Georgia school boards association picks new leaders

Frank Griffin, Chair of the Lee County School Board, was installed as vice president. Ron Hopkins, chair of the Jefferson City School Board, begins a three-year term as Treasurer.

The association of elected school officials also ratified its legislative priorities, which cover state funding, taxation, pensions, curriculum and concepts such as school vouchers, which the organization opposes.

The association members played a crucial role in the defeat of last year's proposed constitutional amendment to let the state take over failing schools. The association's first legislative item is for local school boards to maintain "exclusive control over public schools" and to oppose any legislation "infringing" on that authority.