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Rockdale school board hears hours of public comment and member debate over House Bill 581 but takes no vote
Summary
Residents, students and board members sparred Wednesday over whether Rockdale County Public Schools should opt out of Georgia—9s House Bill 581. The board heard public testimony for and against the floating homestead exemption and engaged in an extended internal debate; no formal opt-out vote was taken at the meeting.
Rockdale County Board of Education members heard more than an hour of public testimony and an extended internal debate Wednesday over House Bill 581, the statewide floating homestead-exemption law passed by the Georgia Legislature and approved by voters earlier this month.
Speakers at the meeting included homeowners, civic leaders and students who urged opposite outcomes. "Opting in on this legislation will no longer allow for us as scholars to receive the benefits and the necessities aimed towards success," said Micah Browning, junior class president at Heritage High School, representing the Heritage student council. "We ask that you keep students, faculty and staff of Rockdale County Public Schools in your minds and join nearby districts in opting out," Browning said.
Other public commenters urged the board to remain in HB…
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