About
What is a RESA?
Regional Educational Service Agencies are Georgia's shared-services co-ops: 16 hubs where districts pool resources, expertise, and staff they could never fund alone.
First District RESA
The shared-services agency for 19 school systems across 18 counties of Southeast and Coastal Georgia.
The Georgia General Assembly established RESAs in law to provide “shared services to improve the effectiveness of educational programs.” We have done that work for this corner of the state since 1965. Our headquarters is in Metter.
- Serving the region since
- 1965
- Member school districts
- 19
- GNETS programs
- 2
- Counties of Southeast and Coastal Georgia
- 18
How it works
Funded together, run for the districts
The state and the member school systems share the cost, the agency delivers the services, and a Board of Control governs it.
The state and members share the cost
The state provides 80% of base funding, and member districts contribute the remaining 20%, based on their size and capacity.
Our member systemsWe deliver shared services
Six divisions bring professional learning, school-improvement planning and specialist programs to member districts: expertise few could staff on their own.
Explore the divisionsA board governs
A Board of Control governs the agency, sets its direction for the region and approves its budget.
Meet the board
What is a RESA?
A Regional Educational Service Agency. The Georgia General Assembly established RESAs in law to provide shared services that improve the effectiveness of educational programs. There are 16 of them, and each serves the school systems in its region, so districts can pool resources, expertise and staff they could never fund alone.
Which school systems does First District RESA serve?
19 school districts across 18 counties of Southeast and Coastal Georgia (Appling County, Bryan County, Bulloch County, Camden County, Candler County, Effingham County, Emanuel County, Evans County, Glynn County, Jeff Davis County, Liberty County, Long County, McIntosh County, Savannah-Chatham County, Screven County, Tattnall County, Toombs County, Vidalia City, and Wayne County), plus 2 GNETS programs (Cedarwood GNETS and Coastal Academy GNETS) and Coastal Plains Charter School. Contact details for each district are on the Systems Served page.
How is First District RESA funded?
Through a partnership: the state provides 80% of base funding, and member districts contribute the remaining 20% based on their size and capacity. That shared investment means every district, big or small, can reach services it could not afford alone.
Who governs First District RESA?
A Board of Control. Its current roster has 32 members, drawn from 19 school districts, 8 colleges and universities, a charter school, a community organization, and the agency itself. The full roster is on the Board of Control page.
Where is First District RESA based?
In Metter, at 149 South Register Street, Metter, GA 30439. The office phone is (912) 685-7372.
How do I get help for my school or district?
Tell us what your district needs through the contact page, or call (912) 685-7372, and we will point you to the person who handles it. You can also find a specialist by name, role or division in the staff directory.