Open Records Request and Open Meetings
The Emanuel County Board of Education and Administration of Emanuel County Schools believe strongly in a transparent and open governance system that is responsive to the community. The Emanuel County School System strictly adheres to all tenets of Georgia's Open Records Act and Open Meetings Act.
Open Records Requests
Georgia law states that an agency must produce records responsive to a request within three business days unless in cases of exceptional circumstances. If the records cannot be produced within three business days, the agency must inform the requestor, in writing, when the records will be produced, the cost to produce the records (if any), and, if applicable, the specific legal authority exempting the records from disclosure, by Code section, subsection, and paragraph. The agency can only add to or amend the legal authority cited as the basis for exemption only once if such amendment is within five days of discovery of an error.
Open Records Requests must be submitted in writing or electronically as outlined below.
- Written request must be submitted to:
Dr. Denise B. Warnock
Superintendent
Emanuel County Schools
P.O. Box 130
201 North Main Street
Swainsboro, GA 30401
Superintendent's Administrative Assistant
Ms. Bailey Burke
478-237-6674
- Electronic requests must be submitted to:
recordscustodian@emanuel.
For additional information on Open Records Requests a click on the following link to the Attorney General of Georgia's webpage.
Open Meetings
The Emanuel County Board of Education conducts its meetings in compliance with Georgia’s Open Meetings Act. Notice of meetings—including the time, place, and a preliminary agenda—is provided in accordance with law, including posting at the regular meeting location at least 24 hours in advance and notification to the local legal organ and any media requesting notice. Summary and final minutes are published as required by statute.
Meetings of the Board are held for the purpose of conducting the official business of the school system. While Board meetings are not public forums, the public is invited to attend all meetings.
The Board recognizes the importance of communication with citizens and provides an opportunity for public participation at its regular monthly meetings, as indicated on the agenda and in accordance with established Board procedures. Citizens or groups may request placement on the agenda for matters within the Board’s jurisdiction that have followed the normal chain of command.
Sign-up requirements to address the Board are as follows:
- Non-agenda items: at least 24 hours prior to the meeting
- Agenda items: at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the meeting
Public participation comments are intended to inform the Board and are not for the purpose of immediate Board action or comment. Public participation at additional meetings or hearings may be permitted at the discretion of the Board.
All persons attending Board meetings must comply with the Rules of Conduct established in Board Policies BCBI and BCBI-R(1).
The Emanuel County Board of Education welcomes public attendance and encourages community engagement in understanding Board governance and school system operations.