GSBA continues to diligently monitor the COVID-19 (Coronavirus). While the spread of this respiratory illness is of concern for our great state, instilling the confidence into our communities and minimizing a sense of panic will assist in easing the fears of the unknown.
We encourage school board members to work with your superintendent to understand your systems’ response to parents and community members regarding the issue.
Below you will find various resources and talking points to review that, should you desire, might be of assistance. The Governor’s Office in conjunction with Georgia Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control are the leading organizations for preparedness and guidance in Georgia.
Our goal at GSBA is to equip our membership with the most up to date information and resources to better serve your students and families.
Online Resources:
GSBAs Return to School Guidelines
Governor Brian P. Kemp, Office of the Governor
Georgia Department for Public Health COVID-19, Coronavirus Guidance
DPH: Return to School or Childcare Guidance After COVID-19 Illness or Exposure
Georgia Department of Education Coronavirus Information
Georgia’s Path to Recovery – K12 Guidance Document
Special Education Restart Guidance
Georgia Broadband Deployment Initiative
Guide to Conducting Virtual Board Meetings by eBOARDsolutions
Continuity of Operations Plan (COVID 19) Webinar by GSBA Risk Management Services
Vector Cares webpage by SafeSchools has a free coronavirus course that is open access.
Georgia Crisis & Access Line – 1-800-715-4225 – Partially funded by the Georgia DBHDD, this hotline provides 24/7/365 crisis intervention and support services to all Georgians. They also have a text-based option through their app My GCAL. They handle all types of crises.
Peer2Peer Warm Line – 888-945-1414 – A free service provided by the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network that features 24/7 support for individuals experiencing chronic or acute behavioral health challenges – including depression, anxiety, and trauma.
The Summit Wellness Group – Comprehensive suicide prevention guide that features over 40 free support resources.
Detox Local – Medically reviewed guides on every aspect of the drug & alcohol withdrawal process, as well as a directory of SAMHSA-approved medical detox centers.
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Preparation, Guidance & Resources
- CDC Re-Opening of Schools
- Interim Guidance for Administrators of US Childcare Programs and K-12 Schools to Plan, Prepare, and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
U.S. Department of Education Information for Coronavirus for Schools and School Personnel
National School Boards Association Responding to Coronavirus