O.C.G.A. § 20-2-779-2 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-779-2
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-779.2
Status: in_force

(a) No administrator, teacher, or other school personnel while acting within the scope of his or her employment with a local school system shall make or enforce any rule that requires students to wear face masks or face coverings while present in any area of a school or school grounds or other property owned or operated by the local school system unless such rule provides that a parent or guardian of a child enrolled in such local school system may elect for his or her child to be exempt from such rule. A parent or guardian making such election shall not be required to provide a reason or any certification of the child's health or education status. No student shall suffer any adverse disciplinary or academic consequences as a result of such election by a parent or guardian.

(a) No administrator, teacher, or other school personnel while acting within the scope of his or her employment with a local school system shall make or enforce any rule that requires students to wear face masks or face coverings while present in any area of a school or school grounds or other property owned or operated by the local school system unless such rule provides that a parent or guardian of a child enrolled in such local school system may elect for his or her child to be exempt from such rule. A parent or guardian making such election shall not be required to provide a reason or any certification of the child's health or education status. No student shall suffer any adverse disciplinary or academic consequences as a result of such election by a parent or guardian.

(b) This Code section shall not be subject to waivers pursuant to Code Section 20-2-82 for a strategic waivers school system, Code Section 20-2-244 for a local board of education, Code Section 20-2-2063.2 for a charter system, or Code Section 20-2-2065 for a charter school established pursuant to Article 31 or Article 31A of this chapter, a charter system, or schools within a charter system.

(b) This Code section shall not be subject to waivers pursuant to Code Section 20-2-82 for a strategic waivers school system, Code Section 20-2-244 for a local board of education, Code Section 20-2-2063.2 for a charter system, or Code Section 20-2-2065 for a charter school established pursuant to Article 31 or Article 31A of this chapter, a charter system, or schools within a charter system.
O.C.G.A. § 20-14-41 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 14 / Section 20-14-41
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-14-41
Status: in_force

(a) The State Board of Education shall by policies, rules, or regulations establish a coherent and sustained system of assistance and support for schools not meeting identified levels of achievement or not showing specified levels of progress as determined by the office. The State Board of Education shall by policies, rules, or regulations specify appropriate levels of assistance and intervention for schools that receive an unacceptable rating on student achievement, achievement gap closure, or student progress, or any combination thereof. In specifying levels of assistance and intervention, the State Board of Education shall consider the number of years a school has received an unacceptable rating and may include one or more of the following interventions: (1) Issuing public notice of the deficiency to the local board of education; (2) Ordering a hearing to be conducted at the school by the local board of education with the participation of the school council for the purpose of notifying the public of the unacceptable performance, the improvements in performance expected by the office, and the interventions that may be imposed under this Code section if the performance does not improve within a designated period of time and of soliciting public comment on the initial steps being taken to improve performance; (3) Ordering the preparation of an intensive student achievement improvement plan that addresses each academic excellence indicator for which the school's performance is unacceptable, the submission of the plan to the State Board of Education for approval, and implementation of the plan; (4) Appointing a Department of Education school improvement team to: (A) Conduct a comprehensive on-site evaluation of each low-performing school to determine the cause for the school's low performance and lack of progress that includes presentations by the chairperson of the local board of education, the school principal, a parent member of the local school council, and other school personnel; (B) Recommend actions, including 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, 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 the team considers appropriate; (C) Assist in the development of an intensive school improvement plan focused on student achievement required by paragraph (3) of this subsection; and (D) Monitor the progress of the school in implementing the intensive school improvement plan focused on student achievement; (5) If a school has received an unacceptable rating for a period of two consecutive years or more, appointing a school master or management team to oversee and direct the duties of the principal of the school in relation to the school until school performance improves and the school is released from intervention by the director, with the cost of the master or management team to be paid by the state; or (6) If a school has received an unacceptable rating for a period of three consecutive years or more, the State Board of Education shall, subject to the provisions of subsection (f) of this Code section, implement one or more of the following interventions or sanctions: (A) Removal of school personnel on recommendation of the master or the school improvement team, including the principal and personnel whose performance has continued not to produce student achievement gains over a three-year period as a condition for continued receipt of state funds for administration; (B) Allow for the implementation of a state charter school through the designation by the State Board of Education; (C) Mandate the complete reconstitution of the school, removing all personnel, appointing a new principal, and hiring all new staff. Existing staff may reapply for employment at the newly reconstituted school but shall not be rehired if their performance regarding student achievement has been negative for the past three years; (D) Mandate that the parents have the option to relocate the student to other public schools in the local school system to be chosen by the parents of the student from a list of available options provided by the local school system. The local school system shall provide transportation for students in Title I schools in accordance with the requirements of federal law. The local school system may provide transportation for students in non-Title I schools. In any year in which the General Assembly does not appropriate funds for the provision of transportation to non-Title I students, the parent or guardian shall assume responsibility for the transportation of that student; (E) Mandate a monitor, master, or management team in the school that shall be paid by the district; (F) Continue the intensive student achievement improvement plan provided for in paragraph (3) of this subsection; or (G) Mandate a complete restructuring of the school's governance arrangement and internal organization of the school.

(a) The State Board of Education shall by policies, rules, or regulations establish a coherent and sustained system of assistance and support for schools not meeting identified levels of achievement or not showing specified levels of progress as determined by the office. The State Board of Education shall by policies, rules, or regulations specify appropriate levels of assistance and intervention for schools that receive an unacceptable rating on student achievement, achievement gap closure, or student progress, or any combination thereof. In specifying levels of assistance and intervention, the State Board of Education shall consider the number of years a school has received an unacceptable rating and may include one or more of the following interventions:

(1) Issuing public notice of the deficiency to the local board of education;

(1) Issuing public notice of the deficiency to the local board of education;

(2) Ordering a hearing to be conducted at the school by the local board of education with the participation of the school council for the purpose of notifying the public of the unacceptable performance, the improvements in performance expected by the office, and the interventions that may be imposed under this Code section if the performance does not improve within a designated period of time and of soliciting public comment on the initial steps being taken to improve performance;

(2) Ordering a hearing to be conducted at the school by the local board of education with the participation of the school council for the purpose of notifying the public of the unacceptable performance, the improvements in performance expected by the office, and the interventions that may be imposed under this Code section if the performance does not improve within a designated period of time and of soliciting public comment on the initial steps being taken to improve performance;

(3) Ordering the preparation of an intensive student achievement improvement plan that addresses each academic excellence indicator for which the school's performance is unacceptable, the submission of the plan to the State Board of Education for approval, and implementation of the plan;

(3) Ordering the preparation of an intensive student achievement improvement plan that addresses each academic excellence indicator for which the school's performance is unacceptable, the submission of the plan to the State Board of Education for approval, and implementation of the plan;

(4) Appointing a Department of Education school improvement team to: (A) Conduct a comprehensive on-site evaluation of each low-performing school to determine the cause for the school's low performance and lack of progress that includes presentations by the chairperson of the local board of education, the school principal, a parent member of the local school council, and other school personnel; (B) Recommend actions, including 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, 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 the team considers appropriate; (C) Assist in the development of an intensive school improvement plan focused on student achievement required by paragraph (3) of this subsection; and (D) Monitor the progress of the school in implementing the intensive school improvement plan focused on student achievement;

(4) Appointing a Department of Education school improvement team to:

(A) Conduct a comprehensive on-site evaluation of each low-performing school to determine the cause for the school's low performance and lack of progress that includes presentations by the chairperson of the local board of education, the school principal, a parent member of the local school council, and other school personnel;

(A) Conduct a comprehensive on-site evaluation of each low-performing school to determine the cause for the school's low performance and lack of progress that includes presentations by the chairperson of the local board of education, the school principal, a parent member of the local school council, and other school personnel;

(B) Recommend actions, including 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, 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 the team considers appropriate;

(B) Recommend actions, including 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, 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 the team considers appropriate;

(C) Assist in the development of an intensive school improvement plan focused on student achievement required by paragraph (3) of this subsection; and

(C) Assist in the development of an intensive school improvement plan focused on student achievement required by paragraph (3) of this subsection; and

(D) Monitor the progress of the school in implementing the intensive school improvement plan focused on student achievement;

(D) Monitor the progress of the school in implementing the intensive school improvement plan focused on student achievement;

(5) If a school has received an unacceptable rating for a period of two consecutive years or more, appointing a school master or management team to oversee and direct the duties of the principal of the school in relation to the school until school performance improves and the school is released from intervention by the director, with the cost of the master or management team to be paid by the state; or

(5) If a school has received an unacceptable rating for a period of two consecutive years or more, appointing a school master or management team to oversee and direct the duties of the principal of the school in relation to the school until school performance improves and the school is released from intervention by the director, with the cost of the master or management team to be paid by the state; or

(6) If a school has received an unacceptable rating for a period of three consecutive years or more, the State Board of Education shall, subject to the provisions of subsection (f) of this Code section, implement one or more of the following interventions or sanctions: (A) Removal of school personnel on recommendation of the master or the school improvement team, including the principal and personnel whose performance has continued not to produce student achievement gains over a three-year period as a condition for continued receipt of state funds for administration; (B) Allow for the implementation of a state charter school through the designation by the State Board of Education; (C) Mandate the complete reconstitution of the school, removing all personnel, appointing a new principal, and hiring all new staff. Existing staff may reapply for employment at the newly reconstituted school but shall not be rehired if their performance regarding student achievement has been negative for the past three years; (D) Mandate that the parents have the option to relocate the student to other public schools in the local school system to be chosen by the parents of the student from a list of available options provided by the local school system. The local school system shall provide transportation for students in Title I schools in accordance with the requirements of federal law. The local school system may provide transportation for students in non-Title I schools. In any year in which the General Assembly does not appropriate funds for the provision of transportation to non-Title I students, the parent or guardian shall assume responsibility for the transportation of that student; (E) Mandate a monitor, master, or management team in the school that shall be paid by the district; (F) Continue the intensive student achievement improvement plan provided for in paragraph (3) of this subsection; or (G) Mandate a complete restructuring of the school's governance arrangement and internal organization of the school.

(6) If a school has received an unacceptable rating for a period of three consecutive years or more, the State Board of Education shall, subject to the provisions of subsection (f) of this Code section, implement one or more of the following interventions or sanctions:

(A) Removal of school personnel on recommendation of the master or the school improvement team, including the principal and personnel whose performance has continued not to produce student achievement gains over a three-year period as a condition for continued receipt of state funds for administration;

(A) Removal of school personnel on recommendation of the master or the school improvement team, including the principal and personnel whose performance has continued not to produce student achievement gains over a three-year period as a condition for continued receipt of state funds for administration;

(B) Allow for the implementation of a state charter school through the designation by the State Board of Education;

(B) Allow for the implementation of a state charter school through the designation by the State Board of Education;

(C) Mandate the complete reconstitution of the school, removing all personnel, appointing a new principal, and hiring all new staff. Existing staff may reapply for employment at the newly reconstituted school but shall not be rehired if their performance regarding student achievement has been negative for the past three years;

(C) Mandate the complete reconstitution of the school, removing all personnel, appointing a new principal, and hiring all new staff. Existing staff may reapply for employment at the newly reconstituted school but shall not be rehired if their performance regarding student achievement has been negative for the past three years;

(D) Mandate that the parents have the option to relocate the student to other public schools in the local school system to be chosen by the parents of the student from a list of available options provided by the local school system. The local school system shall provide transportation for students in Title I schools in accordance with the requirements of federal law. The local school system may provide transportation for students in non-Title I schools. In any year in which the General Assembly does not appropriate funds for the provision of transportation to non-Title I students, the parent or guardian shall assume responsibility for the transportation of that student;

(D) Mandate that the parents have the option to relocate the student to other public schools in the local school system to be chosen by the parents of the student from a list of available options provided by the local school system. The local school system shall provide transportation for students in Title I schools in accordance with the requirements of federal law. The local school system may provide transportation for students in non-Title I schools. In any year in which the General Assembly does not appropriate funds for the provision of transportation to non-Title I students, the parent or guardian shall assume responsibility for the transportation of that student;

(E) Mandate a monitor, master, or management team in the school that shall be paid by the district;

(E) Mandate a monitor, master, or management team in the school that shall be paid by the district;

(F) Continue the intensive student achievement improvement plan provided for in paragraph (3) of this subsection; or

(F) Continue the intensive student achievement improvement plan provided for in paragraph (3) of this subsection; or

(G) Mandate a complete restructuring of the school's governance arrangement and internal organization of the school.

(G) Mandate a complete restructuring of the school's governance arrangement and internal organization of the school.

(b) If a school has received an unacceptable rating for a period of two consecutive years or more, the following interventions shall be imposed, subject to the provisions of subsection (f) of this Code section, in accordance with rules and regulations established by the State Board of Education and in addition to any other interventions imposed by the State Board of Education pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section: (1) Mandated public school choice; (2) Specified maximum class sizes; and (3) Site based expenditure controls. At its discretion, the State Board of Education shall also be authorized to impose additional restrictions or mandates on schools subject to this subsection, as deemed appropriate by the State Board of Education and in accordance with its rules and regulations.

(b) If a school has received an unacceptable rating for a period of two consecutive years or more, the following interventions shall be imposed, subject to the provisions of subsection (f) of this Code section, in accordance with rules and regulations established by the State Board of Education and in addition to any other interventions imposed by the State Board of Education pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section:

(1) Mandated public school choice;

(1) Mandated public school choice;

(2) Specified maximum class sizes; and

(2) Specified maximum class sizes; and

(3) Site based expenditure controls.

(3) Site based expenditure controls.

At its discretion, the State Board of Education shall also be authorized to impose additional restrictions or mandates on schools subject to this subsection, as deemed appropriate by the State Board of Education and in accordance with its rules and regulations.

(c) The State Board of Education shall clearly define the powers and duties of a master or management team appointed to oversee the operations of a school.

(c) The State Board of Education shall clearly define the powers and duties of a master or management team appointed to oversee the operations of a school.

(d) A school improvement team appointed under this Code section may consist of currently employed or retired teachers, principals, other educational professionals, Department of Education school improvement employees, or local school superintendents recognized for excellence in their roles and appointed by the State Board of Education to serve as members of a team.

(d) A school improvement team appointed under this Code section may consist of currently employed or retired teachers, principals, other educational professionals, Department of Education school improvement employees, or local school superintendents recognized for excellence in their roles and appointed by the State Board of Education to serve as members of a team.

(e) The State Board of Education shall annually report by October 31 of each year the status of the interventions imposed on low-performing schools to the office with recommendations regarding ending, extending, or upgrading the interventions on those schools. The director shall review and respond to the report.

(e) The State Board of Education shall annually report by October 31 of each year the status of the interventions imposed on low-performing schools to the office with recommendations regarding ending, extending, or upgrading the interventions on those schools. The director shall review and respond to the report.

(f) Before the implementation of any interventions for a school that has received an unacceptable rating for two years or three years, the local board of education for such school shall have an opportunity to examine the data which form the basis for the intervention or interventions and to provide any correction, explanation, or supplement to such data. The department shall determine whether to accept or reject any revision in the data proposed by the local board. The department shall subsequently intervene or not in accordance with the department's determination of the data.

(f) Before the implementation of any interventions for a school that has received an unacceptable rating for two years or three years, the local board of education for such school shall have an opportunity to examine the data which form the basis for the intervention or interventions and to provide any correction, explanation, or supplement to such data. The department shall determine whether to accept or reject any revision in the data proposed by the local board. The department shall subsequently intervene or not in accordance with the department's determination of the data.

(g) A local board of education may request an opportunity for a hearing before the state board to show cause why an intervention or interventions should not be required. An intervention shall not be stayed pending the hearing or the determination of the state board. The determination of the state board shall be the final decision.

(g) A local board of education may request an opportunity for a hearing before the state board to show cause why an intervention or interventions should not be required. An intervention shall not be stayed pending the hearing or the determination of the state board. The determination of the state board shall be the final decision.

