State Board Report

The State Board of Education conducted their committee meetings and board meeting Wednesday, November 3 and Thursday, November 4^th. To review the agenda visit click here.

The Board began the day on November 3^rd discussing the implications of Senate Bill 68 from the 2020 General Session that strengthens provisions relating to financial management for school systems. GaDOE Chief Financial Officer, Rusk Roam, presented on the changes and updates in SB68. Most of the discussion centered around what the State Board’s required role is and the reconvening of the Audit Committee. They also discussed the collaboration with the GaDOE, GA Department of Audits and the State Board to identify districts who are in the moderate to high-risk categories in the area of budget and finance to get them back on track. The Audit Committee, which has been added to the Budget Committee will begin their work in December.

Each of the State Board Committees met, Budget, Rules and Flexibility to build the agenda for the full State Board meeting. After the Budget Committee went through their agenda items, they again discussed their added role as the Audit Committee. The Audit committee will begin next month to adhere to the requirements of SB68 for finance and audits for high-risk school districts who have problematic audit reports. The audit committee will meet as needed to review quarterly reports to start the process of notifying and working with high-risk districts. 

On Thursday, November 4^th the full board met. State Board Member, Scott Johnson, delivered the Inspiration. Mike Royal and Scott Johnson traveled to Colorado this past summer to spend time with the U.S. Army on the Education Tour. Mr. Johnson went back this past Tuesday to skydive with the U.S. Army Golden Knights in Florida and shared the video with the SBOE.

Toombs County Schools presented on their pilot program, Heavy Equipment Operations pathway, to the State Board to showcase their success as the State Board considered for approval an item on the agenda for the pathway, which ultimately passed. Steve Rodgers of Servants Task Force also presented their program to the State Board. Matt Jones, GaDOE Chief of Staff, presented on an update of the Economics Course, updating the existing economics course to ensure its relevancy for today’s students with an emphasis on personal finance. Posting this course for review was on the agenda for approval.

Chair, Scott Sweeny, recognized the loss of State Board of Education Member, Dr. David “Butch” Mosely and highlighted his positive impact on public education. GaDOE named the new Office of Rural Education and Innovation after Dr. Mosely. 

Finally, the State Board pulled an item for discussion, Rule 160-5-3-.02 CONTRACTED TRANSPORTATION SERVICES which stems from SB 159 from the 2021 Legislative Session, expanded the definition of vehicles that can be used to transport students under certain conditions. Mike Royal expressed concern around the requirements on ride share providers. They ultimately decided to postpone the item from the agenda for a review for ride share clarification and ensure it complies with state law. The State Board will potentially holding a called meeting to vote on the item once the language is finalized and ready to move forward.

Once this was completed State Board Members shared any last comments and they adjourned the meeting.