Barrow County Schools to share GNETS program costs with three districts after board approval

The Barrow County Board of Education voted July 29 to sign an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) expanding the Georgia Network of Educational and Therapeutic Supports (GNETS) hosted by Barrow County Schools to include Jefferson City, Oconee County and Social Circle City Schools. The agreement spreads operating costs among participating districts and formalizes shared services for students with intense social, emotional or behavioral needs.

Special‑education director Amy Wadley told the board Barrow has hosted the GNETS program for two years and that the new agreement lowers Barrow’s share of staff costs from 50% to 25% because two additional districts will join the cost pool. "The total estimated cost for the program is anticipated to be $657,000," Wadley said; Barrow’s 25% share was listed at approximately $164,250.

Wadley described program placements and consultative services: five students at County Line Elementary, four at Winder‑Barrow High School and four at Russell Middle School in the program’s current arrangement, plus consultative placements in partner districts. The IGA clarifies responsibility for supplies, therapeutic services beyond GNETS capacity (for example occupational or physical therapy) and direct reimbursements where required.

Board discussion praised the district’s regional role. The motion to approve the IGA was moved by Mr. Calloway and seconded by Ms. Hendricks; the board voted in favor. District staff said there is no planned increase in Barrow staff as a direct result of adding partners and that participating districts will reimburse their shares of identified expenses.