(h)(1) The Chief Turnaround Officer shall prepare an annual report detailing the schools that have received an unacceptable rating for one or more consecutive years and the interventions applied to each such school pursuant to this Code section. (2) The Chief Turnaround Officer shall provide the annual report no later than December 31 for the previous academic year to the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the chairpersons of the House Committee on Education and the Senate Education and Youth Committee, and the Education Turnaround Advisory Committee.

(h)(1) The Chief Turnaround Officer shall prepare an annual report detailing the schools that have received an unacceptable rating for one or more consecutive years and the interventions applied to each such school pursuant to this Code section.

(h)(1) The Chief Turnaround Officer shall prepare an annual report detailing the schools that have received an unacceptable rating for one or more consecutive years and the interventions applied to each such school pursuant to this Code section.

(2) The Chief Turnaround Officer shall provide the annual report no later than December 31 for the previous academic year to the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the chairpersons of the House Committee on Education and the Senate Education and Youth Committee, and the Education Turnaround Advisory Committee.

(2) The Chief Turnaround Officer shall provide the annual report no later than December 31 for the previous academic year to the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the chairpersons of the House Committee on Education and the Senate Education and Youth Committee, and the Education Turnaround Advisory Committee.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-2062 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-2062
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-2062
Status: in_force

As used in this article, the term:

(1) “ Charter ” means a performance based contract between a local board and a charter petitioner, the terms of which are approved by the local board and by the state board in the case of a local charter school; between the state board and a charter petitioner, the terms of which are approved by the state board in the case of a state chartered special school; or between a local board and the state board, the terms of which are approved by the state board in the case of a charter system. By entering into a charter, a charter petitioner and local board shall be deemed to have agreed to be bound to all the provisions of this article as if such terms were set forth in the charter.

(1) “ Charter ” means a performance based contract between a local board and a charter petitioner, the terms of which are approved by the local board and by the state board in the case of a local charter school; between the state board and a charter petitioner, the terms of which are approved by the state board in the case of a state chartered special school; or between a local board and the state board, the terms of which are approved by the state board in the case of a charter system. By entering into a charter, a charter petitioner and local board shall be deemed to have agreed to be bound to all the provisions of this article as if such terms were set forth in the charter.

(1.1) “ Charter attendance zone ” means all or any portion of the local school system in which the charter school is located and may include all or any portion of other local school systems if the charter school is jointly authorized pursuant to subsection (c) of Code Section 20-2-2063 .

(1.1) “ Charter attendance zone ” means all or any portion of the local school system in which the charter school is located and may include all or any portion of other local school systems if the charter school is jointly authorized pursuant to subsection (c) of Code Section 20-2-2063 .

(2) “ Charter petitioner ” means a local school, local board of education, private individual, private organization, or state or local public entity that submits or initiates a petition for a charter. The term ‘charter petitioner' does not include home study programs or schools, sectarian schools, religious schools, private for profit schools, private educational institutions not established, operated, or governed by the State of Georgia, or existing private schools. On and after July 1, 2013, a charter for a local charter school, if approved, shall be a three-party agreement between a charter petitioner, a local board of education, and the State Board of Education, and the charter petitioner for such local charter school shall be a party other than the local board of education.

(2) “ Charter petitioner ” means a local school, local board of education, private individual, private organization, or state or local public entity that submits or initiates a petition for a charter. The term ‘charter petitioner' does not include home study programs or schools, sectarian schools, religious schools, private for profit schools, private educational institutions not established, operated, or governed by the State of Georgia, or existing private schools. On and after July 1, 2013, a charter for a local charter school, if approved, shall be a three-party agreement between a charter petitioner, a local board of education, and the State Board of Education, and the charter petitioner for such local charter school shall be a party other than the local board of education.

(3) “ Charter school ” means a public school that: (A) Operates under the terms of a charter that is subject to the provisions of this article or Article 31A of this chapter; (B) Operates under the supervision and direction of a charter school governing board; (C) Has a school code assigned by the Department of Education; and (D) Is the subject of a school report card prepared and distributed by the Office of Student Achievement as provided in Code Section 20-14-34 .

(3) “ Charter school ” means a public school that:

(A) Operates under the terms of a charter that is subject to the provisions of this article or Article 31A of this chapter;

(A) Operates under the terms of a charter that is subject to the provisions of this article or Article 31A of this chapter;

(B) Operates under the supervision and direction of a charter school governing board;

(B) Operates under the supervision and direction of a charter school governing board;

(C) Has a school code assigned by the Department of Education; and

(C) Has a school code assigned by the Department of Education; and

(D) Is the subject of a school report card prepared and distributed by the Office of Student Achievement as provided in Code Section 20-14-34 .

(D) Is the subject of a school report card prepared and distributed by the Office of Student Achievement as provided in Code Section 20-14-34 .

(3.1) “ Charter school governing board ” or “ governing board ” means the governing board of the nonprofit organization that is involved in school-level governance of the local charter school and that is subject to the training requirements provided for in Code Section 20-2-2072 .

(3.1) “ Charter school governing board ” or “ governing board ” means the governing board of the nonprofit organization that is involved in school-level governance of the local charter school and that is subject to the training requirements provided for in Code Section 20-2-2072 .

(3.2) “ Charter system ” means a local school system that is operating under the terms of a charter pursuant to Code Section 20-2-2063.2 .

(3.2) “ Charter system ” means a local school system that is operating under the terms of a charter pursuant to Code Section 20-2-2063.2 .

(4) “ Conversion charter school ” means a charter school that existed as a local school prior to becoming a charter school.

(4) “ Conversion charter school ” means a charter school that existed as a local school prior to becoming a charter school.

(4.1) “ Educationally disadvantaged students ” means all or a subset of the following: students who are economically disadvantaged, students with disabilities, limited English proficient students, neglected or delinquent students, and homeless students, as each such subset is defined by the State Board of Education in accordance with federal education guidelines and regulations.

(4.1) “ Educationally disadvantaged students ” means all or a subset of the following: students who are economically disadvantaged, students with disabilities, limited English proficient students, neglected or delinquent students, and homeless students, as each such subset is defined by the State Board of Education in accordance with federal education guidelines and regulations.

(5) “ Faculty and instructional staff members ” means all certificated personnel assigned to the school on a full-time basis and all paraprofessionals assigned to the school on a full-time basis. The term “paraprofessional” shall have the same meaning as set out in Code Section 20-2-204 .

(5) “ Faculty and instructional staff members ” means all certificated personnel assigned to the school on a full-time basis and all paraprofessionals assigned to the school on a full-time basis. The term “paraprofessional” shall have the same meaning as set out in Code Section 20-2-204 .

(5.1) “ Governing council ” means a school level council of parents, teachers, administrators, and others who are involved in school level governance within a charter system.

(5.1) “ Governing council ” means a school level council of parents, teachers, administrators, and others who are involved in school level governance within a charter system.

(5.2) “ High school cluster ” means a high school and all of the middle and elementary schools which contain students who matriculate to such high school. The schools in a high school cluster may include charter schools, local schools, or a combination of both.

(5.2) “ High school cluster ” means a high school and all of the middle and elementary schools which contain students who matriculate to such high school. The schools in a high school cluster may include charter schools, local schools, or a combination of both.

(6) “ Local board ” means a county or independent board of education exercising control and management of a local school system pursuant to Article VIII, Section V, Paragraph II of the Constitution .

(6) “ Local board ” means a county or independent board of education exercising control and management of a local school system pursuant to Article VIII, Section V, Paragraph II of the Constitution .

(7) “ Local charter school ” means a conversion charter school or start-up charter school that is authorized by a local board and the state board to operate under the terms of a charter approved by the charter petitioner, the local board, and the state board.

(7) “ Local charter school ” means a conversion charter school or start-up charter school that is authorized by a local board and the state board to operate under the terms of a charter approved by the charter petitioner, the local board, and the state board.

(8) “ Local revenue ” means local taxes budgeted for school purposes in excess of the local five mill share, combined with any applicable equalization grant and budgeted revenues from any of the following: investment earnings, unrestricted donations, and the sale of surplus property; but exclusive of revenue from bonds issued for capital projects, revenue to pay debt service on such bonds and local option sales tax for capital projects. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prevent a local board from including a local charter school in projects specified in the ballot language of a local option sales tax or bond referendum.

(8) “ Local revenue ” means local taxes budgeted for school purposes in excess of the local five mill share, combined with any applicable equalization grant and budgeted revenues from any of the following: investment earnings, unrestricted donations, and the sale of surplus property; but exclusive of revenue from bonds issued for capital projects, revenue to pay debt service on such bonds and local option sales tax for capital projects. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prevent a local board from including a local charter school in projects specified in the ballot language of a local option sales tax or bond referendum.

(9) “ Local school ” means a public school in Georgia that is under the management and control of a local board.

(9) “ Local school ” means a public school in Georgia that is under the management and control of a local board.

(10) “ Local school system ” means the system of public schools established and maintained by a local board within its limits pursuant to Article VIII, Section V, Paragraph I of the Constitution .

(10) “ Local school system ” means the system of public schools established and maintained by a local board within its limits pursuant to Article VIII, Section V, Paragraph I of the Constitution .

(11) “ Petition ” means a proposal to establish a charter school or a charter system.

(11) “ Petition ” means a proposal to establish a charter school or a charter system.

(12) “ QBE formula earnings ” means funds earned for the Quality Basic Education Formula pursuant to Code Section 20-2-161 , including the portion of such funds that are calculated as the local five mill share in accordance with Code Section 20-2-164 .

(12) “ QBE formula earnings ” means funds earned for the Quality Basic Education Formula pursuant to Code Section 20-2-161 , including the portion of such funds that are calculated as the local five mill share in accordance with Code Section 20-2-164 .

(12.1) “ School level governance ” means decision-making authority in personnel decisions, financial decisions, curriculum and instruction, resource allocation, establishing and monitoring the achievement of school improvement goals, and school operations.

(12.1) “ School level governance ” means decision-making authority in personnel decisions, financial decisions, curriculum and instruction, resource allocation, establishing and monitoring the achievement of school improvement goals, and school operations.

(13) “ Special school ” means a school whose creation is authorized pursuant to Article VIII, Section V, Paragraph VII of the Constitution .

(13) “ Special school ” means a school whose creation is authorized pursuant to Article VIII, Section V, Paragraph VII of the Constitution .

(14) “ Start-up charter school ” means a charter school that did not exist as a local school prior to becoming a charter school.

(14) “ Start-up charter school ” means a charter school that did not exist as a local school prior to becoming a charter school.

(15) “ State board ” means the State Board of Education.

(15) “ State board ” means the State Board of Education.

(16) “ State chartered special school ” means a charter school created as a special school that is authorized by the state board to operate under the terms of a charter between the charter petitioner and the state board.

(16) “ State chartered special school ” means a charter school created as a special school that is authorized by the state board to operate under the terms of a charter between the charter petitioner and the state board.

(17) “ System charter school ” means a school within a charter system.

(17) “ System charter school ” means a school within a charter system.
O.C.G.A. § 20-1-16 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 1 / Section 20-1-16
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-1-16
Status: in_force

(a) A kinship caregiver shall be authorized, on behalf of a child residing with the kinship caregiver, which child is not in the custody of the Division of Family and Children Services of the Department of Human Services, to give legal consent for such child to: (1) Receive any educational services; (2) Receive medical services directly related to academic enrollment; or (3) Participate in any curricular or extracurricular activities for which parental consent is usually required by executing the affidavit described in Code Section 20-1-18 . The affidavit shall not be valid for more than one year after the date on which it is executed.

(a) A kinship caregiver shall be authorized, on behalf of a child residing with the kinship caregiver, which child is not in the custody of the Division of Family and Children Services of the Department of Human Services, to give legal consent for such child to:

(1) Receive any educational services;

(1) Receive any educational services;

(2) Receive medical services directly related to academic enrollment; or

(2) Receive medical services directly related to academic enrollment; or

(3) Participate in any curricular or extracurricular activities

(3) Participate in any curricular or extracurricular activities

for which parental consent is usually required by executing the affidavit described in Code Section 20-1-18 . The affidavit shall not be valid for more than one year after the date on which it is executed.

(b) Upon transmitting to a school an executed affidavit described in Code Section 20-1-18 , the kinship caregiver shall serve as the school's point of contact for the child regarding truancy, discipline, and educational progress for as long as such affidavit shall continue to be in effect.

(b) Upon transmitting to a school an executed affidavit described in Code Section 20-1-18 , the kinship caregiver shall serve as the school's point of contact for the child regarding truancy, discipline, and educational progress for as long as such affidavit shall continue to be in effect.

(c) The decision of a kinship caregiver to consent to or refuse educational services or medical services directly related to academic enrollment or any curricular or extracurricular activities for a child residing with the kinship caregiver shall be superseded by any contravening decision of a parent or a person having legal custody of the child, provided that the decision of the parent or legal custodian does not jeopardize the life, health, safety, or welfare of the child.

(c) The decision of a kinship caregiver to consent to or refuse educational services or medical services directly related to academic enrollment or any curricular or extracurricular activities for a child residing with the kinship caregiver shall be superseded by any contravening decision of a parent or a person having legal custody of the child, provided that the decision of the parent or legal custodian does not jeopardize the life, health, safety, or welfare of the child.

(d) Reasonable efforts shall be made by the kinship caregiver to locate at least one of the child's parents prior to the notarization and submission of the affidavit set forth in Code Section 20-1-18 .

(d) Reasonable efforts shall be made by the kinship caregiver to locate at least one of the child's parents prior to the notarization and submission of the affidavit set forth in Code Section 20-1-18 .

(e) Nothing in this Code section shall apply to, or give authority for, an abortion as provided in Code Section 15-11-682 or any other provision of law.

(e) Nothing in this Code section shall apply to, or give authority for, an abortion as provided in Code Section 15-11-682 or any other provision of law.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-221 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-221
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-221
Status: in_force

In the event that a local school system furloughs teachers and other school personnel during any school year, such furlough day shall be on a Monday or Friday or in conjunction with a holiday, unless the local board of education provides otherwise.
O.C.G.A. § 20-16-7 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 16 / Section 20-16-7
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-16-7
Status: reserved

(a) Subject to the limitations and procedures provided by this Code section and by Code Section 20-16-6 , the agreements or instruments executed by the authority may contain such provisions not inconsistent with law as shall be determined by the members of the authority.

(a) Subject to the limitations and procedures provided by this Code section and by Code Section 20-16-6 , the agreements or instruments executed by the authority may contain such provisions not inconsistent with law as shall be determined by the members of the authority.

(b) The proceeds derived from the sale of all bonds issued by the authority shall be held and used for the ultimate purpose of paying, directly or indirectly as permitted in this chapter, all or part of the cost of any project, or for the purpose of refunding any bonds or bond anticipation notes issued in accordance with this chapter.

(b) The proceeds derived from the sale of all bonds issued by the authority shall be held and used for the ultimate purpose of paying, directly or indirectly as permitted in this chapter, all or part of the cost of any project, or for the purpose of refunding any bonds or bond anticipation notes issued in accordance with this chapter.

(c) Issuance by the authority of one or more series of bonds or bond anticipation notes for one or more projects shall not preclude it from issuing other bonds in connection with the same project or with any other projects; but the proceeding wherein any subsequent bonds are issued shall recognize and protect any prior loan agreement, mortgage, deed to secure debt, trust deed, security agreement, or other agreement or instrument made for any prior issue of bonds, unless in the resolution authorizing such prior issue the right is expressly reserved to the authority to issue subsequent bonds on a parity with such prior issue.

(c) Issuance by the authority of one or more series of bonds or bond anticipation notes for one or more projects shall not preclude it from issuing other bonds in connection with the same project or with any other projects; but the proceeding wherein any subsequent bonds are issued shall recognize and protect any prior loan agreement, mortgage, deed to secure debt, trust deed, security agreement, or other agreement or instrument made for any prior issue of bonds, unless in the resolution authorizing such prior issue the right is expressly reserved to the authority to issue subsequent bonds on a parity with such prior issue.

