Definition: govern Govern comes from a Greek word that means to “steer a ship.” The governance structure is intended to encourage each school to steer its work toward impacting student achievement. Schools will be permitted to make decisions and recommendations that leverage greater flexibility as granted in the approved 2011 charter petition.

Essential Question 1: What is the charter system governance structure for Barrow County Schools?

School Governance Team (SGT) Members (7 to 11 members): Principal Parents and Business Partners Teachers Students (optional at elementary level) Assistant Principal (ex-officio member) Officers: Chairperson Vice-Chairperson Secretary Monthly Meetings, Use eBOARD, Open Meeting Act rules

SGT Membership Principal – chairperson ; must serve on SGT each year Parents – appointed by principal ; then elected by parents beginning may be employee of the school district but not employed at school can only serve on one SGT

SGT Membership (con’t) Business/Community Representative – appointed by principal ; then elected by parents & staff in Teachers nominated by leadership team & elected by staff can only serve on one SGT Students – elected by staff

SGT Terms of Office : Parents & business – 2-year & 3-year Teachers - 2-year & 3-year The number of teachers must be proportional to the number of parent/business members. If there are not enough parents/business members, principals may designate a representative to serve in that place and beyond: Parents & business – 2-year terms Teachers – 3-year terms

SGT Officers Chairperson: Principal first two years Preside at all meetings Sign all letters and reports Perform chairperson duties Prepare agendas Serve on cluster governance team Report district news to SGT

SGT Officers (continued) Vice-Chairperson Elected by SGT Must be a parent or business partner Substitute for chairperson if absent Preside over special committees as appointed Other duties as assigned Serve on cluster team

SGT Officers (continued) Secretary Elected by SGT Record minutes of all regular and special meetings Transmit true and correct copies of the minutes to members of SGT Provide all notices in accordance of bylaws Be custodian of all SGT records Keep register of SGT members Keep current and updated copies of by-laws Post all meeting information electronically on eBOARD Other duties as assigned

SGT Decision-Making The School Governance Team (SGT) can make decisions that do not impact the operations of the school system and/or other schools within the district and if the recommendations are permitted by Georgia law and the terms of the Charter System petition. Decisions made by the SGT must be submitted to the Superintendent for review.

SGT Decision-Making (Granted in Stages Based on Training) Year 1: Primary focus: training Make recommendations on the integration/expansion of the 5 areas of focus (Effective written and oral communication, Greater problem-solving skills, Greater critical thinking skills, Effective use of modern technology, Greater focus on 21 st century literacy skills) identified in the Charter Education Program. How does this link with Feedback, Assessment, and Differentiation? Make recommendations on the Balanced-Scorecard/School Strategic Plan

SGT Decision-Making (continued) Make recommendations on SACS district accreditation Make waiver recommendations Provide input in principal selection process Set additional rules regarding dress code and/or discipline (beyond Code of Conduct) Approve fundraisers and field trips

SGT Decision-Making (continued) Year 2: Continue training Continue year 1 decision-making Make recommendations for school-level budget Review and revise by-laws and make-up of School Governance Team