Administration and Governance at the Local and/or Institutional Level

At the local level, Georgia’s education system is highly decentralized, with municipalities and Education Resource Centres (ERCs) playing crucial roles in the management and administration of schools. This decentralisation process, which was formalised through the Law on General Education, grants local authorities’ significant autonomy in managing their schools, allowing them to adapt educational policies to meet the specific needs of their communities while maintaining adherence to national standards.

Municipalities are primarily responsible for the overall administration of early and preschool education institutions within their jurisdictions. They are tasked to ensure the compliance of these institutions with the necessary legal requirements and meet quality standards. Municipalities also oversee the services, including ensuring that students in rural and remote areas have access to transportation to attend school regularly. 

Education Resource Centres (ERCs) operate within each municipality and serve as the primary administrative link between the MES and local schools. ERCs are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of schools, ensuring compliance with national standards, and reporting on school performance to both the Ministry and local authorities. ERCs also provide administrative support to schools, helping them manage budgets and implement educational programs that meet local needs. By acting as intermediaries, ERCs ensure that schools are locally responsive and aligned with national education goals.

At the institutional level, School Boards play a key governance role in managing individual schools. School Boards are responsible for hiring teachers and principals, managing school budgets, and ensuring the effective allocation of resources. They also oversee the implementation of the school curriculum, ensuring that it aligns with national standards while addressing the local community's specific needs. School Boards are essential in ensuring that schools operate efficiently and that students receive a quality education.

In the higher education sector, universities and vocational institutions operate with a degree of autonomy but must comply with national accreditation and quality standards set by the NCEQE. Governance at these institutions is typically managed by academic senates and governing boards, which ensure that the institutions operate in line with national policies and their own academic goals. This governance structure allows higher education institutions to maintain academic freedom while ensuring compliance with national quality standards.