Bill > HB1190

This bill, known as the "Students and Teachers SPEAK Act," aims to increase student and teacher involvement in educational decision-making in Georgia. It allows the General Assembly to authorize public school teachers and students to serve as non-voting advisors, or "advisors ex officio," to the State Board of Education, which is the primary governing body for education in the state. Specifically, it establishes a process for selecting student members, who must be at least 16 years old and enrolled in 11th or 12th grade, through a statewide application and review process overseen by the Governor, with recommendations from the State School Superintendent. These student advisors will be invited to attend public meetings and hearings of the State Board of Education but will be restricted from participating in legal matters, individual student discipline or personnel issues, or any sensitive or confidential information, and will not attend executive sessions. Additionally, the bill encourages local school boards to invite student representatives to serve as advisors, with local boards determining the number, appointment method, and term of service for these representatives, who will act as liaisons for the student body and can make advisory votes on issues affecting students as a whole, such as conduct codes or school calendars, though these votes will not be officially counted. The Georgia Teacher of the Year will also continue to be invited to advise the State Board of Education on meetings and public hearings, with provisions for reimbursement of expenses.

Education

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72839