History
RESA is an acronym for Regional Educational Service Agency. RESAs (formally CESAs) have been in existence since 1966. There are 16 RESAs serving the 180 school systems across the State. The mission of Georgia’s Statewide Network of Regional Educational Service Agencies (RESAs) is to support the work, improvement, and effectiveness of local systems and schools through: Research-based professional learning that improves the work of educators. Data-driven school improvement support that improves student achievement. Locally-determined shared regional services that increase the effectiveness of school systems. Effective collaboration with other agencies that maximizes the impact of statewide initiatives. The goal of each RESA is to help local school systems meet their education needs through the sharing of services across school system lines. Numerous educational services can be offered more effectively and efficiently by pooling resources. All RESAs are required to provide services in the seven areas of: 1. Research and Planning 2. Professional Development 3. Curriculum and Instruction 4. Assessment and Evaluation 5. Technology 6. Health 7. School Improvement
(Source: http://www.ciclt.net/ul/oconee/GeorgiaRESAStatewideOverview.pdf )
The first educational service agencies began operation in Georgia in 1966 as providers of “shared services.” In 1972, the Georgia General Assembly created a network of Cooperative Educational Service Agencies (CESAs). In 1986, legislation established the current network of Regional Educational Service Agencies (RESAs) which has been refined and improved by subsequent legislation. RESAs are defined and regulated by Georgia Statute (O.C.G.A. 20-2-270, 20-2-270.1, 20-2-271, 20-2-272, 20-2-273 and 20-2-274).
♦ Georgia RESAs are governed by local Boards of Control that are established by the Georgia General Assembly. Duties and operation of Boards of Control are specified by legislation and by State Board of Education Rule. (State Board Rule 160-5-1-.13)
♦ Board of Control membership is comprised of all superintendents of member school systems, presidents of the institutions of the University System of Georgia and technical colleges in the region, and a representative of the Georgia Regional Library System.
♦ Boards of Control function like local Boards of Education. They establish policy, approve budgets and personnel, determine services of the RESA, and evaluate the agency’s work. Boards of Control function as the school boards for special schools operated by the RESA.
♦ The RESA governance system allows the local school systems and public colleges to determine, manage, evaluate, and partially fund the services they receive. In Georgia RESAs, those who know local educational needs best – Superintendents and College Presidents – own and direct regional services of the RESA.
Data Source: FY 15 Annual Plan and Report from GDOE
Current and Former Directors/Leaders
Mr. Hugh Kight
Executive Director
November 1, 2023 - Present
Dr. Steve Smith
Executive Director
October 1, 2022 - October 31, 2023
Dr. Connie Howell
Interim Executive Director
June 1, 2022 - September 30, 2022
Dr. Connie Howell
June 1, 2022 - Present
Assistant Director
Dr. Steven Miletto
5/1/2011 - May 31, 2022
Executive Director
Dr. Connie Howell
Associate Director
7-1-2018 - 5-31-2022
Mr. Beauford Hicks
10/1/2011 - 6/30/2013
Executive Director
Dr. Connie Howell
7/1/2011- 9/30/2011
Interim Executive Director
Dr. John Key
8/17/2009 - 9/30/2011
Executive Director
Dr. Connie Howell
7/1/2009 - 8/16/2009
Interim Executive Director
Dr. Charlotte Pipkin
7/1/2006 - 6/30/2009
Executive Director
Mrs. June Bradfield
7/1/1994 -6/30/2006
Executive Director
Dr. Benny Wade
7/1/1979 - 6/30/1994
Executive Director
Dr. Travis Ouzts
June 1, 1975 - June 30, 1979
Executive Director
Mr. James Hussey
7/1/1967 - May 30, 1975
Executive Director
Financial Directors
Mrs. Kendel Bryant
Dec. 3, 2020 - Present
Mrs. Joy Stanley
Interim (Contracted Services)
Sept. 1, 2020 - Present
Mrs. Katelyn Churchwell
July 1, 2020 - August 31, 2020
Mrs. Joy Stanley
June 1984 - June 2020
Roselyn Noles
August 1973 - June 1984
Mrs. Noles was hired in August 1973, but records do not indicate when she became the bookkeeper.)
Joyce Yawn
8/1/1967 - 3/31/1976 (Job Title: Bookkeeper)
Other Historical Documents
https://issuu.com/ugavinsoninstitute/docs/resa_story_brochure