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Brenda Turner
Administrative Assistant to the State Board

2070 Twin Towers East
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Atlanta, GA 30334
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 (404) 657-6978
  brturner@doe.k12.ga.us

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State Board Decisions

The State Board of Education decides appeals of decisions rendered by local boards of education in matters of school law pursuant to O.C.G.A. 20-2-1160. The appeals primarily involve matters relating to student discipline and the discipline and termination of certificated personnel, although any matter of school law can be appealed. The State Board has been issuing written decisions in these appeals since the 1970's. Eventually all written decisions of the State Board will be posted on the web in a searchable format.

Case Number: Find a specific case. (e.g. 2001-03; 2000-41)

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Appellant

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Appellee
1979-32 Betsy G. vs. Atlanta Board of Education
This is an appeal by the parent of Betsy G. (hereinafter "Student") from a decision by the Board of Education of the City of Atlanta (hereinafter "Local Board") to accept and approve the report and recommendations of the regional hearing officer that the Atlanta Public Schools (hereinafter "Local School System") could provide a free, appropriate public education for the Student. The Hearing Officer recommends that the decision of the Local Board be upheld. ...
1979-31 Joseph G. vs. Atlanta Board of Education
This is an appeal from a decision by the Atlanta Board of Education (hereinafter "Local Board") not to accept the recommendation of the regional hearing officer concerning the payment of expenses incurred beyond 180 days because of the attendance of Joseph G. (hereinafter "Student") in an eleven-month private residential program. This is the second appeal to the State board of Education concerning the student. See IN RE: J. E. B. G., CASE NO. 1979-5. The Hearing Office recommends that the decision of the Local Board be upheld. ...
1979-30 Drew P. vs. Clarke County Board of Education
This is an automatic appeal to the State Board of Education by the parents of Drew P. (hereinafter "Student") from a decision by the Clarke County Board of Education (hereinafter "Local Board") not to accept the recommendation of the regional hearing officer concerning the Student's special education placement. The Local Board contends that the Student will receive a free, appropriate public education if placed in the regular severely mentally retarded ("SMR") class without psychoeducational services as decided by the regional hearing officer. The Hearing Officer recommends that the decision of the Local Board be reversed. ...
1979-29 Timothy Cook vs. Camden County Board of Education
This is an appeal by the parents of Timothy Cook (hereinafter "Appellant") from a decision by the Camden County Board of Education (hereinafter "Local Board") to expel Appellant for the remainder of the 1979- 1980 school year because of marijuana possession. The appeal urges the State Board of Education to reverse the Local Board decision because it is unduly harsh. The Hearing Officer recommends that the Local Board decision be sustained. ...
1979-28 Shawn G. vs. Baldwin County Board of Education
This is an appeal by the parents of Shawn G. (hereinafter "Student") from the decision of the Baldwin County Board of Education (hereinafter "Local Board") upholding and adopting the recommendation of the regional hearing officer that the use of a portable classroom building for a severely mentally retarded ("SMR") class did not violate P.L. 94-142 or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The Student's parents contend that the use of a portable classroom unit is a per se violation of P.L. 94-142 and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Hearing Officer recommends that the decision of the Local Board be sustained. ...
1979-27 Wesley B. vs. Murray County Board of Education
This is an appeal by the parents of Wesley B. (hereinafter "Student") from a decision by the Murray County Board of Education (hereinafter "Local Board") to uphold the decision of a regional hearing officer that the Murray County School System (hereinafter "Local School Sys tern") had an individualized education program ("IEP") for the Student and could provide a free, appropriate public education for the Student. The parents appealed on the grounds that the regional hearing officer erred in finding that an IEP was in effect. The Hearing Officer recommends that the decision of the Local Board be reversed. ...
1979-26 Hugh Mazzawi vs. Gwinnett County Board of Education
This is an appeal by Hugh Mazzawi (hereinafter "Appellant") from a decision by the Gwinnett County Board of Education (hereinafter "Local Board") not to permit two of his children to attend school outside their attendance zone. The basis for the appeal is that the decision causes a hardship on Appellant. The Hearing Officer recommends that the decision of the Local Board be sustained. ...
