OF COUNSEL
The following members of GAEL have agreed to provide free professional advice in the areas listed. There is no charge for the advice and is available to all active members of GAEL. Additional advisors will be added.
HUMAN RESOURCES—Dr. Candace Norton
Dr. Norton is a retired director of human resources in Forsyth County. She has extensive experience in all phases of human resources and has served as president of GASPA and GAEL.
nortonc@bellsouth.net
770-757-3114
SCHOOL FINANCE—Steve J. Smith
Steve Smith is superintendent of the Bleckley County Schools and serves as an instructor for the GSSA Superintendent’s Professional Development Program. A veteran of both business and education, he currently advises several school districts on school finance.
Steve.Smith@bleckley.k12.ga.us
478-230-4198
STUDENT DISCIPLINE—Dr. Jimmy C. Stokes
Jimmy Stokes is GAEL Executive Director and serves as a hearing officer for several school districts. He is a training officer for GADOE/GAEL hearing officer and tribunal member training. He is a nationally certified hearing officer.
SPECIAL EDUCATION—Sarah Burbach
Sarah Burbach is the Executive Director of the Georgia Council of Administrators of Special Education (G-CASE). She has served as the Special Education Director and then Assistant Superintendent for Student Services and Community Relations for the Morgan County Schools for over thirty years.
sburbach@gael.org
706-474-4272
HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT—Mary M. Jessie
Mary Jessie has a distinguished career in human resource management having served as HR director for Atlanta Public Schools and Fulton County Schools. She represented GASPA for several years as a legislative liaison and lobbyist and developed good working relationships with many legislators. She currently serves as a consultant for GSBA in superintendent recruitment and local board training.