CCS Charter System

The Georgia Charter Systems Act, signed in 2007, allows entire school systems to convert to charter status. A Charter System has a contract with the State of Georgia to enhance student achievement, providing increased flexibility in staffing, teaching methods, and management in exchange for heightened accountability.

A traditional public school system operates under federal laws, state school laws, State Board of Education rules, and local board policies. In contrast, a charter school system operates under federal laws and certain state laws that cannot be waived, along with the specific terms of the charter contract.

The Georgia Charter Systems Act, signed in 2007, allows entire school systems to convert to charter status. A Charter System has a contract with the State of Georgia to enhance student achievement, providing increased flexibility in staffing, teaching methods, and management in exchange for heightened accountability.

The CCS Charter System is governed by the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools. Each school has a School Governance Team(SGT), which provides input, makes recommendations, and decisions regarding the instructional program and operational schemes of the school.

A broad flexibility waiver allows a charter school or system to innovate academically and organizationally by waiving certain state educational rules and regulations in exchange for increased accountability for student achievement.

Members of the SGT are elected or appointed: parent or legal guardian members are elected by other parents and guardians, teacher members are elected by the staff, and students or community/business leaders are appointed by the elected members.

SGTs typically consist of 7-10 members, including the principal, two staff members, two community members (parents or guardians), and two business owners. 

Each SGT is unique but must have bylaws outlining internal governance, operations, elections, and conflict of interest procedures. They are required to meet at least four times during the school year.

Charter schools and systems must adhere to provisions outlined in O.C.G.A. 20-2-2065(b). They cannot waive laws related to health and safety, funding formulas, or accountability provisions, nor any federal laws, including the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).