Board approves GNETS intergovernmental agreement to expand regional special‑education program
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Summary
The board agreed to a multi‑district intergovernmental agreement for GNETS services; Barrow County will move from paying 50% to 25% of staff costs and will host students from two additional districts, with an estimated district share of $164,250 under the new arrangement.
Barrow County Schools on Tuesday approved an intergovernmental agreement to host and extend Georgia Network for Educational and Therapeutic Supports (GNETS) services to Jefferson City, Oconee County and Social Circle city school systems.
Why it matters: the IGA expands a regional program that provides intensive educational and therapeutic support to students with severe social, emotional or behavioral needs, and it shifts cost shares so Barrow County will pay 25% of program staff costs rather than 50%.
Amy Wadley, Barrow County Schools’ director of special education, said Barrow has hosted the GNETS program (formerly a separate school in Athens) for the past two years and shared the program with Jefferson City. Two additional districts requested partnership this year. Under the revised agreement those partner districts will contribute for supplies, equipment and any special services beyond the program’s scope.
Wadley gave cost estimates. “The total estimated cost for the program is anticipated to be $657,000,” she said; Barrow County’s 25% share would be $164,250 (previously the district paid roughly $328,500 when covering 50%). Wadley also described enrollment and consult counts the IGA covers: five students at County Line Elementary (across the four sites), four students at Windermere High School, four at Russell Middle School, and additional consultative services — three students in Jefferson City and three in Oconee County — who will remain in their home districts and receive coordinator support.
Board members moved and approved the IGA in regular session. The agreement makes Barrow the contracting district and designates Barrow staff and facilities to provide daily services, with partner districts responsible for reimbursing specified additional services and supplies.
The superintendent recommended approval; the motion passed in open session.