(d) The authority shall have the power and is authorized, whenever bonds of the authority shall have been validated as provided in this chapter, to issue from time to time its notes in anticipation of such bonds as validated and to renew from time to time any such notes by the issuance of new notes, whether or not the notes to be renewed have matured. The authority may issue such bond anticipation notes only to provide funds which would otherwise be provided by the issuance of the bonds as validated. Such notes may be authorized, sold, executed, and delivered in the same manner as bonds. As with its bonds, the authority may sell such notes at public sale or at private sale. Any resolution or resolutions authorizing notes of the authority or any issue thereof may contain any provisions which the authority is authorized to include in any resolution or resolutions authorizing bonds of the authority or any issue thereof; and the authority may include in any notes any terms, covenants, or conditions which the authority is authorized to include in any bonds. Validation of such bonds shall be a condition precedent to the issuance of such notes, but it shall not be required that such notes be judicially validated. Bond anticipation notes shall not be issued in an amount exceeding the par value of the bonds in anticipation of which they are to be issued.

(d) The authority shall have the power and is authorized, whenever bonds of the authority shall have been validated as provided in this chapter, to issue from time to time its notes in anticipation of such bonds as validated and to renew from time to time any such notes by the issuance of new notes, whether or not the notes to be renewed have matured. The authority may issue such bond anticipation notes only to provide funds which would otherwise be provided by the issuance of the bonds as validated. Such notes may be authorized, sold, executed, and delivered in the same manner as bonds. As with its bonds, the authority may sell such notes at public sale or at private sale. Any resolution or resolutions authorizing notes of the authority or any issue thereof may contain any provisions which the authority is authorized to include in any resolution or resolutions authorizing bonds of the authority or any issue thereof; and the authority may include in any notes any terms, covenants, or conditions which the authority is authorized to include in any bonds. Validation of such bonds shall be a condition precedent to the issuance of such notes, but it shall not be required that such notes be judicially validated. Bond anticipation notes shall not be issued in an amount exceeding the par value of the bonds in anticipation of which they are to be issued.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-149-4 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-149-4
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-149.4
Status: in_force

(a) The State Board of Education shall adopt content standards for a minimum course of instruction in financial literacy to be completed by students in eleventh or twelfth grade.

(a) The State Board of Education shall adopt content standards for a minimum course of instruction in financial literacy to be completed by students in eleventh or twelfth grade.

(b) Beginning in the 2024--2025 school year, each local board of education shall require all students, as a condition of graduation, during their eleventh or twelfth grade years to complete at least a half-credit course in financial literacy which implements the minimum course of instruction based on the content standards prescribed pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section. Such course of instruction may be provided within the framework of existing coursework offered by a local school system. Such course of instruction shall be eligible to count toward a mathematics, social studies, or elective unit of credit requirement for graduation.

(b) Beginning in the 2024--2025 school year, each local board of education shall require all students, as a condition of graduation, during their eleventh or twelfth grade years to complete at least a half-credit course in financial literacy which implements the minimum course of instruction based on the content standards prescribed pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section. Such course of instruction may be provided within the framework of existing coursework offered by a local school system. Such course of instruction shall be eligible to count toward a mathematics, social studies, or elective unit of credit requirement for graduation.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-318 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-318
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-318
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this Code section, the term: (1) “ Immediate family ” shall mean a student-athlete's spouse, child, parent, stepparent, grandparent, grandchild, brother, sister, mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, nephew, niece, aunt, uncle, first cousin, and the spouses and guardians of any such individuals. (2) “ Person ” shall mean an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, firm, or any other legal or commercial entity. (3) “ Student-athlete ” shall mean a student at any public or private institution of postsecondary education in this state or a student residing in this state who has applied, is eligible to apply, or may be eligible to apply in the future to a public or private institution of postsecondary education who engages in, is eligible to engage in, or may be eligible to engage in any intercollegiate sporting event, contest, exhibition, or program.

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

(1) “ Immediate family ” shall mean a student-athlete's spouse, child, parent, stepparent, grandparent, grandchild, brother, sister, mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, nephew, niece, aunt, uncle, first cousin, and the spouses and guardians of any such individuals.

(1) “ Immediate family ” shall mean a student-athlete's spouse, child, parent, stepparent, grandparent, grandchild, brother, sister, mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, nephew, niece, aunt, uncle, first cousin, and the spouses and guardians of any such individuals.

(2) “ Person ” shall mean an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, firm, or any other legal or commercial entity.

(2) “ Person ” shall mean an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, firm, or any other legal or commercial entity.

(3) “ Student-athlete ” shall mean a student at any public or private institution of postsecondary education in this state or a student residing in this state who has applied, is eligible to apply, or may be eligible to apply in the future to a public or private institution of postsecondary education who engages in, is eligible to engage in, or may be eligible to engage in any intercollegiate sporting event, contest, exhibition, or program.

(3) “ Student-athlete ” shall mean a student at any public or private institution of postsecondary education in this state or a student residing in this state who has applied, is eligible to apply, or may be eligible to apply in the future to a public or private institution of postsecondary education who engages in, is eligible to engage in, or may be eligible to engage in any intercollegiate sporting event, contest, exhibition, or program.

(b) Each public and private institution of postsecondary education located in this state that participates or engages in intercollegiate athletics shall have a right of action against any person who engages in any activity concerning student-athletes that results in: (1) The institution being penalized, disqualified, or suspended from participation in intercollegiate athletics by a national association for the promotion and regulation of intercollegiate athletics, by an athletic conference or other sanctioning body, or by reasonable self-imposed disciplinary action taken by such institution to mitigate sanctions likely to be imposed by such organizations as a result of such activity; or (2) The student-athlete permanently or temporarily losing athletic scholarship eligibility, the ability to participate on an intercollegiate athletic team, or the ability to participate in one or more intercollegiate sporting competitions as sanctioned by a national association for the promotion and regulation of intercollegiate athletics, by an athletic conference or other sanctioning body, or by the institution itself as a reasonable self-imposed disciplinary action taken by such institution to mitigate sanctions likely to be imposed by such organizations as a result of engaging in such activity or as a violation of such institution's own rules. The institution shall be entitled to recover all damages which are directly related to or which flow from and are reasonably related to such improper activity and to such penalties, disqualifications, and suspensions. Damages shall include, but not be limited to, loss of scholarships, loss of television revenue, loss of bowl revenue, and legal and other fees associated with the investigation of the activity and the representation of the institution before the sanctioning organizations in connection with the investigation and resolution of such activity. If the institution is the prevailing party in its cause of action, it shall be entitled to an award of court costs, costs of litigation, and reasonable attorney's fees. The institution may also request and the court may enter an injunction against any person found liable from having any further contact with the institution, its student-athletes, and student-athletes who have expressed or might express an interest in attending the institution and from attending athletic contests, exhibitions, games, or other such events in which one or more of the institution's student-athletes is participating. The right of action and remedies under this Code section are in addition to all other rights of action which may be available to the institution.

(b) Each public and private institution of postsecondary education located in this state that participates or engages in intercollegiate athletics shall have a right of action against any person who engages in any activity concerning student-athletes that results in:

(1) The institution being penalized, disqualified, or suspended from participation in intercollegiate athletics by a national association for the promotion and regulation of intercollegiate athletics, by an athletic conference or other sanctioning body, or by reasonable self-imposed disciplinary action taken by such institution to mitigate sanctions likely to be imposed by such organizations as a result of such activity; or

(1) The institution being penalized, disqualified, or suspended from participation in intercollegiate athletics by a national association for the promotion and regulation of intercollegiate athletics, by an athletic conference or other sanctioning body, or by reasonable self-imposed disciplinary action taken by such institution to mitigate sanctions likely to be imposed by such organizations as a result of such activity; or

(2) The student-athlete permanently or temporarily losing athletic scholarship eligibility, the ability to participate on an intercollegiate athletic team, or the ability to participate in one or more intercollegiate sporting competitions as sanctioned by a national association for the promotion and regulation of intercollegiate athletics, by an athletic conference or other sanctioning body, or by the institution itself as a reasonable self-imposed disciplinary action taken by such institution to mitigate sanctions likely to be imposed by such organizations as a result of engaging in such activity or as a violation of such institution's own rules.

(2) The student-athlete permanently or temporarily losing athletic scholarship eligibility, the ability to participate on an intercollegiate athletic team, or the ability to participate in one or more intercollegiate sporting competitions as sanctioned by a national association for the promotion and regulation of intercollegiate athletics, by an athletic conference or other sanctioning body, or by the institution itself as a reasonable self-imposed disciplinary action taken by such institution to mitigate sanctions likely to be imposed by such organizations as a result of engaging in such activity or as a violation of such institution's own rules.

The institution shall be entitled to recover all damages which are directly related to or which flow from and are reasonably related to such improper activity and to such penalties, disqualifications, and suspensions. Damages shall include, but not be limited to, loss of scholarships, loss of television revenue, loss of bowl revenue, and legal and other fees associated with the investigation of the activity and the representation of the institution before the sanctioning organizations in connection with the investigation and resolution of such activity. If the institution is the prevailing party in its cause of action, it shall be entitled to an award of court costs, costs of litigation, and reasonable attorney's fees. The institution may also request and the court may enter an injunction against any person found liable from having any further contact with the institution, its student-athletes, and student-athletes who have expressed or might express an interest in attending the institution and from attending athletic contests, exhibitions, games, or other such events in which one or more of the institution's student-athletes is participating. The right of action and remedies under this Code section are in addition to all other rights of action which may be available to the institution.
O.C.G.A. § 20-16-17 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 16 / Section 20-16-17
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-16-17
Status: in_force

This chapter, being for the welfare of the state and its inhabitants, shall be liberally construed to effect its purposes.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-694 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-694
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-694
Status: in_force

It shall be the duty of each county and independent school system board of education, each local school superintendent within the state, and the Department of Education to administer this subpart and to secure its enforcement in cooperation with the other state and county agencies and in cooperation with the administrators of private schools and parents or guardians providing a home study program. The Department of Education shall coordinate with boards of education and local school superintendents regarding administration of this part with respect to students in home study programs.
O.C.G.A. § 20-3-351 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 3 / Section 20-3-351
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-3-351
Status: in_force

(a) The authority is authorized to provide for the issuance of refunding obligations for the purpose of refunding any obligations then outstanding which shall have been issued under this subpart, including the payment of any redemption premium thereon and any interest accrued or to accrue to the date of redemption of such obligations and, if deemed advisable by the authority, for any corporate purpose of the authority provided for in this subpart, except to the extent that the issuance of any such refunding obligations is limited or made subject to conditions under any resolution, trust indenture, or other agreement with holders of outstanding obligations of the authority. The issuance of such obligations, the maturities and other details thereof, the rights of the holders thereof, and the rights, duties, and obligations of the authority in respect thereof shall be governed by the provisions of this subpart which relate to the issuance of obligations, insofar as such provisions may be appropriate.

(a) The authority is authorized to provide for the issuance of refunding obligations for the purpose of refunding any obligations then outstanding which shall have been issued under this subpart, including the payment of any redemption premium thereon and any interest accrued or to accrue to the date of redemption of such obligations and, if deemed advisable by the authority, for any corporate purpose of the authority provided for in this subpart, except to the extent that the issuance of any such refunding obligations is limited or made subject to conditions under any resolution, trust indenture, or other agreement with holders of outstanding obligations of the authority. The issuance of such obligations, the maturities and other details thereof, the rights of the holders thereof, and the rights, duties, and obligations of the authority in respect thereof shall be governed by the provisions of this subpart which relate to the issuance of obligations, insofar as such provisions may be appropriate.

(b) Such refunding obligations may be sold or exchanged for outstanding obligations issued under this subpart; and, if sold, their proceeds may be applied, in addition to any other authorized purposes, to the purchase, redemption, or payment of such outstanding obligations. Pending the application of the proceeds of any such refunding obligations together with any other available funds to the payment of: (1) The principal, accrued interest, and any redemption premium on the obligations being refunded; (2) Any interest on such refunding obligations, if so provided or permitted in the resolution authorizing the issuance of such refunding obligations or in the trust indenture securing them; and (3) Any expenses in connection with such refunding; such proceeds may be invested in direct obligations of, or obligations the principal of which and the interest on which are unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States which shall mature or which shall be subject to redemption by their holders at the option of such holders, not later than the respective dates when the proceeds, together with the interest accruing thereon, will be required for the purposes intended.

(b) Such refunding obligations may be sold or exchanged for outstanding obligations issued under this subpart; and, if sold, their proceeds may be applied, in addition to any other authorized purposes, to the purchase, redemption, or payment of such outstanding obligations. Pending the application of the proceeds of any such refunding obligations together with any other available funds to the payment of:

(1) The principal, accrued interest, and any redemption premium on the obligations being refunded;

(1) The principal, accrued interest, and any redemption premium on the obligations being refunded;

(2) Any interest on such refunding obligations, if so provided or permitted in the resolution authorizing the issuance of such refunding obligations or in the trust indenture securing them; and

(2) Any interest on such refunding obligations, if so provided or permitted in the resolution authorizing the issuance of such refunding obligations or in the trust indenture securing them; and

(3) Any expenses in connection with such refunding;

(3) Any expenses in connection with such refunding;

such proceeds may be invested in direct obligations of, or obligations the principal of which and the interest on which are unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States which shall mature or which shall be subject to redemption by their holders at the option of such holders, not later than the respective dates when the proceeds, together with the interest accruing thereon, will be required for the purposes intended.
O.C.G.A. § 20-3-485 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 3 / Section 20-3-485
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-3-485
Status: in_force

As used in this subpart, the term:

(1) “ Approved school ” means a school which is a unit of the University System of Georgia or a branch of the Technical College System of Georgia or a private independent nonprofit postsecondary institution eligible for HOPE Scholarships or grants in accordance with the provisions of Code Sections 20-3-519 through 20-3-519.12 .

(1) “ Approved school ” means a school which is a unit of the University System of Georgia or a branch of the Technical College System of Georgia or a private independent nonprofit postsecondary institution eligible for HOPE Scholarships or grants in accordance with the provisions of Code Sections 20-3-519 through 20-3-519.12 .

(2) “ Eligible student ” means a person who: (A)(i) Is enrolled as a full-time or part-time student in an approved school; (ii) Meets residency requirements to be classified as a legal resident of Georgia as established pursuant to regulations of the authority and who remains a citizen of the state while receiving funds under this subpart; and (iii) Is a member of the Georgia National Guard as such term is defined in Code Section 38-2-3 or a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, which member has completed at least one qualifying term of service; (B) Is a child: (i) Whose parent was a member of the Georgia National Guard as such term is defined in Code Section 38-2-3 or a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including a deceased member, which member completed at least one qualifying term of service; (ii) Who was born prior to such qualifying term of service or within nine months of the beginning of such qualifying term of service; and (iii) Is 25 years of age or younger who is enrolled as a full-time or part-time student in an approved school; (C) Is a surviving spouse of a deceased member of the Georgia National Guard as such term is defined in Code Section 38-2-3 who was killed or sustained a 100 percent disability in a combat zone or as a result of injuries received in a combat zone, which member completed at least one qualifying term of service; or (D) Is a surviving spouse of a deceased member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States who was killed or sustained a 100 percent disability in a combat zone or as a result of injuries received in a combat zone, which member completed at least one qualifying term of service.

