Dear Readers,
I am encouraged that the state of Georgia legislature has recognized the need for the local Boards of Education to justify the Administration fee withheld from Charter Schools. The current law allows them to withhold up to three percent as an Administration fee. The new law should it be confirmed, HB 318, will require that they itemize these withholdings.
LOA Board of Governors has simply asked for an itemization of those over $2 million in deductions. We are reasonable business people. We receive multiple invoices daily. We do not pay any invoice without a detailed breakdown of services or products provided.
There are several local districts that do not withhold up to three percent. They simply bill the Charter school for the services provided. Our local District BOE has repeatedly said they cannot determine these costs. The process is too complex and time-consuming to prove LOA does not need the funds. The current law does not specify proof of need. Further, the local District contends the services provided exceed 3%. If it is too complex to itemize, how do they know the fee exceeds three percent?
We are optimistic that the reconstituted local district Board will realize that LOA has a single mission, to EDUCATE ALL OF OUR KIDS. We need to be funded with the revenues due LOA so that we can continue to exceed everyone’s expectations.
Michael Tompkins, Chairman LOA Board of Governors