The State Board of Education (SBOE) held its monthly meeting July 17, 2024, on Jekyll Island in conjunction with the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL) summer conference. The board welcomed new members, adopted a rule regarding student transportation, and took action on several additional items. The agenda, which can be accessed below, includes links to all items considered by the board.
At a called meeting later in July, the board met again and approved math assessment cut scores, approved several expenditures, and authorized an accreditation rule task force. The called meeting agenda, which is available below, includes links to items considered in the July 25 meeting.
Featured Action On July 17, new SBOE member, Jennifer Fennell, was introduced. The board was also joined by the 2025 Georgia Teacher of the Year Holly Witcher. The board adopted a pupil transportation rule and initiated for public comment an Accelerated Career Diploma Program-related rule. |  |
July 17 Board Action: Pupil Transportation & Accelerated Career Diploma Program
During the 2024 legislative session, the General Assembly passed HB 51, which allows use of alternative student transportation methods and instructs the SBOE to promulgate related rules. In response, the board voted to amend State Board Rule 160-5-3-.17. No speakers provided public comment.
The board pulled the transportation rule off the consent agenda and passed it separately before approving all consent agenda items, including adding Hunting Learning Academy to the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program approved school voucher 2024-2025 private school list.
As part of the consent agenda, the board approved for initiation and public comment changes to board rule made by SB 440, which modifies graduation requirements for students earning high school diplomas through the Accelerated Career Diploma program. SBOE Rule 160-4-2-.34 incorporates SB 440 provisions. Proposed amendments include the definition of “state-funded core course,” changing the list of courses required for students pursuing high school diplomas through the Accelerated Career Diploma program, and restructuring the SBOE rule to provide clarity on Dual Enrollment requirements for students pursuing a Traditional High School Diploma versus an Accelerated Career Diploma.
July 17 Superintendent & Chair Reports: Introductions & Literacy Screener Advisory Group
 2025 Georgia Teacher of the Year Holly Witcher |  13th District SBOE member Jennifer Fennell |
During his brief report, Superintendent Woods introduced Witcher, a special education teacher who addressed the group and stressed to board members and educators that their work matters. She will serve as an advisory member to the SBOE throughout her term.
During his report, SBOE Chair Stan DeJarnett introduced Jennifer Fennel who works in government relations for an electrical management company and who described her background in Georgia schools.
DeJarnett, a member of the executive committee of the Georgia Council on Literacy, outlined the council’s recent activity regarding literacy screener selection and referenced recent SBOE member nominations for a literacy screener advisory group. Lindee Morgan with the Deal Center on Literacy is coordinating work to develop a new rubric and select five screeners, one of which must be available for free for use by Georgia school districts. The screener advisory group will assist the Deal Center in identifying recommended screeners. A list of recommended screeners is expected to be provided to the SBOE for review by December.
July 25 Called Meeting: Math Cut Scores & Accreditation Rule Task Force
A week after its regularly scheduled July meeting, the SBOE held a virtual called meeting to discuss math state assessments, purchase contracts, and creation of an accreditation rule task force.
Distinguished Learner math cut scores will be updated, though Proficient and Developing cut scores on Georgia Milestones mathematics assessment will not change. Georgia Alternate Assessment cut scores will also remain the same. Though the board ultimately approved Distinguished Learner cut score changes, two members vote against, and one abstained.
The board approved purchase contracts and organized several members into an accreditation rule task force, which will study a new accreditation rule. The group will be chaired by Phenna Petty and includes board members Nicholas Ellis, Frank Griffin, Jason Downey, and Scott Sweeney.
 | Next MeetingThe next board meeting will be Aug. 21 at the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf in Clarkston. The full calendar of 2024 SBOE meetings can be found HERE. |
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