Understanding the Gwinnett County Board of Education: Structure, Operations, and Public Engagement

The Gwinnett County Board of Education plays a vital role in shaping the educational landscape of Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS). This article delves into the structure, operations, and key aspects of the Board, including its members, responsibilities, and how the public can engage with it. This information is updated as we become aware of changes. News and analysis right to your inbox.

Leadership and Administration

The leadership of Gwinnett County Public Schools has seen some transitions in recent years. Dr. Al Taylor is the interim superintendent of Gwinnett County Public Schools. Taylor was appointed interim superintendent in April 2025. Previously, Calvin Watts held the position of superintendent, appointed on July 29, 2021, and left the position on April 1, 2025. J. Alvin Wilbanks also served as superintendent of Gwinnett County Public Schools.

Superintendent's Role

The superintendent is the chief executive officer of the school district, responsible for the day-to-day operations and implementation of the Board's policies. The superintendent oversees all aspects of the district, from curriculum and instruction to finance and personnel.

Board of Education: Composition and Elections

The Gwinnett County Board of Education consists of five elected members. Members of the Gwinnett County Public Schools school board are elected to four-year terms. Maintaining current written policies that are consistent with Board action and administrative decision, requiring the Board to review and update its policies on a continuing basis. Two of the five seats on the Gwinnett County Public Schools school board in Georgia are up for general election on May 19, 2026. A general runoff election is scheduled for June 16, 2026. These elections provide an opportunity for the community to influence the direction of the school system. Ballotpedia covered school board elections in 187 school districts in 29 states in 2025. Those school districts had a total student enrollment of 4,877,739 students. Click here to read an analysis of those elections.

Election Information

Voter participation in school board elections is crucial, as these elected officials make important decisions about the education of children in the community. Information about candidates, polling locations, and election dates can be found on the Gwinnett County elections website. What's on my ballot? Who represents me?

Board Meetings and Public Engagement

The Gwinnett County Board of Education is committed to transparency and public engagement. In accordance with the Georgia Open Meeting Act, all official meetings of the Gwinnett County Board of Education shall be open to the media and public. The Board holds regular business meetings where important decisions are made regarding the school district's operations, budget, and policies.

Public Comment Procedures

The Board provides opportunities for the public to address them during the Monthly Business Meeting. Citizens wishing to address the Board with an issue or concern should attempt to resolve the matter through the appropriate district or school administrative Chain of Command before bringing it to the Board. There are specific guidelines for addressing the Board:

STUDENT COMMENT TO THE BOARD: Thirty minutes will be provided at the beginning of the Board’s Monthly Business Meeting for public comment by current students of the Gwinnett County School District. Each speaker will be allowed three minutes to speak to the Board unless either the time is limited, or an extension of time is granted. In the event more speakers have signed up to speak during this section than can be accommodated, speakers will be selected randomly not more than 24 hours prior to the meeting. The list of the ten selected randomly will be provided to the Board prior to the business meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON SCHOOL POLICY OR OPERATIONS: Sixty minutes will be provided for public comment on matters pertaining to the operation of the Gwinnett County Public Schools or policy relating to such operation during the Monthly Business Meeting. Each speaker will be allowed three minutes to speak to the Board unless either the time is limited, or an extension of time is granted. In the event more speakers have signed up to speak during this section than can be accommodated, speakers will be selected randomly not more than 24 hours prior to the meeting. The list of the selected speakers will be provided to the Board prior to the business meeting.
The speaker shall begin his/her comments by stating his/her name and the group, if any, the speaker is representing.
Supporting documents or information to be shared with the Board must be provided in hard copy. Eight copies should be provided and should be presented to the Superintendent for distribution to the Board members.
The Board vests in its chairperson or other presiding officer the authority to terminate the remarks of any individual who does not adhere to the rules established here.
Speakers are encouraged to offer objective criticisms of school operations and programs, but to maintain appropriate meeting decorum, follow appropriate protocols, protect the confidentiality of students, prevent defamatory statements and ensure the impartiality of the Board.

Attendees should also adhere to the following guidelines:

Attendees should refrain from any conduct which impedes the ability of the Board to conduct an orderly meeting.
- An attendee or speaker who causes an actual disruption shall be first given a warning by the Board Chairperson, Presiding Officer or Superintendent directing the attendee to cease the disruptive conduct.
All participants and attendees should refrain from the use of obscenity during their remarks to the Board.
Attendees shall not possess weapons in violation of O.C.G.A. § 16-11-127, O.C.G.A.

These guidelines ensure that meetings are conducted in a respectful and productive manner.

Policies and Procedures

The Gwinnett County Board of Education is responsible for establishing policies and procedures that govern the operation of the school district.

Policy Review and Revision

Gwinnett County Public Schools has an established process for reviewing and revising, where applicable, board policies and procedures to ensure that the Board and school district are in compliance with and that policies reflect changes to state legislation and state board rules and regulations. Policy BCAB calls for the Gwinnett County Board of Education to annually review and reaffirm the district's Board policies. In addition, Policy BD requires the Board to maintain current written policies that are consistent with Board action and administrative decision, requiring the Board to review and update its policies on a continuing basis. The following policies were tabled at the last regular business meeting of the Gwinnett County Board of Education.

Teacher Salaries and Staffing

The Gwinnett County Board of Education also oversees matters related to teacher salaries and staffing. The following salary information was pulled from the district's teacher salary schedule. A salary schedule is a list of expected compensations based on variables such as position, years employed, and education level. As of the 2023-2024 school year, Gwinnett County Public Schools had 12,830.20 full-time classroom teachers. Instruc.

Teacher Proficiency

Each year, state and local education agencies use tests and other standards to assess student proficiency. Department of Education, proficiency measurements are established by the states.

Gwinnett County Public Schools: An Overview

Gwinnett County Public Schools operates 140 schools. They are listed below in alphabetical order. ↑ Gwinnett County Public Schools, "J. ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source.

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