Finding a way to get students to come to school has been an issue since the days of the one room red schoolhouse. Even in today’s society where the necessity of an education is so apparent, there remain students who do not and will not attend school and, more surprisingly, parents who do not and will not send them. Yet, today, public schools often face an equally difficult problem of dealing with students who enroll in school and sometimes attend but have no real interest in pursuing an education. They attend under court order or threat, in order to be eligible for some benefit or because of parental demands, but while at school are often a disruptive influence. Local boards of education in many parts of Georgia also face the issue of overcrowded schools and determining what students are residents and thus entitled to an education paid for by the taxpayers of the school district and what students can be charged tuition or refused enrollment totally. Complicating these issues are legislative developments and political movements advocating more choice for parents and a greater right to choose among public schools or even private institutions.

This chapter will explore what are some of the most difficult, practical and legal issues facing boards of education and school administrators. Where there exists statutory authority, it will be described. Where there exists less guidance from the legislature or the courts, the issues will be defined.