New Cities Could Form Their Own School Systems Under Proposed Law

Shortly after Gov. Nathan Deal announced his suspension of six DeKalb school board members, Dunwoody state Rep. Tom Taylor introduced House Resolution 486, which would allow newly incorporated cities to form their own local school system.

"This is an amendment to the state constitution, that would allow cities and municipalities that have incorporated after Jan. 1, 2005, to form their own independent school system," Taylor said. "Our current constitution doesn't allow that."

Dunwoody, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Milton and Peachtree Corners all incorporated after Jan. 1, 2005.

"I was going to make this a stand-alone bill for Dunwoody, but after seeing some support from folks in Fulton and Gwinnett, I made the bill a little broader," Taylor said. "The bill also allows you to go across county lines, so there could be a Dunwoody/Sandy Springs school system."

"If approved by legislature and voters via state constitution amendment ballot, any of the newer cities created could form a new school district either alone or in combination with a contiguous city, even if the contiguous cities are in different counties," said Dunwoody City Councilman Terry Nall.

See Also:

Gov. Deal Suspends Six DeKalb School Baord Members

State Rep. Taylor Talks About a Dunwoody School System

Judge Grants Restraining Order Against Suspension of DeKalb School Board

School Board Files Emergency Motion Motion to Stop Possible Suspension

Replay Patch's Live Coverage of the State Board of Education Hearing With the DeKalb School Board

Local Lawmaker Plans Bill for Dunwoody School System