The superintendent is recommending a blueprint for potential reforms to safeguard students against similar situations in the future.
DUBLIN, Ga. — The State School Superintendent, Richard Woods, is calling for better financial safeguards at school districts as Dublin City Schools grapples with a potential $13 million shortfall.
This announcement comes as Dublin City Schools begins making painful cuts to keep the district afloat. Earlier, Woods warned the financial situation was so bad the district was at risk of shutting down entirely.
Now, the release said that Woods is calling for “sweeping reforms.”
They also said that the financial stability of a school system is the responsibility of the local superintendent and board of education.
“GaDOE is currently providing support beyond its fiscal and statutory obligations in an attempt to ensure stability for the students, teachers, staff, and families of Dublin City Schools,” the release said.
Because of this, Woods is recommending a blueprint for potential reforms, which includes strengthening financial training, enhancing reporting requirements and results and increasing stakeholder communication and district accountability, according to the release.
The situation has also revealed the need for clarifying how the Georgia Department of Education can legally support school districts that fail to meet the state’s fiscal requirements.
Woods said that he is asking the General Assembly to consider what additional supports are needed and possibly updating and expanding the state law to prevents something like this from happening again.
“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.
Dublin City Schools is facing a “severe budget shortfall and has entered into a Financial Improvement Plan with the Georgia Department of Education,” according to the release.
Dr. Stephanie Johnson has been appointed by Woods as a special advisor to the Dublin City School District as they work to figure out their future financial plans.
The district’s financial deficit are projected to exceed $13 million, and earlier this month, the district requested a $1.5 million advance from the state to pay staff.
The financial problems first came to light when the Department of Education learned that millions intended to pay for staff health care were not passed along to the state.
The previous district superintendent, Fred Williams retired earlier this month, and Interim Superintendent Marcee Pool has since taken over.