GSBA's professional development program is designed with today's school board members in mind. The Association believes that local school systems can be only as good as the quality of their leadership. To that end, GSBA seeks to offer Georgia's most comprehensive and extensive professional development programs for local boards of education. Training is made available locally, regionally, statewide, and nationally (NSBA).

School Board Training and the Law

GSBA designed its professional development program to comply with both the letter and spirit of Georgia law. Local school systems must maintain records and offer verification indicating that local board members have received the required annual training.

Georgia Law (20-2-230b) stipulates that all new board members (elected or appointed to fill an unexpired term) shall receive "at least 12 hours of orientation" in specific educational program objectives of Georgia within one year of assuming office. Further, that orientation is specified to include a minimum of six hours of instruction in the area of "education finance, generally accepted accounting principles, and budgeting. " The same law also mandates that veteran board members receive one day of training annually.

The law (20-2-210) further stipulates that all local school superintendents shall have their performance evaluated annually by local board members trained on the use of the Georgia Superintendent Evaluation Instrument (published by the Georgia Department of Education). GSBA includes training on the proper use of this instrument as part of its New Board Member Orientation.

The Faculty

The faculty for GSBA's professional development programs is drawn from professional educators, experienced board members, state, regional and national experts, and others who work daily with local boards. GSBA professional development programs bring together the best and most knowledgeable practitioners as instructors and facilitators for learning. Resource materials are current and applicable.

Dates, Times and Locations Disclaimer

GSBA reserves the right to cancel and/or change dates for offerings based on pre-registration indicators and other measures beyond the Association's control.

Participants are responsible for making their own lodging arrangements. For certain courses, pre-registered participants will be furnished a list of suggested lodging facilities. Due to varying lodging preferences, GSBA cannot be held responsible for securing room blocks at specific facilities.

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