When House Bill 502 went into effect on July 1, 2015, districts that chose the Investing in Educational Excellence (IE²) flexibility option are henceforth known as Strategic Waivers School Systems (SWSS).

A SWSS System is a local school district that operates under the terms of an SWSS  contract between the State Board of Education and the local Board of Education. The system receives flexibility in the form of waivers of certain state laws, rules and guidelines in exchange for greater accountability for increased student performance.

SWSS contracts are intended to provide local school districts with the flexibility they need to increase student achievement. This district flexibility option was created by House Bill 1209, which provided for "Increased Flexibility for Local School Systems" when it was passed in 2008. School districts that choose this option are known as Investing in Educational Excellence (IE²) Systems. The Whitfield County Board of Education has notified the Georgia Department of Education of its intent to operate as a Strategic Waivers School Systems (SWSS).

Notification of Strategic Waivers School Systems (SWSS) Intent

Letter of Intent - April 10, 2015
Resolution Authorizing the Letter of Intent with the Georgia Board of Education - April 10, 2015
Superintendent's Communication with Parents, Staff, and Administrators - January 14, 2015 - April 20, 2015
Superintendent's Communication/Breakfast with School Council Members - March 9, 2015

Strategic Waivers School Systems (SWSS) Application Documents 

SWSS Partnership Contract  |  SWSS Contract Amendment Number 2 - March 26, 2019
SWSS System Application
Table 1 - Summary of Challenges Aligned with Necessary Waivers - UPDATED March 30, 2016
Exhibit A - Strategic Plan 
Exhibit B - Flexibility - UPDATED March 30, 2016
Exhibit C - Accountability - UPDATED March 26, 2019
Exhibit D - Consequences - UPDATED March 26, 2019                
Exhibit E - Elementary School Plan
Exhibit F - Middle School Plan
Exhibit G - High School Plan

SWSS Application Timeline

Please note:  Whitfield County Schools Strategic Waiver School System Contract was approved by the State Board of Education Flexibility/Charter Schools Committee on Thursday, December 10, 2015.

Additional Information

GaDOE Strategic Waivers School System (SWSS) Partnership Contracts
The Governor's Office of Student Achievement