Georgia School Boards Association

10/15/2026

Earlier this week, GSBA Risk Management Services welcomed members from across Georgia to Athens for its Annual Member Meeting, bringing education leaders together for updates and discussions on school safety, effective leadership, emerging risks, and the evolving legal landscape facing public schools.

One of the highlights of the day was recognizing this year’s GSBA RMS Safety Grant recipients! These grants support member school districts in their efforts to reduce risks and create safer learning and working environments for students and staff. Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients!

Thank you to our speakers, partners, and members who joined us for a productive day of learning and collaboration. Together, we’re building stronger, safer school communities across Georgia.

10/14/2026

Meet William Harton, a senior from Cobb County Schools and a member of our YAC Class of 2026!

William is passionate about strengthening connections between students and school board members. He believes regular opportunities for communication can help students understand their board’s role and help board members better understand students’ experiences and concerns. He is also interested in exploring racial disparities specifically within STEM programs.

We are so glad to have William’s thoughtful insight and dedication to making schools a better place for his peers on this year’s Council. Stay tuned for more highlights from the GSBA Youth Advisory Council Class of 2026!

10/12/2026

Know a journalist or media organization providing outstanding coverage of Georgia’s public schools? Nominate them for the GSBA Beacon Award by October 23!

This award highlights the vital role of informed journalism in shaping public understanding and dialogue around public education, bringing attention to the stories and issues shaping our schools.

Nominations must be officially nominated and approved by the Board of Education. Winners will be recognized on stage at the 2026 GSBA/GSSA Annual Conference in December.

Learn more and submit a nomination at the link below:
https://gsba.com/awards/beacon-awards/

10/07/2026

Meet Paloma Laboy, a junior from Gwinnett County Public Schools and a member of GSBA’s Class of 2026 Youth Advisory Council!

For Paloma, preparing students for life after high school means equipping them with practical life skills and helping them discover the opportunities available to them. She also wants to explore the challenges behind chronic absenteeism across Georgia and how schools can address its root causes.

We’re thrilled to have Paloma contributing her perspective and speaking up for her fellow students. Follow along for more student spotlights, and hear directly from our YAC members at the 2026 GSBA/GSSA Annual Conference this December!

10/06/2026

Ready to build on your governance team’s accomplishments and deepen your impact?

In partnership with the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education, GSBA invites strong governance teams to take their work even further with the GSBA Excellence in Governance Institute.

Through collaborative learning and a capstone project, this free two-year program allows participating teams to explore key topics and address a critical education issue in their district, putting effective governance into action.

Applications are open through Friday, October 30, 2026. Learn more and apply at the link below!

https://gsba.com/advocacy/gsba-excellence-in-governance-institute/

10/05/2026

One of GSBA’s proudest initiatives during our anniversary year is the Phillip L. Hartley Legacy of Leadership Student Scholarship, which will award $5,000 each to 14 deserving high school seniors to continue their education.

Made possible by the Excellence in Governance Foundation Fund, which was established in 2025, this scholarship recognizes students for their leadership, character and resilience. At the end of the day, we work to serve the students in our Georgia public schools, and this initiative reflects that.

Applications are due Friday, October 16, 2026. Share this opportunity with a graduating senior in your life, and visit the link below to learn more and apply.

https://gsba.com/advocacy/foundation-fund/phillip-l-hartley-legacy-of-leadership-student-scholarship/

Learn about the Philip L. Hartley Legacy of Leadership Student Scholarship, eligibility requirements, application details and important deadlines.

10/05/2026

The deadline for the GSBA Student Art Contest is quickly approaching ‼️ Make sure your talented high school students submit their artwork within the theme “Celebrating Public Education: 75 Years of Impact” by next Friday, October 16.

Artwork may be entered in three categories:
- Drawing & Painting
- Digital Art & Photography
- Mixed Media / 3D

First, second and third place in each category will receive cash prizes and an invitation to receive their awards at the GSBA/GSSA Annual Conference!

We can’t wait to see what your students create! Learn more and submit artwork at the link below.

*All entries must be submitted by a teacher sponsor.

https://gsba.com/awards/student-art-contest

10/02/2026

A proud moment for GSBA Risk Management Services! This week, Cliff Cole, Director of Risk Management, and John Shore, Assistant Director of Risk Management, accepted the 2026 Theo Award on behalf of the entire RMS team at National Comp 2026 in Las Vegas.

Since 1992, the GSBA Workers’ Compensation Fund has supported Georgia’s school districts with comprehensive coverage, valuable safety resources, and personalized care. This national recognition reflects our RMS team’s dedication to protecting school employees and helping create safer schools.

Please join us in congratulating the team, and thank you to National Comp for this honor!

10/01/2026

Throwing it back to a great day on the course for a great cause! ⛳️

A few weeks ago, friends and supporters of GSBA came together for Tee Off for Public Education, a day of golf and giving in support of Georgia’s public schools.

Proceeds from the event benefit the GSBA Excellence In Governance Foundation Fund, helping support student scholarships, governance training, and public education advocacy efforts.

We’d like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who joined us, supported the event, and helped us continue our mission to support public education across Georgia!

09/30/2026

Yesterday, we celebrated some very special milestones at GSBA! 🎉

The longevity of our staff represents much more than years on a calendar. It reflects a lasting dedication to serving Georgia’s locally elected school boards and the students and communities they represent. Join us in giving them a round of applause for their years of service and continued contributions!

Pictured here are several of this year’s milestone honorees:

👏 Dr. Steve Barker — 5 years
👏 Andy Ryff — 10 years
👏 Valarie Wilson — 10 years
👏 Bridgett Johnson — 15 years
👏 Greg Light — 5 years

We’re grateful for the experience, commitment, and dedication each of our team members brings to GSBA. Here’s to many more years of serving Georgia’s public schools together!