DUBLIN, Ga. (WALB) — Governor Brian Kemp has suspended an entire school board in Georgia and has formed a committee to appoint new members to temporarily serve on the board.

All seven members of the Dublin City Board of Education were suspended by executive order after a State Board of Education hearing on Aug. 12. That board unanimously voted to suspend the entire school board in Dublin.

Now, Gov. Kemp has appointed House Appropriations Chairman Matt Hatchett and Senate President Pro Tempore Larry Walker to propose nominations for temporary replacements.

“We recognize the importance of this responsibility and want to ensure that we do what is right for the students, families, and educators of Dublin City Schools. We look forward to working together to help identify the best individuals to serve the school system during this transition,” said Hatchett.

“This is an important moment for Dublin City Schools, and our focus must remain squarely on improving outcomes for students, families, educators and ultimately taxpayers who fund the school system,” said Walker. “The work of this committee is crucial to restore confidence and stability to Dublin City Schools. I appreciate Governor Kemp entrusting us with this responsibility, and I look forward to working with the committee to recommend individuals who will put the interests of Dublin’s students first.”

As per the governor’s executive order, the committee will make nominations to Gov. Kemp for temporary replacements to serve on the Dublin City Board of Education. State and local leaders, as well as community representatives, will work together to find qualified people to serve during this time.

In addition to Hatchett and Walker, the committee will also include State Board of Education member, Matt Donaldson, who will serve as chairman. He represents the congressional district for Dublin. Others on the committee include:

• Phil Best, former mayor of Dublin
• Edwin May, member of the Dublin-Laurens County Economic Development Authority

Click here to read Gov. Kemp’s full executive order.

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