1979-25 Joey P. vs. Cobb County Board of Education
An appeal was filed with the State Board of Education on behalf of Joey P. (hereinafter "Appellant") by his parents. The appeal was from a decision by the Cobb County Board of Education (hereinafter "Local Board") to accept the findings of fact, conclusions, and recommendations of a regional hearing officer concerning the summer placement of Appellant. The appeal complains that evidence was knowingly suppressed by the Local Board and the decision was erroneous because Appellant needs more than 180 days of schooling. The Hearing Officer recommends that the decision of the Local Board be sustained. ...
1979-24 Donald V. vs. Rockdale County Board of Education
This is an appeal by the parent of Donald V. (hereinafter "Student") from a decision by the Rockdale County Board of Education (hereinafter "Local Board") to adopt the recommendation of a regional hearing officer concerning the placement of the Student. The appeal is based on the parent's contention that the decision of the regional hearing officer was erroneous. In addition, the appeal raises other issues which are hereinafter discussed. The Hearing Officer recommends that the decision of the Local Board be sustained. ...
1979-23 R. Ruel Morrison, J. Paul Copeland vs. DeKalb County Board of Education
R. Ruel Morrison (hereinafter "Appellant Morrison") and J. Paul Copeland (hereinafter "Appellant Copeland") separately appealed to the State Board of Education from decisions by the DeKalb County Board of Education (hereinafter "Local Board") not to grant them hearings in connection with letters of reprimand issued to them by the Local Board. The appeals were consolidated by the Hearing Officer because essentially the same issues are involved in both appeals. The Appellants' principal argument is that they were denied due process because the Local Board did not conduct a hearing. The Hearing Officer recommends that the decision of the Local Board be sustained with respect to Appellant Morrison and that the appeal of Appellant Copeland be dismissed. ...
1979-22 Dr. El. L. Lawson vs. Talbot County Board of Education
This is an appeal by Dr. E. L. Lawson (hereinafter "Appellant") from a decision by the Talbot County Board of Education (hereinafter "Local Board") not to renew his contract as a principal for the 1979-80 school year because the position of principal had been eliminated when the school facility at which he was principal was closed due to a realignment of the student population. Appellant argues that the non-renewal was arbitrary and capricious, contrary to Georgia law, and deprived him of his due process rights. The Hearing Officer recommends that the decision of the Local Board be upheld. ...
1979-21 Luther V. Crawford vs. Washington County Board of Education
On August 3, 1979, Luther V. Crawford (hereinafter "Appellant") was sent a letter informing him that the Washington County Board of Education (hereinafter "Local Board") had decided to terminate his contract due to insubordination and unprofessional conduct. Appellant appealed to the State Board of Education on the grounds the weight of the evidence did not support the decision and he was denied due process because his questioning of witnesses was limited during the hearing before the Professional Practices Commission. The Hearing Officer recommends that the decision of the Local Board be sustained. ...
1979-20 Albert Thomas Johnson vs. Dodge County Board of Education
This is an appeal by Albert Thomas Johnson (hereinafter "Appellant") from a decision of the Dodge County Board of Education (hereinafter "Local Board") to reassign him to the position of assistant or associate principal of a high school from his position as principal of a junior high school. The appeal to the State Board of Education was made on the grounds that the Local Board erred in sitting as the trier of fact after Appellant objected, and the decision was arbitrary and denied Appellant substantive due process and equal protection. The Hearing Officer recommends that the decision of the Local Board be sustained. ...
1979-19 Arthur J. Hogan vs. Taylor County Board of Education
Arthur J. Hogan (hereinafter "Appellant") filed his appeal from a decision by the Taylor Board of Education (hereinafter "Local Board") not to renew his contract as a federal projects writer for the 1979-80 school year. The basis for the appeal was that there were no legal grounds for not renewing Appellant's contract. The Hearing Officer recommends that the decision of the Local Board be sustained. ...
1979-18 Jimmy Y. vs. DeKalb County Board of Education
This is an automatic appeal from a decision of the DeKalb County Board of Education (hereinafter "Local Board") to reject the decision of the regional hearing officer that the DeKalb County School System (hereinafter "Local System") could not provide an appropriate education in the recommended placement of Jimmy Y. (hereinafter "the Student") in an interrelated learning disabilities and behavioral disorders high school program, and that a private residential program was appropriate. The Local Board disagreed with the regional hearing officer and maintains on appeal that the interrelated high school program is appropriate. The Hearing Officer recommends that the decision of the Local Board be sustained. ...
