Residents of Chattooga County and other Northwest Georgia communities will have an opportunity later this month to share their concerns about public education directly with a member of the Georgia State Board of Education.

State Board of Education member Phenna Petty, who represents Georgia’s 14th Congressional District, will hold a public hearing on Monday, October 26, from 7 until 8 PM at Whitfield County Schools, located at 3264 Cleveland Highway in Dalton.

The Georgia Department of Education announced the hearing Thursday, October 8.

The meeting is intended to give parents, teachers, school employees and other interested citizens an opportunity to discuss the performance of public schools and challenges facing education in the district.

The 14th Congressional District includes Chattooga County, making the hearing an opportunity for residents served by Chattooga County Schools and Trion City Schools to bring their concerns and suggestions to a state education policymaker.

Under Georgia law, State Board of Education members are required to conduct public hearings within their respective congressional districts during the regular school year. The hearings provide a way for community members to communicate directly with their representatives on the board.

The State Board of Education establishes statewide education policies and rules affecting Georgia’s public schools, while local school boards oversee their individual districts.

The hearing is open to interested citizens and educators throughout the district.