Ga. Implementing School Board Ethics Policies

ATLANTA (AP) - School boards in Georgia will soon have more rules to follow.

The Georgia Department of Education is implementing a law passed by state legislators this spring that limits the size of school boards, requires boards to follow a state-developed code of ethics and sets policies to remove members from office if they don’t follow the rules. The policy also sets up a statewide training program for local board members and creates conflict of interest and nepotism guidelines.

The law was passed after the 50,000-student Clayton County district lost accreditation in 2008 because of a squabbling, ineffective school board. The district has since replaced its entire board and regained its accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The new policies are expected to be in place by next year.