(The Center Square) – Georgia State School Superintendent Richard Woods wants state lawmakers to consider legislation that would safeguard school finances.
The request comes after the state advanced $1.4 million to the Dublin City Schools in the wake of its financial woes.
Woods developed a “Blueprint for Reforms to School District Financial Safeguards that recommends adding penalties to school districts that do not meet auditing requirements and deadlines. Districts given moderate-risk status would be required to work with the state Department of Audits and Accounts instead of using an independent auditor.
The state would flag monthly payments to state agencies or entities like the State Health Benefit Plan and place schools delinquent for more than three months on high-risk status.
Local school boards would be required to post monthly financial reports and audits online, according to Woods’ recommendations.
High-risk schools could only offer two-year contracts to superintendents. Woods is also calling for more training of school district employees and board members.
“Georgia’s students deserve stability in their learning, and teachers deserve to go to work knowing they will be paid for their efforts,” Woods said. “Over the last several months, we have seen an increased need for clarification regarding how the state may legally support school districts which do not meet their local fiscal requirements, by updating and expanding state law.”
Dublin City Schools was given the advanced payment to help them make payroll, according to the Courier Herald. The school system did not pay into the State Health Benefits Plan at all during fiscal year 2025 and now owes about $6 million, according to reports.
Woods met with Dublin parents and residents at the Tuesday board meeting. He told the board he would not advance funding in October until a deficit reduction plan was presented, the newspaper reported.
“It’s essential that students, teachers, staff, and families do not bear the costs of financial mismanagement – anywhere in the state, now or in the future,” Woods said in a release.
Dr. Stephanie Johnson is serving as a special advisor to Dublin City Schools. She is the deputy superintendent for school and district improvement and chief turnaround officer for the state board.
“Dr. Johnson will work directly with district leaders to strengthen operations and make sure teaching and learning continue smoothly in every classroom,” Woods said.
