School Board plans luncheon for new teachers and discusses Willowbrook MOU

The Georgia Board meeting on July 14, 2025, highlighted key initiatives aimed at enhancing educational support and compliance with new legislation. A significant focus was the upcoming Teacher Induction Program (TIP) scheduled for next Monday at the Performing Arts Center, where board members are invited to meet new teachers and foster connections.

In addition, the board discussed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Willowbrook, a counseling support provider. This partnership is crucial for addressing the mental health needs of students, and the board recommended placing the MOU on the consent agenda for approval. However, a board member requested that the vote on the Willowbrook MOU be separated from other items due to a conflict of interest, ensuring transparency in the decision-making process.

The meeting also addressed necessary revisions to board policies in response to recent legislative changes. Three policies were identified for amendment: the IDE policy regarding interscholastic activities, the GAAA policy on equal opportunity employment, and the GAEB policy concerning harassment of employees. These changes are essential for compliance with new state regulations, including the Riley Gains Act and Senate Bill 154, which mandates the removal of specific references from board policies.

The board agreed to table the discussion on these policy revisions until the next meeting on August 18, ensuring thorough consideration of the changes. Overall, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to supporting educators and students while adhering to evolving legal standards.