When problems arise at your child’s school—whether it’s about discipline, special education services, or school safety—it’s important to know how to take your concerns to the right people. In Georgia, understanding the hierarchy of your local school system helps you advocate effectively and make sure your child’s needs are heard.
The Role of the Local School Board
Each local school board in Georgia is responsible for creating and implementing policies that govern the entire school district. These policies shape everything from academic standards and discipline procedures to special education services and transportation.
The school board also controls the district’s budget and property, ensuring that taxpayer funds are used to meet students’ needs. In short, the school board makes the rules that the district must follow.
Parents can usually find their local board’s policies online by visiting the District’s website and looking for the Board of Education Policies section. These policies are public records, and reviewing them can help you understand the standards your school must meet.
Why Local Elections Matter
School board members are elected officials, which means your vote matters. These members make decisions that directly impact your child’s education. They also hire and oversee the superintendent, who serves as the district’s chief executive officer.
The Superintendent’s Role
The superintendent is hired by the school board to run the district in alignment with board policies and the district’s approved budget. Every month, the superintendent provides a public report to the board during its regular meeting.
This report usually includes updates on:
- Curriculum and student achievement
- Discipline and school culture
- Safety initiatives
- District operations
Since board members do not manage day-to-day school operations, these meetings are often their primary source of information about what’s happening across the district. That’s why the public comment period of these meetings is so important—it gives parents and community members a chance to raise issues that might not otherwise reach the board’s attention.
The superintendent’s work should reflect the goals of the District’s Strategic Plan. If the superintendent fails to meet those goals, the school board may choose not to renew their contract.
The District Administration
To carry out policies and manage daily operations, the superintendent hires district administrators. These administrators oversee:
- The Special Education Department
- The District’s Hearing Officers for discipline and tribunals
- Principals and school leaders
Each of these levels has responsibilities that flow downward from the board’s policies—and upward through reporting and accountability.
Why Parents Should Bring Issues to the School Board
Although local school boards do not directly manage schools, they hold the power to create, revise, and rescind policies at any time. When schools or districts fail to follow these policies, parents can (and should) bring concerns up the chain—first to the principal, then to district administrators, and finally to the school board.
The board has authority over the superintendent and the power to change district policy when systemic problems arise. That means your advocacy can influence not only your child’s situation but also the experiences of every student in your community.
Final Thoughts
When you understand the school hierarchy in Georgia, you can direct your advocacy where it will have the greatest impact. Don’t be afraid to attend school board meetings, review your district’s policies, and use your voice. Meaningful change often starts with an informed parent speaking up for what’s right.
