The State Board of Education (SBOE) held its first meetings of 2025 on Jan. 14 and 15. Major items included the introduction of new board members and the approval or initiation of new board rules.
A complete agenda is available through the button below.
First Board Meeting During 2025 Legislative Session As the January SBOE board meeting took place during the first week of the 2025 Legislative Session, Board Chair Stan DeJarnett gave a brief overview of relevant legislative topics and possible upcoming initiatives such as further action on literacy and school safety. Board Member Martha Zoller also noted that a bill addressing absenteeism may be forthcoming.
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New Board Members Introduced
DeJarnett introduced two new board members: Kristi Garrett from the third district and Melanie Stockwell from the fifth district These members replace Helen Rice and Kenneth Mason, respectively, whose terms expired in December 2024. The outgoing board members will be honored at the March SBOE meeting.
Kristi Garrett (Third District) Melanie Stockwell (Fifth District)
New Curriculum Directors Recognized
On Jan. 14, Claire Buck, executive director of the Georgia Association of Curriculum and Instructional Supervisors (GACIS), and April Aldridge, deputy superintendent of the Office of Teaching and Learning for the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE), addressed the board and introduced a group of new curriculum directors.
Following the meeting, PAGE Director of Legislative Services Margaret Ciccarelli joined the group and provided a tour of the Capitol building.
School Construction Rule Amended and Other Business
The board approved an amendment to State Board of Education Rule 160-5-4-.15 Processing of Plans and Specifications for Public School Construction. This amendment is intended to ensure that local school systems consult with local law enforcement or emergency management agencies on the design of any facility or structure that will house public school students.
The board also voted to initiate the rule-making process and post the following proposals for public comment:
You can provide public comment on these rules HERE.
Finally, the board approved a request from the Camden County School District to transfer from Okefenokee RESA to the First District RESA beginning July 1, 2025.
All other items on the consent agenda were also approved.
Troup Middle School Students Sing for SBOE
Preceding board voting on proposed rules, students from Callaway Middle School in Troup County performed. Their performance can be seen in the video at the 18:00 mark.
 | Next Meeting
The next board meetings will be held Feb. 19 and Feb. 20. The full 2025 SBOE meeting calendar can be found here. |