Bill > HB917

This bill establishes a comprehensive open enrollment process for students in Georgia's public school systems, allowing students to transfer between local school systems and between schools within their local system. The legislation requires each local school system to implement an open enrollment policy that prohibits discrimination based on residential address, ability, disability, race, ethnicity, sex, or socioeconomic status. Local school systems must post their enrollment capacities and vacancies online monthly, accept student transfers throughout the year as space allows, and make transfer application information available in English and other majority languages. If transfer requests exceed available spaces, schools will use a lottery system to determine enrollment. The bill provides a formal appeals process for denied transfer requests, with parents able to appeal to the State Board of Education within ten calendar days of a denial. Schools cannot charge tuition for transfers, with a limited exception for virtual instruction transfers. Each local school system must annually report transfer data to the State School Superintendent, who will publish this information on the Department of Education's website. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for children of school employees to attend schools where their parents work, regardless of their residential school district. The new rules will take effect on July 1, 2025, aiming to provide more educational flexibility and opportunities for Georgia's students.

Education

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72008