprehensive on-site diagnostic review in cooperation with the regional educational service agency and the turnaround coach of the school to determine the root causes of low performance and lack of progress. Such third-party specialist may be selected from the approved list established pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection (c) of Code Section 20-14-43 at the expense of the state, or the local board of education may select its own third-party specialist, upon approval by the Chief Turnaround Officer, at the expense of the local school system. The turnaround coach shall ensure that the third-party specialist receives all relevant data held at the state level as it relates to the local school system and school, including the system charter or contract, financial audits, funding allotments, federal funds, state assessment data, and any other relevant information as it relates to school performance. The third-party specialist shall also review the most recent local school system accreditation report regarding system level governance and leadership, resource utilization, teaching and learning effectiveness, and academic achievement.

(a) Within 30 days of entering into a contract amendment or intervention contract between the State Board of Education and a local board of education pursuant to Code Section 20-14-45 , the local board of education shall, in consultation with the turnaround coach, select a third-party specialist to conduct a comprehensive on-site diagnostic review in cooperation with the regional educational service agency and the turnaround coach of the school to determine the root causes of low performance and lack of progress. Such third-party specialist may be selected from the approved list established pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection (c) of Code Section 20-14-43 at the expense of the state, or the local board of education may select its own third-party specialist, upon approval by the Chief Turnaround Officer, at the expense of the local school system. The turnaround coach shall ensure that the third-party specialist receives all relevant data held at the state level as it relates to the local school system and school, including the system charter or contract, financial audits, funding allotments, federal funds, state assessment data, and any other relevant information as it relates to school performance. The third-party specialist shall also review the most recent local school system accreditation report regarding system level governance and leadership, resource utilization, teaching and learning effectiveness, and academic achievement.

(b) Within 90 days of entering into a contract amendment or intervention contract between the State Board of Education and a local board of education, the turnaround coach, in partnership with the regional educational service agency, shall ensure that the local board of education and the third-party specialist have completed a comprehensive on-site evaluation of the school to determine the root causes of the school's low performance and lack of progress. The comprehensive on-site diagnostic review shall include a leadership assessment to determine the capacity of the school leader to lead the turnaround efforts, as well as a review of system level support and interventions, including central office policies and supports, technical assistance and guidance, financial management, and appropriate use of resources in accordance with approved waivers under the system charter or contract.

(b) Within 90 days of entering into a contract amendment or intervention contract between the State Board of Education and a local board of education, the turnaround coach, in partnership with the regional educational service agency, shall ensure that the local board of education and the third-party specialist have completed a comprehensive on-site evaluation of the school to determine the root causes of the school's low performance and lack of progress. The comprehensive on-site diagnostic review shall include a leadership assessment to determine the capacity of the school leader to lead the turnaround efforts, as well as a review of system level support and interventions, including central office policies and supports, technical assistance and guidance, financial management, and appropriate use of resources in accordance with approved waivers under the system charter or contract.

(c) Based on the comprehensive on-site evaluation, the turnaround coach, in partnership with the regional educational service agency, shall recommend actions, which may include, but not be limited to, reallocation of resources and technical assistance, changes in school procedures or operations, professional learning focused on student achievement for instructional and administrative staff, intervention for individual administrators or teachers, instructional strategies based on scientifically based research, additional waivers from state statutes or rules, adoption of policies and practices to ensure all groups of students meet the state's proficiency level, extended instruction time for low-performing students, strategies for parental involvement, incorporation of a teacher mentoring program, smaller class size for low-performing students, or other actions deemed appropriate.

(c) Based on the comprehensive on-site evaluation, the turnaround coach, in partnership with the regional educational service agency, shall recommend actions, which may include, but not be limited to, reallocation of resources and technical assistance, changes in school procedures or operations, professional learning focused on student achievement for instructional and administrative staff, intervention for individual administrators or teachers, instructional strategies based on scientifically based research, additional waivers from state statutes or rules, adoption of policies and practices to ensure all groups of students meet the state's proficiency level, extended instruction time for low-performing students, strategies for parental involvement, incorporation of a teacher mentoring program, smaller class size for low-performing students, or other actions deemed appropriate.

(d) Based on the evaluation and recommendations and after public input from parents and the community, the school shall develop an intensive school improvement plan, approved by the Chief Turnaround Officer, that specifically addresses the academic insufficiencies identified by the school's rating in the single state-wide accountability system. The local board of education shall not be eligible for supplemental funding to support the implementation of the plan unless such local board demonstrates financial need based on its most current annual budget and the results of the most recent audit. The local board of education shall coordinate the hiring and contract renewal process for personnel and the allocation of school resources to support such plan. In developing the timelines in the intensive school improvement plan, the school shall take into consideration the budget cycles, employment contract deadlines, and other appropriate factors relating to the planning process. The school, with the support of the local board of education, local school superintendent, and principal, shall implement the plan with ongoing input and assistance from the Chief Turnaround Officer and performance monitoring by the Department of Education's school improvement division.

(d) Based on the evaluation and recommendations and after public input from parents and the community, the school shall develop an intensive school improvement plan, approved by the Chief Turnaround Officer, that specifically addresses the academic insufficiencies identified by the school's rating in the single state-wide accountability system. The local board of education shall not be eligible for supplemental funding to support the implementation of the plan unless such local board demonstrates financial need based on its most current annual budget and the results of the most recent audit. The local board of education shall coordinate the hiring and contract renewal process for personnel and the allocation of school resources to support such plan. In developing the timelines in the intensive school improvement plan, the school shall take into consideration the budget cycles, employment contract deadlines, and other appropriate factors relating to the planning process. The school, with the support of the local board of education, local school superintendent, and principal, shall implement the plan with ongoing input and assistance from the Chief Turnaround Officer and performance monitoring by the Department of Education's school improvement division.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-881 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-881
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-881
Status: in_force

(a) The board is authorized to establish a health insurance plan for public school teachers of this state and to adopt and promulgate rules and regulations for its administration, subject to the limitations contained in this subpart, which plan may provide for group hospitalization, surgical, and medical insurance against the financial costs of hospitalization, surgery, and medical treatment and care and may also include, among other things, prescribed drugs, medicines, prosthetic appliances, hospital inpatient and outpatient service benefits, dental benefits, vision care benefits, and medical expense indemnity benefits, including major medical benefits.