1979-16 Joseph C. vs. Dublin City Board of Education
This is an appeal by the parents of Joseph C. (hereinafter "the Student") from a decision by the Dublin City Board of Education (hereinafter "Local Board") to accept the recommendation of a regional hearing officer that the individualized education program proposed by the Dublin City Schools (hereinafter "Local System") was adequate for the needs of the Student. The parents have appealed to the State Board of Education on the grounds (1) the evidence submitted does not support the regional hearing officer's decision, (2) the regional hearing officer erred in not taking into consideration the evidence provided by the experts on behalf of the parents. The Hearing Officer recommends that the decision of the Local Board be reversed. ...
1979-15 Jonathan Purser vs. Gilmer County Board of Education
Jonathan Purser (hereinafter "Appellant") has appealed from a decision by the Gilmer County Board of Education (hereinafter "Local Board") to suspend him from school for two days for lighting a firecracker on a school bus. The Hearing Officer recommends that the decision of the Local Board be upheld. ...
1979-14 Troy R. vs. DeKalb County Board of Education
This is an appeal from a decision by the DeKalb County Board of Education (hereinafter "Local Board") to accept the recommendation of a regional hearing officer that an appropriate placement is available for Troy R. (hereinafter "the Student") within the DeKalb County School System (hereinafter "Local System"). The appeal was made by the Student's parents and is based on the assertion that the regional hearing officer erred in not finding that residential placement was necessary in order to provide a "free, appropriate public education." The Hearing Officer recommends that the decision of the Local Board be sustained. ...
1979-13 Melvin L. Russell vs. DeKalb County Board of Education
Melvin L. Russell (hereinafter "Appellant") appeals from the decision of the DeKalb County Board of Education (hereinafter "Local Board") to suspend him without pay, for the remainder of the 1978-79 school year, and its decision to not renew his contract for the 1979-80 school year. The appeal was based on the grounds that the evidence heard was insufficient, that the decision was arbitrary and capricious, and other grounds. The Hearing Officer recommends that the decision of the Local Board be upheld. ...
1979-12 Christopher N. vs. Rockdale County Board of Education
This is an automatic appeal from a decision by the Rockdale County Board of Education (hereinafter "Local Board") not to accept the recommendation of the regional hearing officer regarding the special education placement of Christopher N. (hereinafter "the Student"). The regional hearing officer recommended that the Student should be kept in the private residential program at the Village of St. Joseph. The hearing officer found that the Local School System could not provide the Student with an appropriate program within the public school setting as proposed by the Local School System. The Hearing Officer recommends that the decision of the Local Board be reversed. ...
1979-11 Donald H. vs. DeKalb County Board of Education
This is an appeal by the mother of Donald H. (hereinafter "the Student") from a decision by the DeKalb County Board of Education (hereinafter "Local Board") to accept the decision of the regional hearing officer that the Local Board was not responsible for reimbursing the costs of private residential placement incurred by the mother during the period June, 1976 through March 16, 1979. The Hearing Officer recommends that the decision of the Local Board be affirmed. ...
1979-10 Harry L. vs. DeKalb County Board of Education
This is an appeal by the parents of Harry L. (hereinafter "the Student") from a decision by the DeKalb County Board of Education (hereinafter "Local Board") to adopt the recommendation of a regional hearing officer regarding the placement of the Student under Public Law 94-142. The parents contend that (1) the issue of appropriate placement prior to the hearing and compensation through the hearing was not addressed; (2) the hearing and decision-making procedure does not afford due process, and (3) the decision is contrary to the weight of evidence and much relevant, probative evidence was ignored in rendering the decision. The Hearing Officer recommends that the decision of the Local Board be affirmed. ...
1979-09 Fannie Byrdsong vs. Dougherty County Board of Education
This is an appeal by Fannie Byrdsong (hereinafter "Appellant") from a decision by the Dougherty County Board of Education (hereinafter "Local Board") to dismiss her for conduct unbecoming a teacher. The appeal is based on the insufficiency of the evidence and an attack on the constitutionality of the dismissal. The Hearing Officer recommends that the decision of the Local Board be reversed. ...