(2) “ Eligible student ” means a person who:

(A)(i) Is enrolled as a full-time or part-time student in an approved school; (ii) Meets residency requirements to be classified as a legal resident of Georgia as established pursuant to regulations of the authority and who remains a citizen of the state while receiving funds under this subpart; and (iii) Is a member of the Georgia National Guard as such term is defined in Code Section 38-2-3 or a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, which member has completed at least one qualifying term of service;

(A)(i) Is enrolled as a full-time or part-time student in an approved school;

(A)(i) Is enrolled as a full-time or part-time student in an approved school;

(ii) Meets residency requirements to be classified as a legal resident of Georgia as established pursuant to regulations of the authority and who remains a citizen of the state while receiving funds under this subpart; and

(ii) Meets residency requirements to be classified as a legal resident of Georgia as established pursuant to regulations of the authority and who remains a citizen of the state while receiving funds under this subpart; and

(iii) Is a member of the Georgia National Guard as such term is defined in Code Section 38-2-3 or a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, which member has completed at least one qualifying term of service;

(iii) Is a member of the Georgia National Guard as such term is defined in Code Section 38-2-3 or a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, which member has completed at least one qualifying term of service;

(B) Is a child: (i) Whose parent was a member of the Georgia National Guard as such term is defined in Code Section 38-2-3 or a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including a deceased member, which member completed at least one qualifying term of service; (ii) Who was born prior to such qualifying term of service or within nine months of the beginning of such qualifying term of service; and (iii) Is 25 years of age or younger who is enrolled as a full-time or part-time student in an approved school;

(B) Is a child:

(i) Whose parent was a member of the Georgia National Guard as such term is defined in Code Section 38-2-3 or a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including a deceased member, which member completed at least one qualifying term of service;

(i) Whose parent was a member of the Georgia National Guard as such term is defined in Code Section 38-2-3 or a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including a deceased member, which member completed at least one qualifying term of service;

(ii) Who was born prior to such qualifying term of service or within nine months of the beginning of such qualifying term of service; and

(ii) Who was born prior to such qualifying term of service or within nine months of the beginning of such qualifying term of service; and

(iii) Is 25 years of age or younger who is enrolled as a full-time or part-time student in an approved school;

(iii) Is 25 years of age or younger who is enrolled as a full-time or part-time student in an approved school;

(C) Is a surviving spouse of a deceased member of the Georgia National Guard as such term is defined in Code Section 38-2-3 who was killed or sustained a 100 percent disability in a combat zone or as a result of injuries received in a combat zone, which member completed at least one qualifying term of service; or

(C) Is a surviving spouse of a deceased member of the Georgia National Guard as such term is defined in Code Section 38-2-3 who was killed or sustained a 100 percent disability in a combat zone or as a result of injuries received in a combat zone, which member completed at least one qualifying term of service; or

(D) Is a surviving spouse of a deceased member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States who was killed or sustained a 100 percent disability in a combat zone or as a result of injuries received in a combat zone, which member completed at least one qualifying term of service.

(D) Is a surviving spouse of a deceased member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States who was killed or sustained a 100 percent disability in a combat zone or as a result of injuries received in a combat zone, which member completed at least one qualifying term of service.

(3) “ Georgia HERO Scholarship ” means a Georgia Helping Educate Reservists and their Offspring Scholarship grant as provided for in Code Section 20-3-486 .

(3) “ Georgia HERO Scholarship ” means a Georgia Helping Educate Reservists and their Offspring Scholarship grant as provided for in Code Section 20-3-486 .

(4) “ Parent ” means the biological parent, adoptive parent, or legal guardian of a person 25 years of age or younger during the qualifying term of service.

(4) “ Parent ” means the biological parent, adoptive parent, or legal guardian of a person 25 years of age or younger during the qualifying term of service.

(5) “ Qualifying term of service ” means deployment overseas for active service on or after February 1, 2003, to a location or locations outside of the United States and its territories designated by the United States Department of Defense as a combat zone for a cumulative period of at least 181 days or, in the case of an individual who is killed or receives a 100 percent disability as a result of injuries received in such combat zone, any period of time on active service in such combat zone; provided, however, that any person who fails to serve the full 181 consecutive days because he or she was evacuated from the combat zone due to severe injuries shall be deemed to have completed a qualifying term of service.

(5) “ Qualifying term of service ” means deployment overseas for active service on or after February 1, 2003, to a location or locations outside of the United States and its territories designated by the United States Department of Defense as a combat zone for a cumulative period of at least 181 days or, in the case of an individual who is killed or receives a 100 percent disability as a result of injuries received in such combat zone, any period of time on active service in such combat zone; provided, however, that any person who fails to serve the full 181 consecutive days because he or she was evacuated from the combat zone due to severe injuries shall be deemed to have completed a qualifying term of service.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-57 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-57
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-57
Status: in_force

(a) Unless otherwise provided by local law or, in the absence of local law, by local board policy, upon being called together by one of their number, the members of the local board shall organize by selecting one of their number as chairperson to serve as such during the term for which that person was chosen as a member of the local board. The local school superintendent shall act as secretary of the local board, ex officio. A majority of the local board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The votes of a majority of the members present shall be necessary for the transaction of any business or discharge of any duties of the local board of education, provided there is a quorum present. Any action taken by less than a majority of the board members may be rescinded by a majority of the board members at the next regular meeting or within 30 days of such action, whichever is later. It shall be the duty of the superintendent as secretary to be present at the meetings of the local board, to keep the minutes of its meetings and make a permanent record of them, and to do any other clerical work it may direct the superintendent to do. The superintendent shall cause to be recorded in a book, to be provided for the purpose, all official proceedings of the local board, which shall be a public record open to the inspection of any person interested therein; and all such proceedings, when so recorded, shall be signed by the chairperson and countersigned by the secretary.

(a) Unless otherwise provided by local law or, in the absence of local law, by local board policy, upon being called together by one of their number, the members of the local board shall organize by selecting one of their number as chairperson to serve as such during the term for which that person was chosen as a member of the local board. The local school superintendent shall act as secretary of the local board, ex officio. A majority of the local board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The votes of a majority of the members present shall be necessary for the transaction of any business or discharge of any duties of the local board of education, provided there is a quorum present. Any action taken by less than a majority of the board members may be rescinded by a majority of the board members at the next regular meeting or within 30 days of such action, whichever is later. It shall be the duty of the superintendent as secretary to be present at the meetings of the local board, to keep the minutes of its meetings and make a permanent record of them, and to do any other clerical work it may direct the superintendent to do. The superintendent shall cause to be recorded in a book, to be provided for the purpose, all official proceedings of the local board, which shall be a public record open to the inspection of any person interested therein; and all such proceedings, when so recorded, shall be signed by the chairperson and countersigned by the secretary.

(b) Pursuant to the authority of this subsection, any local board of education whose chairperson is required to be a member of that board who is elected at large from its school district, when such requirement is imposed by the terms of a local law which became effective before this subsection may become effective under the Voting Rights Act of 1965, 1 as amended, shall continue to have as its chairperson that same member who is elected at large as designated by that local law, unless thereafter changed by local law.

(b) Pursuant to the authority of this subsection, any local board of education whose chairperson is required to be a member of that board who is elected at large from its school district, when such requirement is imposed by the terms of a local law which became effective before this subsection may become effective under the Voting Rights Act of 1965, 1 as amended, shall continue to have as its chairperson that same member who is elected at large as designated by that local law, unless thereafter changed by local law.

1 42 U.S.C.A. § 1973 et seq.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-251 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-251
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-251
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this Code section, the term: (1) “ Department ” means the Department of Education. (1.1) “ High-need subject area ” means one of the three content areas for which there are the greatest percentages of unfilled positions for classroom teachers in a RESA service area as determined annually for each RESA service area by the department based upon a five-year average review of a survey reported by local school systems to the department. (2) “ Participating local school system ” means a local school system that participates in the program by receiving grant money from the state and disbursing it to participating teachers. (3) “ Participating school ” means a qualifying public school that has been selected by the department to participate in the program. (4) “ Participating teacher ” means a teacher, as defined in subsection (a) of Code Section 20-2-942 , who is eligible to participate and does participate in the program. (5) “ Postsecondary educational institution ” means a school which is: (A) A unit of the University System of Georgia, including any college or university under the government, control, and management of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia; or (B) An independent or private college or university located in Georgia and eligible to be deemed an approved school as defined in paragraph (2) of Code Section 20-3-411 . (6) “ Program ” means the teacher recruitment and retention program provided for in this Code section. (7) “ Qualifying public school ” means a public school that is located in a rural territory in this state or a school that has performed in the lowest 5 percent of schools in this state as identified in accordance with the state-wide accountability system established in the state plan pursuant to the federal Every Student Succeeds Act. (8) “ Recently hired ” means a teacher, whether a new or experienced teacher, who has accepted his or her first school year contract to teach at a qualifying public school for the 2021--2022 school year, for the current school year, or for the immediately upcoming school year. (9) “ Rural territory ” means territory that is more than five miles from the nearest “urbanized area” and more than two and one-half miles from the nearest “urban cluster” as such terms are defined in OMB Standards for Defining Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas, 65 Fed. Reg. 82238 . (10) “ School year contract ” means a contract of full-time employment between a teacher and a local board of education covering a full school year. A contract of employment for a portion of a school year shall not be counted as a school year contract, nor shall contracts of employment for portions of a school year be cumulated and treated as a school year contract. A contract of employment for any time outside a school year shall not be counted as a school year contract, nor shall contracts of employment for time outside a school year be cumulated and treated as a school year contract. A school year contract is deemed included within a contract of full-time employment between a teacher and a local board of education covering a full calendar or fiscal year. (11) “ State board ” means the State Board of Education.

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

(1) “ Department ” means the Department of Education.

(1) “ Department ” means the Department of Education.

(1.1) “ High-need subject area ” means one of the three content areas for which there are the greatest percentages of unfilled positions for classroom teachers in a RESA service area as determined annually for each RESA service area by the department based upon a five-year average review of a survey reported by local school systems to the department.

(1.1) “ High-need subject area ” means one of the three content areas for which there are the greatest percentages of unfilled positions for classroom teachers in a RESA service area as determined annually for each RESA service area by the department based upon a five-year average review of a survey reported by local school systems to the department.

(2) “ Participating local school system ” means a local school system that participates in the program by receiving grant money from the state and disbursing it to participating teachers.

(2) “ Participating local school system ” means a local school system that participates in the program by receiving grant money from the state and disbursing it to participating teachers.

(3) “ Participating school ” means a qualifying public school that has been selected by the department to participate in the program.

(3) “ Participating school ” means a qualifying public school that has been selected by the department to participate in the program.

(4) “ Participating teacher ” means a teacher, as defined in subsection (a) of Code Section 20-2-942 , who is eligible to participate and does participate in the program.

(4) “ Participating teacher ” means a teacher, as defined in subsection (a) of Code Section 20-2-942 , who is eligible to participate and does participate in the program.

(5) “ Postsecondary educational institution ” means a school which is: (A) A unit of the University System of Georgia, including any college or university under the government, control, and management of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia; or (B) An independent or private college or university located in Georgia and eligible to be deemed an approved school as defined in paragraph (2) of Code Section 20-3-411 .

(5) “ Postsecondary educational institution ” means a school which is:

(A) A unit of the University System of Georgia, including any college or university under the government, control, and management of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia; or

(A) A unit of the University System of Georgia, including any college or university under the government, control, and management of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia; or

(B) An independent or private college or university located in Georgia and eligible to be deemed an approved school as defined in paragraph (2) of Code Section 20-3-411 .

(B) An independent or private college or university located in Georgia and eligible to be deemed an approved school as defined in paragraph (2) of Code Section 20-3-411 .

(6) “ Program ” means the teacher recruitment and retention program provided for in this Code section.

(6) “ Program ” means the teacher recruitment and retention program provided for in this Code section.

(7) “ Qualifying public school ” means a public school that is located in a rural territory in this state or a school that has performed in the lowest 5 percent of schools in this state as identified in accordance with the state-wide accountability system established in the state plan pursuant to the federal Every Student Succeeds Act.

(7) “ Qualifying public school ” means a public school that is located in a rural territory in this state or a school that has performed in the lowest 5 percent of schools in this state as identified in accordance with the state-wide accountability system established in the state plan pursuant to the federal Every Student Succeeds Act.

(8) “ Recently hired ” means a teacher, whether a new or experienced teacher, who has accepted his or her first school year contract to teach at a qualifying public school for the 2021--2022 school year, for the current school year, or for the immediately upcoming school year.

(8) “ Recently hired ” means a teacher, whether a new or experienced teacher, who has accepted his or her first school year contract to teach at a qualifying public school for the 2021--2022 school year, for the current school year, or for the immediately upcoming school year.

(9) “ Rural territory ” means territory that is more than five miles from the nearest “urbanized area” and more than two and one-half miles from the nearest “urban cluster” as such terms are defined in OMB Standards for Defining Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas, 65 Fed. Reg. 82238 .

(9) “ Rural territory ” means territory that is more than five miles from the nearest “urbanized area” and more than two and one-half miles from the nearest “urban cluster” as such terms are defined in OMB Standards for Defining Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas, 65 Fed. Reg. 82238 .

(10) “ School year contract ” means a contract of full-time employment between a teacher and a local board of education covering a full school year. A contract of employment for a portion of a school year shall not be counted as a school year contract, nor shall contracts of employment for portions of a school year be cumulated and treated as a school year contract. A contract of employment for any time outside a school year shall not be counted as a school year contract, nor shall contracts of employment for time outside a school year be cumulated and treated as a school year contract. A school year contract is deemed included within a contract of full-time employment between a teacher and a local board of education covering a full calendar or fiscal year.

(10) “ School year contract ” means a contract of full-time employment between a teacher and a local board of education covering a full school year. A contract of employment for a portion of a school year shall not be counted as a school year contract, nor shall contracts of employment for portions of a school year be cumulated and treated as a school year contract. A contract of employment for any time outside a school year shall not be counted as a school year contract, nor shall contracts of employment for time outside a school year be cumulated and treated as a school year contract. A school year contract is deemed included within a contract of full-time employment between a teacher and a local board of education covering a full calendar or fiscal year.

(11) “ State board ” means the State Board of Education.

(11) “ State board ” means the State Board of Education.

(b) The state board shall establish a teacher recruitment and retention program. The purpose of such program shall be to encourage both new and experienced teachers to seek employment with qualifying public schools in high-need subject areas by providing for a tax credit as provided for in Code Section 48-7-29.23 to each participating teacher in the amount of $3,000.00 per school year for no more than five school years, which must be consecutive, subject to conditions as provided for in this Code section. The state board is authorized to promulgate rules, regulations, policies, and procedures appropriate and necessary to implement and administer this program.

(b) The state board shall establish a teacher recruitment and retention program. The purpose of such program shall be to encourage both new and experienced teachers to seek employment with qualifying public schools in high-need subject areas by providing for a tax credit as provided for in Code Section 48-7-29.23 to each participating teacher in the amount of $3,000.00 per school year for no more than five school years, which must be consecutive, subject to conditions as provided for in this Code section. The state board is authorized to promulgate rules, regulations, policies, and procedures appropriate and necessary to implement and administer this program.

(c)(1) By October 1 of each year, the department shall determine which public schools in this state are qualifying public schools and shall publish a list of all qualifying public schools on the department's website. For purposes of the program, a school that has been designated as a qualifying public school shall be eligible for selection as a participating school for the current school year and for at least the immediately upcoming school year. The department shall develop criteria for the selection of no more than 100 participating schools from the total number of qualifying public schools and shall publish such selection criteria simultaneously with the publication of the list of qualifying public schools on the department's website; provided, however, that such criteria shall include prioritizing qualifying public schools with teacher vacancies in high-need subject areas. (2) By December 1 of each year, the department shall select no more than 100 participating schools and shall publish a list of all participating schools on the department's website. At this time, the department shall also publish a list of the high-need subject areas as determined for each RESA service area. A school that has been designated as a participating school shall be eligible to participate in the program for the current school year and for at least the immediately upcoming school year. The department shall determine the total number of participating teachers authorized for each participating school, as well as the high-need subject areas, which may be filled for each participating school. (3) The department is authorized to receive applications from teachers who meet the eligibility criteria provided for in subsection (e) of this Code section and is authorized to share with participating local school systems and participating schools such applications and related materials submitted by teachers. (4) The department is authorized to provide guidance and technical assistance to teachers, participating schools, and local school systems with participating schools regarding the program.

