Strategic Waivers School System (SWSS/IE2)
Gwinnett County Public School System operates under the terms of an SWSS contract between the State Board of Education and the local Board of Education. The system receives flexibility in the form of waivers of certain state laws, rules and guidelines in exchange for greater accountability for increased student performance.
SWSS contracts are intended to provide local school districts with the flexibility they need to increase student achievement. This district flexibility option was created by House Bill 1209, which provided for "Increased Flexibility for Local School Systems" when it was passed in 2008. Originally, school districts that choose this option were known as IE2, or Investing in Educational Excellence Systems. Now they are known as Strategic Waivers School Systems (SWSS).
Gwinnett County Public Schools' first contract with the State Department of Education began in January 2009 with an ending date of June 2015. The Gwinnett County Board of Education entered into its second contract with the State Department of Education in October 2014. The contract began July 2015 and runs through June 2024.
SWSS Contract (July 2015 -- June 2024)
- New IE2 Partnership Contract (October 2014)
- Exhibit A - GCPS IE2 Partnership Contract Strategic Plan (October 2014)
- Exhibit B - Flexibility Component of Contract
- Exhibit C - Accountability Component of Contract
- Exhibit D - Consequences Component of Contract
- Revised Exhibit E-F-G - Elementary, Middle, and High School Plans
SWSS Contract Amendments
Strategic Waiver Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is a Strategic Waivers School System (SWSS)?
- Why does GCPS want to be a SWSS?
- How long has GCPS had these waivers?
- Are any waivers required as part of being a Strategic Waiver School System?
- How many waivers does GCPS have?
- What happens if we do not meet the accountability component of the contract?
- What are the impacts of not having these waivers?
- Why is GCPS asking for a waiver from class size?
- Where can I find more information about SWSS?