The National Association of Charter School Authorizers presented its first national Improving Policy award to Georgia. Georgia was the only state in the nation chosen for the award.

The award acknowledges the dedication of policymakers to implementing strong policies that promote quality charter school growth, according to a state Department of Education news release.

In 2007, State Schools Superintendent Kathy Cox joined Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle and other legislators to enact legislation that allows entire school systems, rather than just individual schools, earn charter status.

Since 2003, changes to state charter school policy have helped boost the number of charter schools in the state from 28 to 114.

The Gainesville school system began the current school year as one of four charter school districts in the state.