Oconee BOE wants legislature to make changes to Board operations

The Oconee County School Board wants the Georgia legislature to approve proposed changes to Board operations. The School Board, meeting in Watkinsville, says it is calling on Georgia lawmakers to allow the Board to choose its own Chair, a position that will be, in this year’s elections, decided by Oconee County voters. And the Board wants to require members who are appointed to fill vacancies to run for a Board seat in the next scheduled election.

From the Oconee Co Schools website…

The Oconee County Board of Education has been working with the Local Legislative Delegation to make two proposed changes to the statutory operations of the Board.

First is a change to the way unexpected Board vacancies are filled. Since 1964, the Board has been required to fill vacancies through appointment by a majority vote of the Board members. The proposed amendment would still require the Board to fill a temporary vacancy by appointment and majority vote but would also introduce a more democratic process by requiring the appointed member to stand for election at the next general election. This change aims to enhance transparency and accountability by allowing voters to have a more direct say in who represents them on the Board. It ensures that the individual appointed to fill the vacancy is subject to the scrutiny and approval of the electorate, rather than solely relying on the decision of the existing Board members. Furthermore, the provision for a temporary appointment followed by an election at the next general election ensures that there is not a prolonged period of vacancy on the Board, thereby maintaining continuity in governance and decision-making processes. This is the process currently established in state law that is followed by all Georgia boards of education that do not have a separate process approved by local voters.

The second proposed change is to allow the Board of Education to appoint a Chair from among its elected members. The Chair has no special authority or power other than to preside over the formal meetings and to work closely with the Superintendent to establish meeting agendas. Under the proposed change, the Board would have the flexibility to appoint a Chair based on their knowledge, experience, and skills to effectively serve the Oconee County School System. Currently, 82 percent of boards of education in Georgia appoint their Chair. This proposed change reflects a commitment to adopting common business practices that align with many educational institutions and organizations, including the University System of Georgia.

These proposed changes will be included on the General Election ballot on November 5, 2024, for Oconee County voters to consider. If approved, they would be effective January 1, 2025.

Kim Argo, Board Chair

Amy Parrish, Board Vice Chair

Tim Burgess

Ryan Hammock

Michael Ransom

©2024 Cox Media Group