Coweta school board unanimously opts out of HB 581 amendment, directs staff to pursue local legislation

The Coweta County School Board on Feb. 11 voted unanimously to adopt a resolution to opt out of House Bill 581 Amendment 1, saying the amendment would constrain local school funding and limit flexibility to protect students and taxpayers.

Board member Amy Dees, speaking at length during the discussion, said the debate over HB 581 has divided communities and that some activists pushing the bill ``hate public education.'' Dees said she would continue to "stand in the gap for our teachers, our parents, and the 22,500 students that I represent."

Nut graf: The board framed the opt-out as a defense of local control and fiscal flexibility. Several board members said the amendment would reduce the district’s ability to raise or adapt revenue for schools and could limit future local exemptions for senior homeowners. After adopting the opt-out resolution, the board directed the superintendent and board attorney to draft local legislation that would cap the percentage of annual reassessments on homesteaded residential properties and enhance senior tax exemptions, then submit that draft to the county’s legislative delegation.

Board member Dubose said he had heard residents’ concerns about rising property taxes and described the choice as one where "there are no winners" under the amendment. He said nearly 80% of Georgia school systems were choosing to opt out, a pattern he said indicated statewide concerns about the policy.

Board member Copeland said his priority is the students and staff the board serves and that HB 581 as written "doesn't adequately address those priorities." Board member Barnett said she left a noon hearing with "a deep sense of sadness" about the community rancor and urged the board to be responsive to citizens while protecting school funding.

Superintendent Dr. Horton confirmed staff would work with the board attorney and the local legislative delegation to draft a bill that would, if enacted by the legislature and signed by the governor, be returned to voters in a local referendum. "We can get together on those details," Horton said, adding staff would start work with the attorney and delegation as soon as possible.

The motion to adopt the resolution to opt out of HB 581 Amendment 1 passed 7 to 0.

Ending: Board members said they will pursue local legislation and return with a proposed draft; the timeline will depend on the legislative calendar and whether the local delegation agrees to carry the measure to the General Assembly.