(a) The board is authorized to establish a health insurance plan for public school teachers of this state and to adopt and promulgate rules and regulations for its administration, subject to the limitations contained in this subpart, which plan may provide for group hospitalization, surgical, and medical insurance against the financial costs of hospitalization, surgery, and medical treatment and care and may also include, among other things, prescribed drugs, medicines, prosthetic appliances, hospital inpatient and outpatient service benefits, dental benefits, vision care benefits, and medical expense indemnity benefits, including major medical benefits.

(b) The board shall investigate fees of hospitals, pharmacists, and practitioners of the healing arts and present recommendations to the General Assembly by not later than January 15, 1991, for a schedule of maximum fees for hospitals and practitioners of the healing arts. The recommended fees for hospitals shall be determined based upon a statistical analysis of the peer groups adjusted for the intensity of the case mix for hospitals of same licensure classification or subclassification (e.g., general, pediatric, psychiatric, rehabilitation, etc.) and of similar services in the same geographic area. The recommended fee schedule shall not be at the average of the usual and customary charges if the board determines that the average represents an unreasonably high or low charge.

(b) The board shall investigate fees of hospitals, pharmacists, and practitioners of the healing arts and present recommendations to the General Assembly by not later than January 15, 1991, for a schedule of maximum fees for hospitals and practitioners of the healing arts. The recommended fees for hospitals shall be determined based upon a statistical analysis of the peer groups adjusted for the intensity of the case mix for hospitals of same licensure classification or subclassification (e.g., general, pediatric, psychiatric, rehabilitation, etc.) and of similar services in the same geographic area. The recommended fee schedule shall not be at the average of the usual and customary charges if the board determines that the average represents an unreasonably high or low charge.

(c) The recommended fees for practitioners of the healing arts and pharmacists shall be determined based upon a statistical analysis of the peer groups for such practitioners and pharmacists of the same licensure classification (e.g., internists, family practitioners, cardiologists, neurosurgeons, etc.) and of similar services in the same geographic area. The recommended fee schedule shall not be at the average of the usual and customary charges if the board determines that the average represents an unreasonably high or low charge.

(c) The recommended fees for practitioners of the healing arts and pharmacists shall be determined based upon a statistical analysis of the peer groups for such practitioners and pharmacists of the same licensure classification (e.g., internists, family practitioners, cardiologists, neurosurgeons, etc.) and of similar services in the same geographic area. The recommended fee schedule shall not be at the average of the usual and customary charges if the board determines that the average represents an unreasonably high or low charge.

(d) The recommendations shall include an analysis of all hospitals, pharmacists, and practitioners accepting assignment of benefits for such services not to exceed the amount authorized by the fee schedule. The board shall publish in print or electronically a list of practitioners who accept assignment of benefits under the plan.

(d) The recommendations shall include an analysis of all hospitals, pharmacists, and practitioners accepting assignment of benefits for such services not to exceed the amount authorized by the fee schedule. The board shall publish in print or electronically a list of practitioners who accept assignment of benefits under the plan.

(e) The recommendations shall include an analysis of the impact of practitioners agreeing to provide medical or surgical services at a reduced rate for members of the health insurance plan and of pharmacists and hospitals agreeing to provide hospital services, medical equipment, or pharmaceuticals at a reduced rate for members of the health insurance plan. The board shall publish in print or electronically a list of practitioners of the healing arts, pharmacists, and hospitals that offer a reduced rate for members and the rate at which those services, equipment, or pharmaceuticals have been offered.

(e) The recommendations shall include an analysis of the impact of practitioners agreeing to provide medical or surgical services at a reduced rate for members of the health insurance plan and of pharmacists and hospitals agreeing to provide hospital services, medical equipment, or pharmaceuticals at a reduced rate for members of the health insurance plan. The board shall publish in print or electronically a list of practitioners of the healing arts, pharmacists, and hospitals that offer a reduced rate for members and the rate at which those services, equipment, or pharmaceuticals have been offered.
O.C.G.A. § 20-3-55 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 3 / Section 20-3-55
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-3-55
Status: in_force

The Office of the State Treasurer is directed, out of any unexpended appropriation to the University of Georgia and any of its branches, to pay to the board of regents, at periods and times provided by law, such sums as may be requisitioned by the board and as may be approved by the Governor, upon warrants of the Governor, to and for the use of the University of Georgia or any of its branches or any or each of them, respectively. All money or sums of money payable under this Code section to the board shall be paid to an official elected or appointed by the board, which official shall, on or before entering upon the discharge of his duties, give good and solvent bond with a surety company qualified to do business in this state as surety for the faithful performance of his duties and faithful accounting for all moneys coming into his hands as such official, which bond shall be payable to the Governor and his successor in office. The premium for such bond may be paid out of funds lawfully coming into the hands of the board. The board, however, in its discretion, may authorize the local treasurer of any of the educational institutions to retain such matriculation and other fees as the board deems proper to facilitate the prompt payment of incidental expenses of said institution, strict account being made to the board as to all such receipts and expenditures.