The State Board of Education (SBOE) met May 7 and 8. Board members approved a rule change relating to the charter school petition process, the state's Perkins V plan, the list of private schools approved to take part in the special needs voucher program, and many other items. The board also received a presentation on completion special schools and celebrated schools receiving literacy and math achievement awards.

A complete agenda is available through the button below. 

Presentation Highlights The Role of Completion Schools

Former Bibb County Superintendent Curtis Jones and Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) staff shared information about the history, current mission, and future development plans of Georgia’s completion special schools. They also discussed completion schools' successes and challenges. The presentation concluded with recommendations to improve completion schools, such as supplemental appropriations and allowing students to enroll at 16, instead of 18.

Following the presentation, DeJarnett emphasized the value of completion schools and expressed his belief that legislative action is necessary to ensure students in need can access completion schools.

Award Banners Presentation

State School Superintendent Richard Woods presented award banners for schools selected as Literacy Leaders and Math Leaders. These banners are awarded to schools to recognize achievement or improvement in Georgia Milestones reading or math scores.

Woods also previewed the banner for the John Hancock Award, which will be presented to schools that demonstrate excellence in student cursive writing skills, beginning with the 2025-26 school year.

Board Adopts Charter School Petition Rule Change, Perkins V Plan, and Many Other Items

The board approved a change to 160-4-9-.05 relating to the charter school petition process. The rule changes align the process with HB 318 (2024) and update references to the GaDOE in the rule to refer instead to the Office of Charter School Compliance.

The board also voted to approve the Perkins V portion of Georgia's combined state plan, a Georgia Milestones Assessment system waiver for English Language Arts for 2025-2026, and the WIDA Alternate English Language Proficiency Standards (cut scores).

They also approved the list of local board governance training providers and the list of private schools approved to take part in the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program for the 2025-2026 school year.

Finally, the board took action on the following CTAE pathways:

• Standards - Sports Nutrition (Adoption) 

• Audio Technology for Post-Production Pathway and Audio Technology Live Production Pathway (Approval to Post) 

• Standards - Navy JROTC (Approval to Post) 

Public comment on these rules and standards can be submitted HERE.

All other items on the consent agenda were also approved.

Literacy Focused Chair's Report

During the Chair's Report, DeJarnett stated that the FY2026 state budget contains funds for additional Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA) based literacy coaches and the free universal reading screener by Amira. DeJarnett noted that the board is expected to conclude work on the State Literacy Plan later this summer.