(c)(1) By October 1 of each year, the department shall determine which public schools in this state are qualifying public schools and shall publish a list of all qualifying public schools on the department's website. For purposes of the program, a school that has been designated as a qualifying public school shall be eligible for selection as a participating school for the current school year and for at least the immediately upcoming school year. The department shall develop criteria for the selection of no more than 100 participating schools from the total number of qualifying public schools and shall publish such selection criteria simultaneously with the publication of the list of qualifying public schools on the department's website; provided, however, that such criteria shall include prioritizing qualifying public schools with teacher vacancies in high-need subject areas.

(c)(1) By October 1 of each year, the department shall determine which public schools in this state are qualifying public schools and shall publish a list of all qualifying public schools on the department's website. For purposes of the program, a school that has been designated as a qualifying public school shall be eligible for selection as a participating school for the current school year and for at least the immediately upcoming school year. The department shall develop criteria for the selection of no more than 100 participating schools from the total number of qualifying public schools and shall publish such selection criteria simultaneously with the publication of the list of qualifying public schools on the department's website; provided, however, that such criteria shall include prioritizing qualifying public schools with teacher vacancies in high-need subject areas.

(2) By December 1 of each year, the department shall select no more than 100 participating schools and shall publish a list of all participating schools on the department's website. At this time, the department shall also publish a list of the high-need subject areas as determined for each RESA service area. A school that has been designated as a participating school shall be eligible to participate in the program for the current school year and for at least the immediately upcoming school year. The department shall determine the total number of participating teachers authorized for each participating school, as well as the high-need subject areas, which may be filled for each participating school.

(2) By December 1 of each year, the department shall select no more than 100 participating schools and shall publish a list of all participating schools on the department's website. At this time, the department shall also publish a list of the high-need subject areas as determined for each RESA service area. A school that has been designated as a participating school shall be eligible to participate in the program for the current school year and for at least the immediately upcoming school year. The department shall determine the total number of participating teachers authorized for each participating school, as well as the high-need subject areas, which may be filled for each participating school.

(3) The department is authorized to receive applications from teachers who meet the eligibility criteria provided for in subsection (e) of this Code section and is authorized to share with participating local school systems and participating schools such applications and related materials submitted by teachers.

(3) The department is authorized to receive applications from teachers who meet the eligibility criteria provided for in subsection (e) of this Code section and is authorized to share with participating local school systems and participating schools such applications and related materials submitted by teachers.

(4) The department is authorized to provide guidance and technical assistance to teachers, participating schools, and local school systems with participating schools regarding the program.

(4) The department is authorized to provide guidance and technical assistance to teachers, participating schools, and local school systems with participating schools regarding the program.

(d) The Office of Student Achievement, in consultation with the department, shall establish program objectives and shall annually measure and evaluate the program. Beginning with the 2023--2024 school year, by December 1 of each year, the Office of Student Achievement shall provide to the Governor, to the House Education Committee and the Senate Committee on Education and Youth, and to the state board a report covering the immediately preceding school year and including, at a minimum, the following information: (1) The positions filled by participating teachers with corresponding information regarding the subject matter and grade or grades taught; and (2) The length of time participating teachers have been participating in the program.

(d) The Office of Student Achievement, in consultation with the department, shall establish program objectives and shall annually measure and evaluate the program. Beginning with the 2023--2024 school year, by December 1 of each year, the Office of Student Achievement shall provide to the Governor, to the House Education Committee and the Senate Committee on Education and Youth, and to the state board a report covering the immediately preceding school year and including, at a minimum, the following information:

(1) The positions filled by participating teachers with corresponding information regarding the subject matter and grade or grades taught; and

(1) The positions filled by participating teachers with corresponding information regarding the subject matter and grade or grades taught; and

(2) The length of time participating teachers have been participating in the program.

(2) The length of time participating teachers have been participating in the program.

(e)(1) In order to be eligible to participate in the program, a teacher shall: (A) Have been recently hired to teach in a high-need subject area at a participating school; (B) Have attained a bachelor's degree in education from a postsecondary educational institution with a teacher certification program approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission; and (C) Hold a valid five-year induction or professional certificate issued by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. (2) Teachers who meet the eligibility criteria provided for in paragraph (1) of this subsection and who wish to participate in the program shall submit to the department a completed application to participate in the program, on a form and in a manner prescribed by the department. Each application shall, at a minimum, include: (A) A copy of the teacher's school year contract to teach at a participating school; and (B) Written verification from the principal or other school personnel of the participating school that the teacher was recently hired as defined in this Code section. (3)(A) Eligible teachers who complete the application process prescribed by the department shall be accepted to participate in the program on annual basis, subject to continuation of the program and the provisions of subsection (g) of this Code section and except for good cause shown by the department. (B) A teacher who is accepted by the department to participate in the program shall be allowed to continue as a participating teacher in the program on an annual basis for up to five school years, which must be consecutive, provided that he or she remains employed pursuant to a school year contract as a teacher at the same school continuously, regardless of whether the school remains a participating or qualifying public school and regardless of whether the participating teacher's subject area remains a high-need subject area, and subject to continuation of the program and the provisions of subsection (g) of this Code section and except for good cause shown by the department. (C) A participating teacher who is involuntarily transferred to another school within the same participating local school system shall be eligible to continue participating in the program on the same terms and conditions as provided in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph. A participating teacher who voluntarily transfers to another school shall not be eligible to continue participating in the program effective immediately upon the transfer. (D) A participating teacher who receives an annual summative performance evaluation rating of “Ineffective,” as provided for in Code Section 20-2-210 , shall be permanently ineligible to participate in the program upon the conclusion of the school year in which he or she received such rating. (E) A participating teacher who lawfully takes a leave of absence pursuant to any state or federal law shall retain eligibility to continue participating in the program provided he or she remains employed pursuant to a school year contract as a teacher at the same school continuously.

(e)(1) In order to be eligible to participate in the program, a teacher shall: (A) Have been recently hired to teach in a high-need subject area at a participating school; (B) Have attained a bachelor's degree in education from a postsecondary educational institution with a teacher certification program approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission; and (C) Hold a valid five-year induction or professional certificate issued by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

(e)(1) In order to be eligible to participate in the program, a teacher shall:

(A) Have been recently hired to teach in a high-need subject area at a participating school;

(A) Have been recently hired to teach in a high-need subject area at a participating school;

(B) Have attained a bachelor's degree in education from a postsecondary educational institution with a teacher certification program approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission; and

(B) Have attained a bachelor's degree in education from a postsecondary educational institution with a teacher certification program approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission; and

(C) Hold a valid five-year induction or professional certificate issued by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

(C) Hold a valid five-year induction or professional certificate issued by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

(2) Teachers who meet the eligibility criteria provided for in paragraph (1) of this subsection and who wish to participate in the program shall submit to the department a completed application to participate in the program, on a form and in a manner prescribed by the department. Each application shall, at a minimum, include: (A) A copy of the teacher's school year contract to teach at a participating school; and (B) Written verification from the principal or other school personnel of the participating school that the teacher was recently hired as defined in this Code section.

(2) Teachers who meet the eligibility criteria provided for in paragraph (1) of this subsection and who wish to participate in the program shall submit to the department a completed application to participate in the program, on a form and in a manner prescribed by the department. Each application shall, at a minimum, include:

(A) A copy of the teacher's school year contract to teach at a participating school; and

(A) A copy of the teacher's school year contract to teach at a participating school; and

(B) Written verification from the principal or other school personnel of the participating school that the teacher was recently hired as defined in this Code section.

(B) Written verification from the principal or other school personnel of the participating school that the teacher was recently hired as defined in this Code section.

(3)(A) Eligible teachers who complete the application process prescribed by the department shall be accepted to participate in the program on annual basis, subject to continuation of the program and the provisions of subsection (g) of this Code section and except for good cause shown by the department. (B) A teacher who is accepted by the department to participate in the program shall be allowed to continue as a participating teacher in the program on an annual basis for up to five school years, which must be consecutive, provided that he or she remains employed pursuant to a school year contract as a teacher at the same school continuously, regardless of whether the school remains a participating or qualifying public school and regardless of whether the participating teacher's subject area remains a high-need subject area, and subject to continuation of the program and the provisions of subsection (g) of this Code section and except for good cause shown by the department. (C) A participating teacher who is involuntarily transferred to another school within the same participating local school system shall be eligible to continue participating in the program on the same terms and conditions as provided in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph. A participating teacher who voluntarily transfers to another school shall not be eligible to continue participating in the program effective immediately upon the transfer. (D) A participating teacher who receives an annual summative performance evaluation rating of “Ineffective,” as provided for in Code Section 20-2-210 , shall be permanently ineligible to participate in the program upon the conclusion of the school year in which he or she received such rating. (E) A participating teacher who lawfully takes a leave of absence pursuant to any state or federal law shall retain eligibility to continue participating in the program provided he or she remains employed pursuant to a school year contract as a teacher at the same school continuously.

(3)(A) Eligible teachers who complete the application process prescribed by the department shall be accepted to participate in the program on annual basis, subject to continuation of the program and the provisions of subsection (g) of this Code section and except for good cause shown by the department.

(3)(A) Eligible teachers who complete the application process prescribed by the department shall be accepted to participate in the program on annual basis, subject to continuation of the program and the provisions of subsection (g) of this Code section and except for good cause shown by the department.

(B) A teacher who is accepted by the department to participate in the program shall be allowed to continue as a participating teacher in the program on an annual basis for up to five school years, which must be consecutive, provided that he or she remains employed pursuant to a school year contract as a teacher at the same school continuously, regardless of whether the school remains a participating or qualifying public school and regardless of whether the participating teacher's subject area remains a high-need subject area, and subject to continuation of the program and the provisions of subsection (g) of this Code section and except for good cause shown by the department.

(B) A teacher who is accepted by the department to participate in the program shall be allowed to continue as a participating teacher in the program on an annual basis for up to five school years, which must be consecutive, provided that he or she remains employed pursuant to a school year contract as a teacher at the same school continuously, regardless of whether the school remains a participating or qualifying public school and regardless of whether the participating teacher's subject area remains a high-need subject area, and subject to continuation of the program and the provisions of subsection (g) of this Code section and except for good cause shown by the department.

(C) A participating teacher who is involuntarily transferred to another school within the same participating local school system shall be eligible to continue participating in the program on the same terms and conditions as provided in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph. A participating teacher who voluntarily transfers to another school shall not be eligible to continue participating in the program effective immediately upon the transfer.

(C) A participating teacher who is involuntarily transferred to another school within the same participating local school system shall be eligible to continue participating in the program on the same terms and conditions as provided in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph. A participating teacher who voluntarily transfers to another school shall not be eligible to continue participating in the program effective immediately upon the transfer.

(D) A participating teacher who receives an annual summative performance evaluation rating of “Ineffective,” as provided for in Code Section 20-2-210 , shall be permanently ineligible to participate in the program upon the conclusion of the school year in which he or she received such rating.

(D) A participating teacher who receives an annual summative performance evaluation rating of “Ineffective,” as provided for in Code Section 20-2-210 , shall be permanently ineligible to participate in the program upon the conclusion of the school year in which he or she received such rating.

(E) A participating teacher who lawfully takes a leave of absence pursuant to any state or federal law shall retain eligibility to continue participating in the program provided he or she remains employed pursuant to a school year contract as a teacher at the same school continuously.

(E) A participating teacher who lawfully takes a leave of absence pursuant to any state or federal law shall retain eligibility to continue participating in the program provided he or she remains employed pursuant to a school year contract as a teacher at the same school continuously.

(f) By July 31 of each year, the department shall notify the state revenue commissioner of each participating teacher who has satisfied all terms and conditions of the program for the immediately preceding school year.

(f) By July 31 of each year, the department shall notify the state revenue commissioner of each participating teacher who has satisfied all terms and conditions of the program for the immediately preceding school year.

(g) The number of participating teachers in the program in any school year shall be limited to 1,000 participating teachers state wide. In the discretion of the department, participation in the program may be determined according to the following order of priority: (1) Participating teachers shall be prioritized over teachers not yet participating in the program; and (2) Among teachers participating in the program, those who are currently teaching a high-need subject area shall be prioritized over those who are not teaching a high-need subject area, and those with greater seniority in the program shall be prioritized over those with less seniority.

(g) The number of participating teachers in the program in any school year shall be limited to 1,000 participating teachers state wide. In the discretion of the department, participation in the program may be determined according to the following order of priority:

(1) Participating teachers shall be prioritized over teachers not yet participating in the program; and

(1) Participating teachers shall be prioritized over teachers not yet participating in the program; and

(2) Among teachers participating in the program, those who are currently teaching a high-need subject area shall be prioritized over those who are not teaching a high-need subject area, and those with greater seniority in the program shall be prioritized over those with less seniority.

(2) Among teachers participating in the program, those who are currently teaching a high-need subject area shall be prioritized over those who are not teaching a high-need subject area, and those with greater seniority in the program shall be prioritized over those with less seniority.

(h) No new applications for the program shall be accepted after December 31, 2026.

(h) No new applications for the program shall be accepted after December 31, 2026.
O.C.G.A. § 20-1-9 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 1 / Section 20-1-9
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-1-9
Status: in_force

Except as may otherwise be specifically provided, as used in this title, the term “local school system” shall refer to both any county school system and any independent school system which may be in existence in a county. The terms “local boards of education” and “county boards of education” shall refer to both any county board of education and the board of education of any independent school system which may be in existence in a county.
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-60 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 5 / Section 20-5-60
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-5-60
Status: in_force

As used in the Interstate Library Compact, “state library agency,” with reference to this state, means the Office of Public Library Services of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-695 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-695
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-695
Status: in_force

(a) A local board of education may employ an attendance officer or attendance officers in addition to a visiting teacher or visiting teachers. Such an attendance officer must be paid wholly from local funds of the local board unless state funds are specifically appropriated for purposes of employment of attendance officers, in which case state funds may be used to the extent so appropriated. Attendance officers shall not be required to qualify under rules and regulations promulgated by the Professional Standards Commission for the certification of visiting teachers.

(a) A local board of education may employ an attendance officer or attendance officers in addition to a visiting teacher or visiting teachers. Such an attendance officer must be paid wholly from local funds of the local board unless state funds are specifically appropriated for purposes of employment of attendance officers, in which case state funds may be used to the extent so appropriated. Attendance officers shall not be required to qualify under rules and regulations promulgated by the Professional Standards Commission for the certification of visiting teachers.

(b) The authority and duties of any attendance officer so appointed by a local board of education shall include: (1) The duty to cooperate with state agencies, make monthly reports to that officer's school superintendent, and comply with state and local rules as provided in Code Section 20-2-696 ; (2) The authority to receive cooperation and attendance reports from that officer's school system as provided for in Code Section 20-2-697 ; (3) When specifically authorized by the appointing local board of education, the authority to assume temporary custody of children absent from school in the same manner as authorized for peace officers under Code Sections 20-2-698 through 20-2-700 ; and any attendance officer so authorized by the appointing local board of education shall, when engaged in such function, have the same duties, authority, rights, privileges, and immunities as applicable to a peace officer engaged in such function, provided that the same shall not extend to the carrying of a weapon unless the attendance officer holds a valid certification as a peace officer from the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council; (4) The duty to report children absent from school to the juvenile court or other court having jurisdiction as provided for in Code Section 20-2-701 ; and (5) Such other authority and duties as may be provided by law or as may be provided by the appointing local board of education in conformity with law.

