To view the agenda in its entirety please click SBOE Meeting Agenda.

The State Board of Education met for their 2-day meeting Wednesday, March 22 and 23^rd. The two days consisted of committee meetings and the full State Board meeting.

Committee Meetings

Rules

All items were pulled for a separate vote. Only one item created concerns which were around the Living and Working with Artificial Intelligence Standards which was up for adoption. Some committee members want to ensure there are guard rails for critical thinking, ethics and that students understand the negative effects of artificial intelligence. Most public comment supported the standards. Mr. Woods told the committee that he is open to looking at the standards to incorporate their concerns. The item will be pulled for a separate vote.

District Flexibility

There were four charter renewals, one charter amendment, and state charter renewals which were all moved to the consent agenda. Representatives from most of the charter renewals spoke on behalf of their renewal and the accomplishments of their schools. 

State Schools

The district teacher of the year from Georgia School for the Deaf, for the state schools presented on their reading intervention program. Dr. Kenny Moore the State Schools Director gave an update on the schools and went over their organizational restructuring. 

Budget

The committee heard all 19 budget items and moved them to the consent agenda.

The conversation centered around the AFY23 Budget presentation by the GaDOE, CFO. He presented the highlights and participated in the discussion. Specifically, around how the GaDOE handles new initiatives and staff to accomplish the implementation. 

Audit Committee

No Audits meeting, it has been postponed until May 2023.

SBOE Meeting

The regular State Board Meeting began with Greg Bluestein political reporter with the AJC. Greg led the State Board in an inspiration about the power of public education and how the small details matter to the future of our state’s students. 

There were three items for Public Hearing. No one signed up to speak.

Action Taken

The consent agenda was adopted and all items pulled for a separate vote were adopted.

Superintendent & Chair’s Reports

Owen Smith, Marketing Manager GA State Parks. Mr. Smith presented on the educational opportunities for students in State Parks. He spoke about in person, on location conservation and historic study that cannot be experienced in the classroom. For more information on the field trips and educational opportunities click here. There are 66 state parks and historic sites available within a close driving distance anywhere in Georgia and at a low cost. 

GA Leads Pilot Presentation

Nathifa Carmichael, Director of Educator Support and Development 

The Teacher Burnout Task Force Report was the driver to develop the Georgia Leads Pilot Program. It is a new teacher evaluation system. It is currently being piloted in selected school districts around Georgia. It is a teacher focused system to improve student outcomes. It is designed to support and grow the teachers for student achievement and ultimately better schools. Key components of Georgia Leads; Targeted Teacher Performance Standards, Student Indicators of Growth, Achievement and Development, Professional Growth and Advancement. The pilot will be launched in the fall of 2023. 

NASBE Healthy Schools Facility Network Grant

Melissa Farenbrook from the CDC Healthy Schools Branch

Presented on how the CDC can partner and provide resources and grant opportunities for schools in Georgia. For more information on the CDC Healthy Schools Division click here.

Dyslexia Update

Jennifer Lindstrom, Statewide Dyslexia Coordinator

This program was initiated by SB48 the Dyslexia law which passed in 2019. The team has worked on the Dyslexia Rule which was passed by the State Board in September 2022. There is Dyslexia funding for the 17 endorsement programs. There will also be a list of Dyslexia screeners that the State Board will vote on. Georgia is in year 3 of the Dyslexia pilot program which is currently in select school districts across the state. There is also a Dyslexia Task Force of 60 members with working groups. For more information on the Department of Education’s Dyslexia program click here.

Communities In Schools Central Georgia Bibb County

The representatives spoke about their efforts, impact and highlights in Bibb County and the important partnership with their local school district. Chair Jason Downey invited them to speak. Click here for more information.

The meeting adjourned.