Georgia lawmakers call for review of Dublin City Schools accreditation status

According to the lawmakers, the Cognia Global Commission placed Dublin City Schools on “Accredited Under Conditions” status April 12.

DUBLIN, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Two Georgia lawmakers are urging the State Board of Education to move forward with a review of Dublin City Schools after the district was placed on “Accredited Under Conditions” status earlier this year.

House Appropriations Chairman Matt Hatchett, R-Dublin, and Senate President Pro Tempore Larry Walker III, R-Perry, sent a joint letter to the State Board of Education requesting prompt action and a hearing concerning the district’s accreditation status.

According to the lawmakers, the Cognia Global Commission placed Dublin City Schools on “Accredited Under Conditions” status April 12. The designation is the accreditation level immediately preceding loss of accreditation.

Hatchett and Walker said they are asking the state board to conduct a thorough review of Cognia’s decision and consider available options to improve governance, financial accountability and public confidence in the school system.

“The students, families, educators and taxpayers of Dublin deserve a school system that is focused on student success,” Hatchett said.

Hatchett said the General Assembly took steps during this year’s legislative session to strengthen accountability in Georgia public schools, including passing House Bill 1164 and providing additional funding in the fiscal year 2027 budget to expand the Department of Audits and Accounts’ ability to conduct public school audits.

Hatchett also acknowledged that the current Dublin City Schools board, under new leadership, is working to address the situation but said more work remains.

“While we recognize that our current school board, under new leadership, is making progress to rectify this situation, there’s still much more work ahead,” Hatchett said.

Walker said Dublin students, parents and educators deserve stability and a school system focused on their success.

“Chairman Hatchett and I are asking the State Board to conduct a thorough hearing, consider the full record and take prompt action to ensure effective governance and restore public confidence,” Walker said. “Dublin’s families, educators and taxpayers should not have to wait any longer for this process to move forward.”

The lawmakers said local control remains an important part of Georgia’s public education system but should be accompanied by fiscal responsibility, transparency and accountability.

A copy of the letter was also provided to Gov. Brian Kemp.

The request comes as Dublin City Schools continues working through a financial crisis. A state audit released in January found widespread financial mismanagement, weak internal controls and unreliable budget information within the district.