(b) The authority and duties of any attendance officer so appointed by a local board of education shall include:

(1) The duty to cooperate with state agencies, make monthly reports to that officer's school superintendent, and comply with state and local rules as provided in Code Section 20-2-696 ;

(1) The duty to cooperate with state agencies, make monthly reports to that officer's school superintendent, and comply with state and local rules as provided in Code Section 20-2-696 ;

(2) The authority to receive cooperation and attendance reports from that officer's school system as provided for in Code Section 20-2-697 ;

(2) The authority to receive cooperation and attendance reports from that officer's school system as provided for in Code Section 20-2-697 ;

(3) When specifically authorized by the appointing local board of education, the authority to assume temporary custody of children absent from school in the same manner as authorized for peace officers under Code Sections 20-2-698 through 20-2-700 ; and any attendance officer so authorized by the appointing local board of education shall, when engaged in such function, have the same duties, authority, rights, privileges, and immunities as applicable to a peace officer engaged in such function, provided that the same shall not extend to the carrying of a weapon unless the attendance officer holds a valid certification as a peace officer from the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council;

(3) When specifically authorized by the appointing local board of education, the authority to assume temporary custody of children absent from school in the same manner as authorized for peace officers under Code Sections 20-2-698 through 20-2-700 ; and any attendance officer so authorized by the appointing local board of education shall, when engaged in such function, have the same duties, authority, rights, privileges, and immunities as applicable to a peace officer engaged in such function, provided that the same shall not extend to the carrying of a weapon unless the attendance officer holds a valid certification as a peace officer from the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council;

(4) The duty to report children absent from school to the juvenile court or other court having jurisdiction as provided for in Code Section 20-2-701 ; and

(4) The duty to report children absent from school to the juvenile court or other court having jurisdiction as provided for in Code Section 20-2-701 ; and

(5) Such other authority and duties as may be provided by law or as may be provided by the appointing local board of education in conformity with law.

(5) Such other authority and duties as may be provided by law or as may be provided by the appointing local board of education in conformity with law.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-1191 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-1191
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-1191
Status: in_force

The rules or regulations of the State Board of Education adopted pursuant to Code Section 20-2-1190 shall be subject to the following requirements:

(1) School food service managers and employees who are eligible for membership in the Public School Employees Retirement System shall qualify for sick leave under this article;

(1) School food service managers and employees who are eligible for membership in the Public School Employees Retirement System shall qualify for sick leave under this article;

(2) Funds for sick leave shall be allotted on the basis of the state-wide average compensation for full-time school food service managers and the state-wide average compensation for full-time school food service employees as such averages are determined by the State Board of Education; and

(2) Funds for sick leave shall be allotted on the basis of the state-wide average compensation for full-time school food service managers and the state-wide average compensation for full-time school food service employees as such averages are determined by the State Board of Education; and

(3) Unused sick leave shall be accumulated from one school year to the next up to a maximum of ten days.

(3) Unused sick leave shall be accumulated from one school year to the next up to a maximum of ten days.
O.C.G.A. § 20-1-41 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 1 / Section 20-1-41
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-1-41
Status: in_force

There is established the Georgia Council on Literacy for the purpose of conducting comprehensive reviews of birth to postsecondary programs, the alignment of state support for such programs, and other issues related to improving the literacy outcomes of Georgia students.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-285 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-285
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-285
Status: in_force

The State Board of Education shall provide for a timetable of implementation of this Code section and the Georgia Academic Placement and Promotion Policy which shall include:

(1) The third grade beginning with the 2003-2004 school year;

(1) The third grade beginning with the 2003-2004 school year;

(2) The fifth grade beginning with the 2004-2005 school year; and

(2) The fifth grade beginning with the 2004-2005 school year; and

(3) The eighth grade beginning with the 2005-2006 school year.

(3) The eighth grade beginning with the 2005-2006 school year.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-144 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-144
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-144
Status: in_force

(a) Each local board of education shall prescribe mandatory instruction concerning alcohol, tobacco, vapor products, and other drug use in every year in every grade from kindergarten through grade 12 as shall be determined by the State Board of Education. Such course of study shall implement the minimum course of study provided for in subsection (b) of this Code section or its equivalent, as approved by the State Board of Education. Each local board of education may supplement the exact approach of content areas of such minimum course of study with such curriculum standards as it may deem appropriate. Such standards shall include instruction which discourages the use of alcohol, tobacco, vapor products, and controlled substances and communicates that the use of illicit drugs and improper use of legally obtained drugs is wrong and dangerous.

(a) Each local board of education shall prescribe mandatory instruction concerning alcohol, tobacco, vapor products, and other drug use in every year in every grade from kindergarten through grade 12 as shall be determined by the State Board of Education. Such course of study shall implement the minimum course of study provided for in subsection (b) of this Code section or its equivalent, as approved by the State Board of Education. Each local board of education may supplement the exact approach of content areas of such minimum course of study with such curriculum standards as it may deem appropriate. Such standards shall include instruction which discourages the use of alcohol, tobacco, vapor products, and controlled substances and communicates that the use of illicit drugs and improper use of legally obtained drugs is wrong and dangerous.

(b) The State Board of Education shall prescribe a minimum course of study of alcohol, tobacco, vapor products, and other drug use which may be included as a part of a course of study in comprehensive health education where offered and where appropriate. Instruction also shall be integrated into other curriculum requirements as determined by the State Board of Education. The course shall be age appropriate, shall be sequential in method of study, and shall include the following elements where appropriate in the instruction: (1) Detailed, factual information regarding physiological, psychological, sociological, and legal aspects of substance abuse; (2) Detailed information concerning the availability of help and assistance for persons with chemical dependency problems; (3) Skills needed to evaluate advertisements for, and media portrayals of, alcohol, tobacco, vapor products, and controlled substances; and (4) Detailed instruction on the need for, and role of, lawful authority and law-abiding behavior, which instruction may include interacting and working with members of the legal and justice professions.

(b) The State Board of Education shall prescribe a minimum course of study of alcohol, tobacco, vapor products, and other drug use which may be included as a part of a course of study in comprehensive health education where offered and where appropriate. Instruction also shall be integrated into other curriculum requirements as determined by the State Board of Education. The course shall be age appropriate, shall be sequential in method of study, and shall include the following elements where appropriate in the instruction:

(1) Detailed, factual information regarding physiological, psychological, sociological, and legal aspects of substance abuse;

(1) Detailed, factual information regarding physiological, psychological, sociological, and legal aspects of substance abuse;

(2) Detailed information concerning the availability of help and assistance for persons with chemical dependency problems;

(2) Detailed information concerning the availability of help and assistance for persons with chemical dependency problems;

(3) Skills needed to evaluate advertisements for, and media portrayals of, alcohol, tobacco, vapor products, and controlled substances; and

(3) Skills needed to evaluate advertisements for, and media portrayals of, alcohol, tobacco, vapor products, and controlled substances; and

(4) Detailed instruction on the need for, and role of, lawful authority and law-abiding behavior, which instruction may include interacting and working with members of the legal and justice professions.

(4) Detailed instruction on the need for, and role of, lawful authority and law-abiding behavior, which instruction may include interacting and working with members of the legal and justice professions.

(c) A manual setting out the details of such course of study shall be prepared by or approved by the State School Superintendent in cooperation with the Department of Public Health, the State Board of Education, the Department of Public Safety, and such expert advisers as they may choose.

(c) A manual setting out the details of such course of study shall be prepared by or approved by the State School Superintendent in cooperation with the Department of Public Health, the State Board of Education, the Department of Public Safety, and such expert advisers as they may choose.

(d) The minimum course of study to be prescribed by the State Board of Education pursuant to subsection (b) of this Code section shall be ready for implementation not later than July 1, 2021. Each local board shall implement either such minimum course of study or its equivalent not later than December 31, 2021. Any local board of education which fails to comply with this subsection shall not be eligible to receive any state funding under this article until such minimum course of study or its equivalent has been implemented.

(d) The minimum course of study to be prescribed by the State Board of Education pursuant to subsection (b) of this Code section shall be ready for implementation not later than July 1, 2021. Each local board shall implement either such minimum course of study or its equivalent not later than December 31, 2021. Any local board of education which fails to comply with this subsection shall not be eligible to receive any state funding under this article until such minimum course of study or its equivalent has been implemented.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-32 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-32
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-32
Status: in_force

Upon entering upon the discharge of his official duties, the State School Superintendent shall give bond in the penal sum of $50,000.00 to the state, with some approved surety company which shall be acceptable to the Secretary of State, conditioned that he will truly account for and apply all money or other property which may come into his hands in his official capacity for the use and benefit of the purposes for which it is intended and that he will faithfully perform the duties enjoined upon him by law. He shall take and subscribe an oath to discharge the duties of his office diligently and faithfully. The bond, with certified endorsement thereon, shall be filed with the Secretary of State, and the premium charged for such bond shall be paid out of the state treasury.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-460 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-460
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-460
Status: in_force

Should any holder of an outstanding schoolhouse bond which is not due or which has not matured in accordance with the provisions thereof fail or refuse to sell or exchange such bond or bonds for refunding schoolhouse bonds issued in accordance with this subpart, it shall be the duty of the officials of the school district which issued such bond or bonds to set aside from the proceeds of the sale of the refunding schoolhouse bonds a sinking fund under all the regulations now provided by law for sinking funds for schoolhouse bonds for the purpose of retiring such bonds when they mature and paying the interest accrued or to accrue thereon.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-779 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-779
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-779
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this Code section, the term: (1) “ Diabetes medical management plan ” means a document developed by the student's physician or other health care provider that sets out the health services, including the student's target range for blood glucose levels, needed by the student at school and is signed by the student's parent or guardian. (2) “ School ” means any primary or secondary public school located within this state. (3) “ School employee ” means any person employed by a local board of education or state chartered special school or any person employed by a local health department who is assigned to a public school. (4) “ Trained diabetes personnel ” means a school employee who volunteers to be trained in accordance with this Code section. Such employee shall not be required to be a health care professional. (5) “ Undesignated ready-to-use glucagon ” means a glucagon rescue therapy approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration prescribed in the name of a school that does not require reconstitution for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia in a dosage form that can be rapidly administered to the patient in an emergency, including prefilled injectable or nasally administered glucagon.

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

(1) “ Diabetes medical management plan ” means a document developed by the student's physician or other health care provider that sets out the health services, including the student's target range for blood glucose levels, needed by the student at school and is signed by the student's parent or guardian.

(1) “ Diabetes medical management plan ” means a document developed by the student's physician or other health care provider that sets out the health services, including the student's target range for blood glucose levels, needed by the student at school and is signed by the student's parent or guardian.

(2) “ School ” means any primary or secondary public school located within this state.

(2) “ School ” means any primary or secondary public school located within this state.

(3) “ School employee ” means any person employed by a local board of education or state chartered special school or any person employed by a local health department who is assigned to a public school.

(3) “ School employee ” means any person employed by a local board of education or state chartered special school or any person employed by a local health department who is assigned to a public school.

(4) “ Trained diabetes personnel ” means a school employee who volunteers to be trained in accordance with this Code section. Such employee shall not be required to be a health care professional.

(4) “ Trained diabetes personnel ” means a school employee who volunteers to be trained in accordance with this Code section. Such employee shall not be required to be a health care professional.

(5) “ Undesignated ready-to-use glucagon ” means a glucagon rescue therapy approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration prescribed in the name of a school that does not require reconstitution for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia in a dosage form that can be rapidly administered to the patient in an emergency, including prefilled injectable or nasally administered glucagon.

(5) “ Undesignated ready-to-use glucagon ” means a glucagon rescue therapy approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration prescribed in the name of a school that does not require reconstitution for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia in a dosage form that can be rapidly administered to the patient in an emergency, including prefilled injectable or nasally administered glucagon.

(b)(1) No later than August 1, 2012, the Department of Education, in conjunction with the Georgia Association of School Nurses, shall develop guidelines for the training of school employees in the care needed for students with diabetes. The training guidelines shall include instruction in: (A) Recognition and treatment of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia; (B) Understanding the appropriate actions to take when blood glucose levels are outside of the target ranges indicated by a student's diabetes medical management plan; (C) Understanding physician instructions concerning diabetes medication dosage, frequency, and the manner of administration; (D) Performance of finger-stick blood glucose checking, ketone checking, and recording the results; (E) Administration of insulin and glucagon, an injectable used to raise blood glucose levels immediately for severe hypoglycemia, and the recording of results; (F) Performance of basic insulin pump functions; (G) Recognizing complications that require emergency assistance; and (H) Recommended schedules and food intake for meals and snacks, the effect of physical activity upon blood glucose levels, and actions to be implemented in the case of schedule disruption. (2) Each local board of education and state chartered special school shall ensure that the training outlined in paragraph (1) of this subsection is provided to a minimum of two school employees at each school attended by a student with diabetes. (3) A school employee shall not be subject to any penalty or disciplinary action for refusing to serve as trained diabetes personnel. (4) The training outlined in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be coordinated and provided by a school nurse or may be contracted out to be provided by another health care professional with expertise in diabetes. Such training shall take place prior to the commencement of each school year, or as needed when a student with diabetes is newly enrolled at a school or a student is newly diagnosed with diabetes. The school nurse or other contracted health care professional shall provide follow-up training and supervision. (5) Each local school system and state chartered special school shall provide information in the recognition of diabetes related emergency situations to all bus drivers responsible for the transportation of a student with diabetes.

(b)(1) No later than August 1, 2012, the Department of Education, in conjunction with the Georgia Association of School Nurses, shall develop guidelines for the training of school employees in the care needed for students with diabetes. The training guidelines shall include instruction in: (A) Recognition and treatment of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia; (B) Understanding the appropriate actions to take when blood glucose levels are outside of the target ranges indicated by a student's diabetes medical management plan; (C) Understanding physician instructions concerning diabetes medication dosage, frequency, and the manner of administration; (D) Performance of finger-stick blood glucose checking, ketone checking, and recording the results; (E) Administration of insulin and glucagon, an injectable used to raise blood glucose levels immediately for severe hypoglycemia, and the recording of results; (F) Performance of basic insulin pump functions; (G) Recognizing complications that require emergency assistance; and (H) Recommended schedules and food intake for meals and snacks, the effect of physical activity upon blood glucose levels, and actions to be implemented in the case of schedule disruption.

(b)(1) No later than August 1, 2012, the Department of Education, in conjunction with the Georgia Association of School Nurses, shall develop guidelines for the training of school employees in the care needed for students with diabetes. The training guidelines shall include instruction in:

(A) Recognition and treatment of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia;

(A) Recognition and treatment of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia;

(B) Understanding the appropriate actions to take when blood glucose levels are outside of the target ranges indicated by a student's diabetes medical management plan;

(B) Understanding the appropriate actions to take when blood glucose levels are outside of the target ranges indicated by a student's diabetes medical management plan;

(C) Understanding physician instructions concerning diabetes medication dosage, frequency, and the manner of administration;

(C) Understanding physician instructions concerning diabetes medication dosage, frequency, and the manner of administration;

(D) Performance of finger-stick blood glucose checking, ketone checking, and recording the results;

(D) Performance of finger-stick blood glucose checking, ketone checking, and recording the results;

(E) Administration of insulin and glucagon, an injectable used to raise blood glucose levels immediately for severe hypoglycemia, and the recording of results;

(E) Administration of insulin and glucagon, an injectable used to raise blood glucose levels immediately for severe hypoglycemia, and the recording of results;

(F) Performance of basic insulin pump functions;

(F) Performance of basic insulin pump functions;

(G) Recognizing complications that require emergency assistance; and

(G) Recognizing complications that require emergency assistance; and

(H) Recommended schedules and food intake for meals and snacks, the effect of physical activity upon blood glucose levels, and actions to be implemented in the case of schedule disruption.

(H) Recommended schedules and food intake for meals and snacks, the effect of physical activity upon blood glucose levels, and actions to be implemented in the case of schedule disruption.

(2) Each local board of education and state chartered special school shall ensure that the training outlined in paragraph (1) of this subsection is provided to a minimum of two school employees at each school attended by a student with diabetes.

(2) Each local board of education and state chartered special school shall ensure that the training outlined in paragraph (1) of this subsection is provided to a minimum of two school employees at each school attended by a student with diabetes.

(3) A school employee shall not be subject to any penalty or disciplinary action for refusing to serve as trained diabetes personnel.

(3) A school employee shall not be subject to any penalty or disciplinary action for refusing to serve as trained diabetes personnel.

