Today, Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan appointed members to the Senate Study Committee on Nonpartisan Elections for Local School Board Members. Sen. Clint Dixon (R – Gwinnett) will chair the committee which will be tasked with further examining the impact of partisan school board elections on district performance.

“Legislative proposals concerning education must be crafted in a delicate manner while encompassing input from leaders at all levels of government,” said Lt. Governor Duncan. “With over 60% of Georgia’s school boards already operating as nonpartisan, and direct calls to remove partisan conflict from local education decisions, I look forward to seeing the outcome this committee produces through a transparent and collaborative process.”

The following Senate members have also been appointed to serve on the committee: Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R – Dallas), Sen. Lester Jackson (D – Savannah) and Sen. Chuck Payne (R – Dalton).

This newly-developed committee was created in response to calls from education advocacy organizations calling for nonpartisan school board elections and statewide public input. The Senate Study Committee on Nonpartisan Elections for Local School Board Members will meet periodically between now and the 2022 Legislative Session to receive feedback from education stakeholders and members of the public on potential legislation concerning this matter.