1979-08 Vicki Wilson vs. Cook County Board of Education
Vicki Wilson (hereinafter "Appellant") has appealed the Cook County Board of Education (hereinafter "Local Board") decision to expel her for the remainder of the school year and to place her on probation for one year because it found her to be in possession of illegal drugs . Appellant bases the appeal on the grounds that there was no competent evidence that she was in possession of any drugs; the Local Board erred in not continuing the hearing because two witnesses for Appellant did not respond to the subpoena issued by the Local Board and due process was denied by continuing the hearing without the presence of the two witnesses. The Local Board has made a motion to dismiss that portion of the appeal concerning the expulsion for the remainder of the year because the school term in which Appellant was expelled has been completed. The Local Board also urges that the absence of the two witnesses was not error in that there was sufficient evidence to establish drug possession by Appellant and the evidence to be given by the two witnesses was given by another witness. The Hearing Officer recommends that the decision of the Local Board be upheld. ...
1979-07 Decision RE W.S.H. vs.
This is an appeal from a special education decision made by the DeKalb County Board of Education (hereinafter "Local Board") to affirm the determination of a hearing examiner that the Local Board was not required to provide more than 180 days of placement. The parents of the student (hereinafter "Student") have appealed on the ground that the Local Board misapplied and misinterpreted the applicable law. The Hearing Officer recommends that the decision of the Local Board be upheld. ...
1979-06 Margaret Cooper vs. Gwinnett County Board of Education
Margaret Cooper (hereinafter "Appellant") has appealed from the Gwinnett County Board of Education (hereinafter "Local Board") decision to terminate her services as a teacher on the grounds of insubordination, incompetency, and other good and sufficient causes. The appeal is based on alleged insufficiency of the evidence and procedural errors in the hearing notice given to Appellant and the conduct of the decision process. The Hearing Officer recommends that the decision of the Local Board be affirmed. ...
1979-05 Decision RE J.E.B.G. vs.
This is a special education appeal arising from the non-acceptance by a Local Board of Education (hereinafter "Local Board") of a regional hearing officer's recommendation concerning the placement of an eleven year old student (hereinafter "Student") in a residential program for eleven months. The Local Board expected to providing an eleven month program and to paying for non-educational expenses, e.g., medical expenses. The Hearing Officer recommends that the decision of the regional hearing officer be upheld. ...
1979-04 Robert L. Jones vs. Meriwether County Board of Education
Robert L. Jones (hereinafter "Appellant"), a former principal and then Attendance Supervisor for the Meriwether County School System (hereinafter "Local System"), has appealed from a decision by the Meriwether County Board of Education (hereinafter "Local Board") to sustain his "demotion" to the position of classroom teacher. The appeal contends that the charges and evidence did not constitute good and sufficient cause to demote, the decision of the Local Board was arbitrary and capricious, and the notice of the hearing did not comply with the requirements of the Fair Dismissal Law (Ga. Code Ann. §32-2l0lc et ~.). The Local Board argues in response that Appellant was not demoted and, therefore, was not entitled to a hearing. Alternatively, the Local Board argues that Appellant waived the requirements of the statute by voluntarily appearing at the hearing. The Hearing Officer recommends that the decision of the Local Board be reversed. ...
1979-03 Becky Stonecypher vs. White County Board of Education
This is an appeal by a student, Becky Stonecypher (hereinafter "Appellant"), from a decision by the White County Board of Education (hereinafter "Local Board") to suspend her from school during the period October 24, 1978 through November 21, 1978 on the grounds she violated Local Board Policy concerning conduct or behavior "by having knowledge of and being present with a group of students at which time illegal drugs were used." Appellant has appealed on the grounds that the policy is vague, ambiguous, and capricious and therefore unconstitutional. Additionally, Appellant contends that the evidence presented failed to support the charge against her. Appellant also claims that procedural errors were committed following the presentation of the evidence. The Hearing Officer recommends that the decision of the Local Board be reversed. ...
1979-01 Kenny Yearwood vs. Stephens County Board of Education
Kenny Yearwood (hereinafter "Appellant"), a student, has appealed from a decision of the Stephens County Board of Education (hereinafter "Local Board") that he be expelled from school during the winter quarter of the 1978-1979 school term, and that he attend the remainder of the term on probation. The appeal was made on the grounds that the punishment was too harsh and that the school system should provide alternative, individual, forms of punishment. The Hearing Officer recommends that the decision of the Local Board be sustained. ...