(4) The training outlined in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be coordinated and provided by a school nurse or may be contracted out to be provided by another health care professional with expertise in diabetes. Such training shall take place prior to the commencement of each school year, or as needed when a student with diabetes is newly enrolled at a school or a student is newly diagnosed with diabetes. The school nurse or other contracted health care professional shall provide follow-up training and supervision.

(4) The training outlined in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be coordinated and provided by a school nurse or may be contracted out to be provided by another health care professional with expertise in diabetes. Such training shall take place prior to the commencement of each school year, or as needed when a student with diabetes is newly enrolled at a school or a student is newly diagnosed with diabetes. The school nurse or other contracted health care professional shall provide follow-up training and supervision.

(5) Each local school system and state chartered special school shall provide information in the recognition of diabetes related emergency situations to all bus drivers responsible for the transportation of a student with diabetes.

(5) Each local school system and state chartered special school shall provide information in the recognition of diabetes related emergency situations to all bus drivers responsible for the transportation of a student with diabetes.

(c) The parent or guardian of each student with diabetes who seeks diabetes care while at school shall submit to the school a diabetes medical management plan which upon receipt shall be reviewed and implemented by the school.

(c) The parent or guardian of each student with diabetes who seeks diabetes care while at school shall submit to the school a diabetes medical management plan which upon receipt shall be reviewed and implemented by the school.

(d)(1) In accordance with the request of a parent or guardian of a student with diabetes and the student's diabetes medical management plan, the school nurse or, in the absence of the school nurse, trained diabetes personnel shall perform functions including, but not limited to, responding to blood glucose levels that are outside of the student's target range; administering glucagon; administering insulin, or assisting a student in administering insulin through the insulin delivery system the student uses; providing oral diabetes medications; checking and recording blood glucose levels and ketone levels, or assisting a student with such checking and recording; and following instructions regarding meals, snacks, and physical activity. (2) The school nurse or at least one trained diabetes personnel shall be on site at each school and available during regular school hours to provide care to each student with diabetes as identified pursuant to subsection (c) of this Code section. For purposes of field trips, the parent or guardian, or designee of such parent or guardian, of a student with diabetes may accompany such student on a field trip. (3) There shall be trained diabetes personnel at each school where a student with diabetes is enrolled, and a student's school choice shall in no way be restricted because the student has diabetes. (4) The activities set forth in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall not constitute the practice of nursing and shall be exempted from all applicable statutory and regulatory provisions that restrict what activities can be delegated to or performed by a person who is not a licensed health care professional.

(d)(1) In accordance with the request of a parent or guardian of a student with diabetes and the student's diabetes medical management plan, the school nurse or, in the absence of the school nurse, trained diabetes personnel shall perform functions including, but not limited to, responding to blood glucose levels that are outside of the student's target range; administering glucagon; administering insulin, or assisting a student in administering insulin through the insulin delivery system the student uses; providing oral diabetes medications; checking and recording blood glucose levels and ketone levels, or assisting a student with such checking and recording; and following instructions regarding meals, snacks, and physical activity.

(d)(1) In accordance with the request of a parent or guardian of a student with diabetes and the student's diabetes medical management plan, the school nurse or, in the absence of the school nurse, trained diabetes personnel shall perform functions including, but not limited to, responding to blood glucose levels that are outside of the student's target range; administering glucagon; administering insulin, or assisting a student in administering insulin through the insulin delivery system the student uses; providing oral diabetes medications; checking and recording blood glucose levels and ketone levels, or assisting a student with such checking and recording; and following instructions regarding meals, snacks, and physical activity.

(2) The school nurse or at least one trained diabetes personnel shall be on site at each school and available during regular school hours to provide care to each student with diabetes as identified pursuant to subsection (c) of this Code section. For purposes of field trips, the parent or guardian, or designee of such parent or guardian, of a student with diabetes may accompany such student on a field trip.

(2) The school nurse or at least one trained diabetes personnel shall be on site at each school and available during regular school hours to provide care to each student with diabetes as identified pursuant to subsection (c) of this Code section. For purposes of field trips, the parent or guardian, or designee of such parent or guardian, of a student with diabetes may accompany such student on a field trip.

(3) There shall be trained diabetes personnel at each school where a student with diabetes is enrolled, and a student's school choice shall in no way be restricted because the student has diabetes.

(3) There shall be trained diabetes personnel at each school where a student with diabetes is enrolled, and a student's school choice shall in no way be restricted because the student has diabetes.

(4) The activities set forth in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall not constitute the practice of nursing and shall be exempted from all applicable statutory and regulatory provisions that restrict what activities can be delegated to or performed by a person who is not a licensed health care professional.

(4) The activities set forth in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall not constitute the practice of nursing and shall be exempted from all applicable statutory and regulatory provisions that restrict what activities can be delegated to or performed by a person who is not a licensed health care professional.

(d.1)(1) A public or private school in this state may acquire and stock a supply of undesignated ready-to-use glucagon pursuant to a prescription issued in accordance with Code Section 26-4-116.4 . Such public or private school shall designate an employee or agent trained in the possession and administration of glucagon who shall be responsible for the storage, maintenance, and distribution of the undesignated ready-to-use glucagon stocked by the school. Such undesignated ready-to-use glucagon shall be authorized and made available by the school for any permissible use provided in paragraph (1) of subsection (d) and subsection (e) of this Code section. (2) A public or private school may enter into arrangements with manufacturers of approved glucagon or third-party suppliers of glucagon to obtain the products free of charge or at fair market or reduced prices. (3) No later than July 1, 2023, the State Board of Education, in consultation with the Department of Public Health, shall adopt regulations as necessary to implement the provisions of this Code section.

(d.1)(1) A public or private school in this state may acquire and stock a supply of undesignated ready-to-use glucagon pursuant to a prescription issued in accordance with Code Section 26-4-116.4 . Such public or private school shall designate an employee or agent trained in the possession and administration of glucagon who shall be responsible for the storage, maintenance, and distribution of the undesignated ready-to-use glucagon stocked by the school. Such undesignated ready-to-use glucagon shall be authorized and made available by the school for any permissible use provided in paragraph (1) of subsection (d) and subsection (e) of this Code section.

(d.1)(1) A public or private school in this state may acquire and stock a supply of undesignated ready-to-use glucagon pursuant to a prescription issued in accordance with Code Section 26-4-116.4 . Such public or private school shall designate an employee or agent trained in the possession and administration of glucagon who shall be responsible for the storage, maintenance, and distribution of the undesignated ready-to-use glucagon stocked by the school. Such undesignated ready-to-use glucagon shall be authorized and made available by the school for any permissible use provided in paragraph (1) of subsection (d) and subsection (e) of this Code section.

(2) A public or private school may enter into arrangements with manufacturers of approved glucagon or third-party suppliers of glucagon to obtain the products free of charge or at fair market or reduced prices.

(2) A public or private school may enter into arrangements with manufacturers of approved glucagon or third-party suppliers of glucagon to obtain the products free of charge or at fair market or reduced prices.

(3) No later than July 1, 2023, the State Board of Education, in consultation with the Department of Public Health, shall adopt regulations as necessary to implement the provisions of this Code section.

(3) No later than July 1, 2023, the State Board of Education, in consultation with the Department of Public Health, shall adopt regulations as necessary to implement the provisions of this Code section.

(e) Upon written request of a student's parent or guardian and if authorized by the student's diabetes medical management plan, a student with diabetes shall be permitted to perform blood glucose checks, administer insulin through the insulin delivery system the student uses, treat hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, and otherwise attend to the monitoring and treatment of his or her diabetes in the classroom, in any area of the school or school grounds, and at any school related activity, and he or she shall be permitted to possess on his or her person at all times all necessary supplies and equipment to perform such monitoring and treatment functions.

(e) Upon written request of a student's parent or guardian and if authorized by the student's diabetes medical management plan, a student with diabetes shall be permitted to perform blood glucose checks, administer insulin through the insulin delivery system the student uses, treat hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, and otherwise attend to the monitoring and treatment of his or her diabetes in the classroom, in any area of the school or school grounds, and at any school related activity, and he or she shall be permitted to possess on his or her person at all times all necessary supplies and equipment to perform such monitoring and treatment functions.

(f) No physician, nurse, school employee, local school system, or state chartered special school shall be liable for civil damages or subject to disciplinary action under professional licensing regulations or school disciplinary policies as a result of the activities authorized or required by this Code section when such acts are committed as an ordinarily reasonably prudent physician, nurse, school employee, local school system, or state chartered special school would have acted under the same or similar circumstances.

(f) No physician, nurse, school employee, local school system, or state chartered special school shall be liable for civil damages or subject to disciplinary action under professional licensing regulations or school disciplinary policies as a result of the activities authorized or required by this Code section when such acts are committed as an ordinarily reasonably prudent physician, nurse, school employee, local school system, or state chartered special school would have acted under the same or similar circumstances.

(g) A private school which complies with the requirements of this Code section shall have the same limited liability for such school and its employees in the same manner as for public schools as provided for in subsection (f) of this Code section.

(g) A private school which complies with the requirements of this Code section shall have the same limited liability for such school and its employees in the same manner as for public schools as provided for in subsection (f) of this Code section.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-215 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-215
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-215
Status: in_force

Classroom aides and paraprofessionals shall have, while performing assigned duties, the authority of “in loco parentis,” except for the administration of corporal punishment; provided, however, that such aides and paraprofessionals have at least the minimal training or experience, or both, prescribed by the Professional Standards Commission to have such authority and that such aides and paraprofessionals are under direct supervision of classroom teachers or other certificated professional personnel on a daily basis. Such aides and paraprofessionals shall have such authority both when the classroom teachers are present and when they are absent for justifiable purposes. Such purposes shall include planned release time and such activities as accompanying selected students to other locations or sites, instructing individual students or small groups at a location away from the classroom, meeting with parents and guardians, planning instructional programs or lessons, participating in staff development activities, and other such education activities related to classroom instruction. The Professional Standards Commission shall have the authority to prescribe such requirements and standards as it deems necessary for the effective implementation of this Code section.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-853 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-853
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-853
Status: in_force

(a) Personnel who have accumulated 45 days of unused sick leave may accumulate additional days of unused sick leave during each school year for the purpose of receiving the payments provided for in subsection (b) of this Code section.

(a) Personnel who have accumulated 45 days of unused sick leave may accumulate additional days of unused sick leave during each school year for the purpose of receiving the payments provided for in subsection (b) of this Code section.

(b) Beginning with the 1988-89 school year and continuing each school year thereafter, personnel who have accumulated 45 days of unused sick leave and who then accumulate additional days of unused sick leave during a school year as authorized by Code Section 20-2-850 and who: (1) Have used no sick leave in that school year shall receive the state contribution for all those additional days of unused sick leave; or (2) Have used only one day of those additional days of sick leave in that school year shall receive $50.00 for all those additional days of unused sick leave. The payment for such additional unused sick leave which is accumulated during a school year shall be paid to such personnel at the end of that school year.

(b) Beginning with the 1988-89 school year and continuing each school year thereafter, personnel who have accumulated 45 days of unused sick leave and who then accumulate additional days of unused sick leave during a school year as authorized by Code Section 20-2-850 and who:

(1) Have used no sick leave in that school year shall receive the state contribution for all those additional days of unused sick leave; or

(1) Have used no sick leave in that school year shall receive the state contribution for all those additional days of unused sick leave; or

(2) Have used only one day of those additional days of sick leave in that school year shall receive $50.00 for all those additional days of unused sick leave. The payment for such additional unused sick leave which is accumulated during a school year shall be paid to such personnel at the end of that school year.

(2) Have used only one day of those additional days of sick leave in that school year

shall receive $50.00 for all those additional days of unused sick leave. The payment for such additional unused sick leave which is accumulated during a school year shall be paid to such personnel at the end of that school year.
O.C.G.A. § 20-3-160 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 3 / Section 20-3-160
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-3-160
Status: in_force

Prior to the preparation of definitive bonds, the authority may, under like restrictions, issue interim receipts, interim certificates, or temporary bonds, with or without coupons, exchangeable for definitive bonds upon the issuance of the latter.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-1111 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-1111
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-1111
Status: in_force

During any school year, a school bus driver may utilize up to a maximum of three days of any accumulated sick leave for the purpose of absenting himself from his duties for any personal reason if prior approval of his absence is given by the local school superintendent or his authorized representative.
O.C.G.A. § 20-3-350 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 3 / Section 20-3-350
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-3-350
Status: in_force

Obligations issued by the authority under this subpart are made securities in which all public officers and public bodies of the state and its political subdivisions and all insurance companies, trust companies, banking associations, investment companies, executors, administrators, trustees, and other fiduciaries may properly and legally invest funds, including capital in their control or belonging to them. Such obligations are made securities which may properly and legally be deposited with and received by any state or municipal officer or any agency or political subdivision of the state for any purpose for which the deposit of bonds, notes, or obligations of the state is now or may hereafter be authorized by law and may constitute proper and legal collateral for any deposit made by any such officer, agency, or subdivision for which collateral must be pledged according to law.
O.C.G.A. § 20-1a-39 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 1A / Section 20-1a-39
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-1A-39
Status: in_force

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

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

(b) Effective January 1, 2019, every employee and director of any licensed or commissioned early care and education program shall undergo additional comprehensive records check determinations such that the time between such additional comprehensive records check determinations and that employee's or director's previous comprehensive records check determination shall not exceed five years except when fingerprints have been retained by the department due to its participation in the program described in subparagraph (a)(1)(F) of Code Section 35-3-33 , notwithstanding Code Section 20-1A-45 . The early care and education program shall maintain documentation in the appropriate personnel file, which is available to the department immediately upon request, indicating that such person has obtained such current comprehensive records check determination that is satisfactory or has had an unsatisfactory comprehensive records check determination reversed in accordance with Code Section 20-1A-43 , notwithstanding Code Section 20-1A-45 . The department shall revoke the license or commission of an early care and education program if the early care and education program fails to comply with the requirements of this Code section.

(b) Effective January 1, 2019, every employee and director of any licensed or commissioned early care and education program shall undergo additional comprehensive records check determinations such that the time between such additional comprehensive records check determinations and that employee's or director's previous comprehensive records check determination shall not exceed five years except when fingerprints have been retained by the department due to its participation in the program described in subparagraph (a)(1)(F) of Code Section 35-3-33 , notwithstanding Code Section 20-1A-45 . The early care and education program shall maintain documentation in the appropriate personnel file, which is available to the department immediately upon request, indicating that such person has obtained such current comprehensive records check determination that is satisfactory or has had an unsatisfactory comprehensive records check determination reversed in accordance with Code Section 20-1A-43 , notwithstanding Code Section 20-1A-45 . The department shall revoke the license or commission of an early care and education program if the early care and education program fails to comply with the requirements of this Code section.

(c) A license or commission shall be subject to revocation and the department may refuse to issue a license or commission if a director or employee does not undergo the comprehensive records check determination applicable to that director or employee and receive acceptable determinations.

(c) A license or commission shall be subject to revocation and the department may refuse to issue a license or commission if a director or employee does not undergo the comprehensive records check determination applicable to that director or employee and receive acceptable determinations.

(d) After the issuance of a license, commission, or permit, the department may require additional comprehensive records check determinations on any director or employee when the department has reason to believe the director or employee has a criminal record that renders the director or employee ineligible to have contact with children in the early care and education program, or during the course of a child abuse investigation involving the director or employee.

(d) After the issuance of a license, commission, or permit, the department may require additional comprehensive records check determinations on any director or employee when the department has reason to believe the director or employee has a criminal record that renders the director or employee ineligible to have contact with children in the early care and education program, or during the course of a child abuse investigation involving the director or employee.

(e) No licensed or commissioned early care and education program may allow any person to be present at a facility while children are present for care or to reside in a facility as a director or an employee unless there is on file in the early care and education program an employment history and a satisfactory comprehensive records check determination or proof that an unsatisfactory determination has been reversed in accordance with Code Section 20-1A-43 , notwithstanding Code Section 20-1A-45 . The department shall revoke the license or commission of any early care and education program if the early care and education program fails to comply with the requirements of this Code section.

