Georgia lawmakers approve bills on charter school finances and videos
The Georgia Senate on Thursday evening passed a couple education bills that now go to Gov. Nathan Deal for his signature.
House Bill 614 says video cameras can monitor special education classrooms, which is neither forbidden or expressly allowed under current law. House Bill 895 mandates financial training for charter school board members and a financial management certification program for school leaders and personnel in charge of money. It also prohibits principals from simultaneously taking on the role of finance chief.
During prior hearings about the charter school legislation, there was mention of an Atlanta charter school at risk of closure because of the alleged theft of more than $600,000. The legislation was said to address such problems.
The Senate votes came on the last day of the 2016 session. Senators were still meeting afterward, with more education bills expected.
About the Author
Ty Tagami is a staff writer for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Since joining the newspaper in 2002, he has written about everything from hurricanes to homelessness. He has deep experience covering local government and education, and can often be found under the Gold Dome when lawmakers meet or in a school somewhere in the state.
