What is RESA

RESA is an acronym for Regional Educational Service Agency. The RESA concept was enacted into law by the Georgia Quality Basic Act of 1985. There are sixteen RESA's serving the school systems across the state.

Offices for Oconee RESA are located in Sandersville. The school systems of Baldwin, Hancock, Jasper, Johnson, Putnam, Washington, and Wilkinson are served by the Oconee RESA.

Purpose of RESA

The goal of each RESA is to help local school systems meet their educational needs through sharing services across school systems lines. All RESA's are required to provide services in the seven areas of:

(1) Research and planning; (2) Staff Development; (3) Curriculum and Instruction; (4) Assessment and Evaluation; (5) Technology; (6) Health; (7)School Improvement.

Governing Body

Complete control of RESA is vested in the Board of Control. This board consists of the Superintendent  from each member system, the President of Sandersville Technical College, and Georgia College and State University and the Director of the Oconee Regional Library System.  The Board of Control has the same responsibilities for the operation of RESA as a local board has for the operation of a local school system. The areas of service and volume of service are determined by the Board of Control. Each system determines their needed services within the overall framework.

Funding the RESA

When the 1985 Quality Basic Education Act was passed, a provision for funding the RESA program was part of this act. In keeping with Georgia law, the State Board of Education provides funds for the RESA operation as part of the total education budget each year. Local systems provide funds based on the local system's student enrollment.

Services Offered

• Consultant assistance in the areas of reading/language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, computer technology, and other school improvement iniatives.
• Staff development for teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, and subsitute teachers.
• Sponsorship of activities to encourage academic excellence among students: Quiz Bowl, Very Special Arts Festival, and Vocational Opportunities.
• Repair and maintenance of business machines, audio/visual equipment, computers, and networking.
• School Supplies and equipment purchasing.