(e) No licensed or commissioned early care and education program may allow any person to be present at a facility while children are present for care or to reside in a facility as a director or an employee unless there is on file in the early care and education program an employment history and a satisfactory comprehensive records check determination or proof that an unsatisfactory determination has been reversed in accordance with Code Section 20-1A-43 , notwithstanding Code Section 20-1A-45 . The department shall revoke the license or commission of any early care and education program if the early care and education program fails to comply with the requirements of this Code section.

(f) A license holder, commission holder, permit holder, or director of a licensed, commissioned, or permitted early care and education program that allows an employee or director about whom such license holder, commission holder, permit holder, or director knows or should reasonably know to have a criminal record that renders the employee or director ineligible to have contact with children to be present at a facility while children are present for care or to reside in a facility shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

(f) A license holder, commission holder, permit holder, or director of a licensed, commissioned, or permitted early care and education program that allows an employee or director about whom such license holder, commission holder, permit holder, or director knows or should reasonably know to have a criminal record that renders the employee or director ineligible to have contact with children to be present at a facility while children are present for care or to reside in a facility shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-751-2 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-751-2
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-751.2
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this Code section, the term “ disciplinary order ” means any order of a local school system in this state, a private school in this state, or a public school outside of this state which imposes short-term suspension, long-term suspension, or expulsion upon a student in such system or school.

(a) As used in this Code section, the term “ disciplinary order ” means any order of a local school system in this state, a private school in this state, or a public school outside of this state which imposes short-term suspension, long-term suspension, or expulsion upon a student in such system or school.

(b) A local board of education which has a student who attempts to enroll or who is enrolled in any school in its school system during the time in which that student is subject to a disciplinary order is authorized to refuse to enroll or subject that student to short-term suspension, long-term suspension, or expulsion for any time remaining in that other school system's or school's disciplinary order upon receiving a certified copy of such order if the offense which led to such suspension or expulsion in the other school system or school was an offense for which suspension or expulsion could be imposed in the enrolling school.

(b) A local board of education which has a student who attempts to enroll or who is enrolled in any school in its school system during the time in which that student is subject to a disciplinary order is authorized to refuse to enroll or subject that student to short-term suspension, long-term suspension, or expulsion for any time remaining in that other school system's or school's disciplinary order upon receiving a certified copy of such order if the offense which led to such suspension or expulsion in the other school system or school was an offense for which suspension or expulsion could be imposed in the enrolling school.

(c) A local school system or school may request of another school system or school whether any disciplinary order has been imposed by the other school system or school upon a student who is seeking to enroll or is enrolled in the requesting system or school. If such an order has been imposed and is still in effect for such student, the requested school system or private school in this state shall so inform the requesting system or school and shall provide a certified copy of the order to the requesting system or school.

(c) A local school system or school may request of another school system or school whether any disciplinary order has been imposed by the other school system or school upon a student who is seeking to enroll or is enrolled in the requesting system or school. If such an order has been imposed and is still in effect for such student, the requested school system or private school in this state shall so inform the requesting system or school and shall provide a certified copy of the order to the requesting system or school.

(d) If any school administrator determines from the information obtained pursuant to this Code section or from Code Section 15-11-599 , 15-11-602 , or 15-11-707 that a student has been convicted of or has been adjudicated to have committed an offense which is a class A designated felony act or class B designated felony act under Code Section 15-11-2 , such administrator shall so inform all teachers to whom the student is assigned and other school personnel to whom the student is assigned. Such teachers and other certificated professional personnel as the administrator deems appropriate may review the information in the student's file provided pursuant to this Code section that has been received from other schools or from the juvenile courts or superior courts. Such information shall be kept confidential.

(d) If any school administrator determines from the information obtained pursuant to this Code section or from Code Section 15-11-599 , 15-11-602 , or 15-11-707 that a student has been convicted of or has been adjudicated to have committed an offense which is a class A designated felony act or class B designated felony act under Code Section 15-11-2 , such administrator shall so inform all teachers to whom the student is assigned and other school personnel to whom the student is assigned. Such teachers and other certificated professional personnel as the administrator deems appropriate may review the information in the student's file provided pursuant to this Code section that has been received from other schools or from the juvenile courts or superior courts. Such information shall be kept confidential.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-2016 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-2016
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-2016
Status: in_force

The Commissioner shall have authority to promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate the provisions of this article.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-2013 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-2013
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-2013
Status: in_force

Interlocal risk management agencies and funds established by such agencies shall be exempt from state and local taxes and fees.
O.C.G.A. § 20-1-26 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 1 / Section 20-1-26
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-1-26
Status: in_force

Administrative procedures for the implementation of this article shall be promulgated for the educational institutions under their respective management and control by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia or the individual nonpublic educational institutions. Such procedures shall provide for relief from sanctions previously imposed under this article against a person whose conviction is subsequently overturned on appeal or through collateral relief.
O.C.G.A. § 20-5-23 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 5 / Section 20-5-23
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-5-23
Status: in_force

The board of trustees of the public library of a city shall exercise a strict and rigid supervision over such public library; shall pass all necessary rules and regulations for the government and control of it; and shall elect a librarian and, if necessary, an assistant librarian or designate some officer or officers to perform the duties of librarian or assistant librarian and appoint and discharge such officer or officers at pleasure.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-771 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-771
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-771
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this Code section, the term: (1) “Certificate of immunization” means certification by a physician licensed under the laws of this state or by an appropriate official of a local board of health, on a form provided by the Department of Public Health, that a named person has been immunized in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the Department of Public Health. (2) “Facility” means any public or private child care learning center or nursery intended for the care, supervision, or instruction of children. (3) “Responsible official” means a county school superintendent, a school principal, or a chief operating officer of a school or facility. (4) “School” means any public or private educational program or institution instructing children at any level or levels, kindergarten through twelfth grade, or children of ages five through 19 if grade divisions are not used.

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

(1) “Certificate of immunization” means certification by a physician licensed under the laws of this state or by an appropriate official of a local board of health, on a form provided by the Department of Public Health, that a named person has been immunized in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the Department of Public Health.

(1) “Certificate of immunization” means certification by a physician licensed under the laws of this state or by an appropriate official of a local board of health, on a form provided by the Department of Public Health, that a named person has been immunized in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the Department of Public Health.

(2) “Facility” means any public or private child care learning center or nursery intended for the care, supervision, or instruction of children.

(2) “Facility” means any public or private child care learning center or nursery intended for the care, supervision, or instruction of children.

(3) “Responsible official” means a county school superintendent, a school principal, or a chief operating officer of a school or facility.

(3) “Responsible official” means a county school superintendent, a school principal, or a chief operating officer of a school or facility.

(4) “School” means any public or private educational program or institution instructing children at any level or levels, kindergarten through twelfth grade, or children of ages five through 19 if grade divisions are not used.

(4) “School” means any public or private educational program or institution instructing children at any level or levels, kindergarten through twelfth grade, or children of ages five through 19 if grade divisions are not used.

(b) No child shall be admitted to or attend any school or facility in this state unless the child shall first have submitted a certificate of immunization to the responsible official of the school or facility. The responsible official of any school or facility may grant a 30 calendar day waiver of the certification requirement for a justified reason. The waiver may be extended from the date of first admittance or of first attendance, whichever is earlier, for up to 90 calendar days provided documentation is on file at the school or facility from the local health department or a physician specifying that an immunization sequence has been started and that this immunization time schedule can be completed within the 90 day waiver period, provided confirmation is received during the waiver period from the health department or physician that immunizations are being received as scheduled, and provided the student under waiver is a transfer student, who is defined as a student who moves from an out-of-state school system to a Georgia school system, or a student entering kindergarten or first grade from out of state. The waiver may not be extended beyond 90 calendar days; and upon expiration of the waiver, the child shall not be admitted to or be permitted to attend the school or facility unless the child submits a certificate of immunization.

(b) No child shall be admitted to or attend any school or facility in this state unless the child shall first have submitted a certificate of immunization to the responsible official of the school or facility. The responsible official of any school or facility may grant a 30 calendar day waiver of the certification requirement for a justified reason. The waiver may be extended from the date of first admittance or of first attendance, whichever is earlier, for up to 90 calendar days provided documentation is on file at the school or facility from the local health department or a physician specifying that an immunization sequence has been started and that this immunization time schedule can be completed within the 90 day waiver period, provided confirmation is received during the waiver period from the health department or physician that immunizations are being received as scheduled, and provided the student under waiver is a transfer student, who is defined as a student who moves from an out-of-state school system to a Georgia school system, or a student entering kindergarten or first grade from out of state. The waiver may not be extended beyond 90 calendar days; and upon expiration of the waiver, the child shall not be admitted to or be permitted to attend the school or facility unless the child submits a certificate of immunization.

(c) The Department of Public Health shall promulgate rules and regulations specifying those diseases against which immunization is required and the standards for such immunizations. The school or facility shall maintain on file the certificates of immunization for all children attending the school or facility. All facilities shall file a report annually with the Department of Public Health. The report shall be filed on forms prepared by the Department of Public Health and shall state the number of children attending the school or facility, the number of children who did not submit certificates of immunization within the waiver period, and the number of children who are exempted from the certification requirement for medical or religious reasons.

(c) The Department of Public Health shall promulgate rules and regulations specifying those diseases against which immunization is required and the standards for such immunizations. The school or facility shall maintain on file the certificates of immunization for all children attending the school or facility. All facilities shall file a report annually with the Department of Public Health. The report shall be filed on forms prepared by the Department of Public Health and shall state the number of children attending the school or facility, the number of children who did not submit certificates of immunization within the waiver period, and the number of children who are exempted from the certification requirement for medical or religious reasons.

(d) If, after examination by the local board of health or any physician licensed under the laws of this state or of any other state having comparable laws governing the licensure of physicians, any child to whom this Code section applies is found to have any physical disability which may make vaccination undesirable, a certificate to that effect issued by the local board of health or such physician licensed under the laws of this or such other state may be accepted in lieu of a certificate of immunization and shall exempt the child from the requirement of obtaining a certificate of immunization until the disability is relieved.

(d) If, after examination by the local board of health or any physician licensed under the laws of this state or of any other state having comparable laws governing the licensure of physicians, any child to whom this Code section applies is found to have any physical disability which may make vaccination undesirable, a certificate to that effect issued by the local board of health or such physician licensed under the laws of this or such other state may be accepted in lieu of a certificate of immunization and shall exempt the child from the requirement of obtaining a certificate of immunization until the disability is relieved.

(e) This Code section shall not apply to a child whose parent or legal guardian objects to immunization of the child on the grounds that the immunization conflicts with the religious beliefs of the parent or guardian; however, the immunization may be required in cases when such disease is in epidemic stages. For a child to be exempt from immunization on religious grounds, the parent or guardian must first furnish the responsible official of the school or facility an affidavit in which the parent or guardian swears or affirms that the immunization required conflicts with the religious beliefs of the parent or guardian.

(e) This Code section shall not apply to a child whose parent or legal guardian objects to immunization of the child on the grounds that the immunization conflicts with the religious beliefs of the parent or guardian; however, the immunization may be required in cases when such disease is in epidemic stages. For a child to be exempt from immunization on religious grounds, the parent or guardian must first furnish the responsible official of the school or facility an affidavit in which the parent or guardian swears or affirms that the immunization required conflicts with the religious beliefs of the parent or guardian.

(f) During an epidemic or a threatened epidemic of any disease preventable by an immunization required by the Department of Public Health, children who have not been immunized may be excluded from the school or facility until (1) they are immunized against the disease, unless they present valid evidence of prior disease, or (2) the epidemic or threat no longer constitutes a significant public health danger.

(f) During an epidemic or a threatened epidemic of any disease preventable by an immunization required by the Department of Public Health, children who have not been immunized may be excluded from the school or facility until (1) they are immunized against the disease, unless they present valid evidence of prior disease, or (2) the epidemic or threat no longer constitutes a significant public health danger.

(g) The requirement of a certificate of immunization shall become effective for all children entering or attending facilities on or after April 7, 1981. The certification requirement shall apply to all children entering or attending schools: (1) On September 1, 1981, for all such children entering or attending kindergarten or the first, ninth, tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grades, or of the equivalent ages if grade divisions are not used; (2) On September 1, 1982, for all such children entering or attending all grades, or of all ages if grade divisions are not used.

(g) The requirement of a certificate of immunization shall become effective for all children entering or attending facilities on or after April 7, 1981. The certification requirement shall apply to all children entering or attending schools:

(1) On September 1, 1981, for all such children entering or attending kindergarten or the first, ninth, tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grades, or of the equivalent ages if grade divisions are not used;

(1) On September 1, 1981, for all such children entering or attending kindergarten or the first, ninth, tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grades, or of the equivalent ages if grade divisions are not used;

(2) On September 1, 1982, for all such children entering or attending all grades, or of all ages if grade divisions are not used.

(2) On September 1, 1982, for all such children entering or attending all grades, or of all ages if grade divisions are not used.

(h) Any responsible official permitting any child to remain in a school or facility in violation of this Code section, and any parent or guardian who intentionally does not comply with this Code section, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $100.00 or by imprisonment for not more than 12 months. The Department of Public Health may adopt rules and regulations for the enforcement of this Code section. The Department of Public Health and the local board of health, or either of them, may institute a civil action in the superior court of the county in which the defendant resides for injunctive relief to prevent a threatened or continuing violation of any provision of this Code section.

(h) Any responsible official permitting any child to remain in a school or facility in violation of this Code section, and any parent or guardian who intentionally does not comply with this Code section, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $100.00 or by imprisonment for not more than 12 months. The Department of Public Health may adopt rules and regulations for the enforcement of this Code section. The Department of Public Health and the local board of health, or either of them, may institute a civil action in the superior court of the county in which the defendant resides for injunctive relief to prevent a threatened or continuing violation of any provision of this Code section.
O.C.G.A. § 20-1-3 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 1 / Section 20-1-3
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-1-3
Status: in_force

Teachers in the University System of Georgia who upon retirement receive retirement pay or allowances from or through the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia shall not be disqualified thereby from becoming members of the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia. As used in this Code section, “teacher” means the same as it is defined in Code Section 47-3-1 .
O.C.G.A. § 20-3-491 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 3 / Section 20-3-491
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-3-491
Status: in_force

(a) Subject to appropriations by the General Assembly, the authority shall establish a program of two-year scholarship grants for eligible students attending the University of North Georgia and participating in a Reserve Officers' Training Corps program while so enrolled. Any person meeting the conditions of this subpart may apply to the authority for a grant. Such application shall be submitted in writing on forms prescribed by the authority for such purpose. The applicant shall furnish such information as may be required by the authority for determination of eligibility for the grant. The authority shall approve grant renewals only upon receipt of the recipient's application therefor and upon a finding that the recipient has successfully completed the work of the preceding school period and presents evidence that he or she is a student in good standing, that he or she remains a citizen of this state, and that he or she remains otherwise qualified to receive such grant under this subpart.

(a) Subject to appropriations by the General Assembly, the authority shall establish a program of two-year scholarship grants for eligible students attending the University of North Georgia and participating in a Reserve Officers' Training Corps program while so enrolled. Any person meeting the conditions of this subpart may apply to the authority for a grant. Such application shall be submitted in writing on forms prescribed by the authority for such purpose. The applicant shall furnish such information as may be required by the authority for determination of eligibility for the grant. The authority shall approve grant renewals only upon receipt of the recipient's application therefor and upon a finding that the recipient has successfully completed the work of the preceding school period and presents evidence that he or she is a student in good standing, that he or she remains a citizen of this state, and that he or she remains otherwise qualified to receive such grant under this subpart.

(b) The authority is authorized to prescribe such rules and regulations as may be necessary or convenient for administration of this program and to establish procedures for determination of eligibility of applicants.

(b) The authority is authorized to prescribe such rules and regulations as may be necessary or convenient for administration of this program and to establish procedures for determination of eligibility of applicants.