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GA SB472

GA SB472
Local Boards of Education; audit findings or findings by the state auditor of financial mismanagement or misconduct; provide for the suspension of members

summary

Introduced
02/06/2026
In Committee
03/25/2026
Crossed Over
02/26/2026
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT To amend Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to elementary and secondary education, so as to provide for the suspension of members of local boards of education following certain audit findings or findings by the state auditor of financial mismanagement or misconduct; to provide for employment contract terms, conditions, and limitations for local school superintendents under certain conditions; to provide for a cap on the total amount of advance distributions of state allotted funds that may be made by the State Board of Education to local units of administration; to provide for plans for monitoring, supports, and intervention; to provide for the authority of the state auditor relative to such plans; to provide that a petition signed by 10 percent of the qualified voters in an independent school system shall be required in order to hold an election to determine whether to annul the special law of the independent school system so that it becomes a part of the respective county school system or systems in which the territory of the independent school system is located; to repeal outdated terms and provisions; to make conforming changes; to amend Chapter 6 of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the Department of Audits and Accounts, so as to revise provisions for financial audits of local school systems and state charter schools by and on behalf of the Department of Audits and Accounts; to require the Department of Audits and Accounts to develop and implement a program of progressive monitoring, supports, and interventions to local school systems and state charter schools; to provide for investigations of local school systems by the state auditor; to provide for an effective date; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

AI Summary

This bill introduces several changes to Georgia's education laws, primarily focusing on accountability and oversight of local school systems. Key provisions include allowing for the suspension of local school board members with pay if the state auditor finds financial mismanagement or misconduct, or if a school system is designated for the highest level of monitoring, supports, and interventions by the Department of Audits and Accounts. It also modifies employment contract terms for local school superintendents, particularly in high-risk school systems, making financial mismanagement or misconduct grounds for termination. The bill also establishes a cap on advance distributions of state funds to local school systems, requiring a plan for monitoring, supports, and intervention developed by the state auditor if these limits are exceeded. Additionally, it lowers the threshold for voters to petition for an election to dissolve an independent school system and integrate it into the surrounding county school system, and revises provisions for financial audits of local school systems and state charter schools by the Department of Audits and Accounts, including a mandate for the department to develop a program of progressive monitoring, supports, and interventions.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (8)

Last Action

Senate Agreed House Amend or Sub (on 03/27/2026)

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