The Institute of Government, in collaboration with the Archway Partnership and UGA's
School of Public and International Affairs, embarked on a study in 2014 to explore
the potential for collaboration among Georgia school systems and local governments.
As Georgia continues to compete with other states for high-paying jobs, an educated,
skilled workforce is critical to our state's future. Well-governed and successful
K-12 systems are essential to developing a qualified workforce.
Sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach, this
study explores the premise that greater collaboration between local governments and
school systems in Georgia can lead to more efficient service delivery and improved
educational outcomes for the communities involved. UGA researchers examined the current
status of local government and school system collaboration in Georgia as well as issues
that may foster or hinder collaboration. Six case studies in three policy arenas demonstrate
that in some counties and cities in Georgia, officials in local government and school
districts are coming together to make a difference in their communities.
We hope that through this research Georgia leaders can overcome some of the legal,
structural and systemic hurdles that hinder collaboration, allowing them to create
opportunities to improve their own organizations and communities through new partnerships
and new approaches to leadership. High-functioning school systems that provide students
with a quality education help communities achieve sustainable economic growth and
contribute to the overall vitality of a community.
