Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-4

The members of the State Board of Education shall be citizens of this state who have resided in Georgia continuously for at least five years preceding their appointment. No person employed in a professional capacity by a private or public educational institution or by the Department of Education shall be eligible for appointment or to serve on the state board. No person who is or has been connected with or employed by a schoolbook publishing concern shall be eligible for membership on the state board and, if any person shall be so connected or employed after becoming a member of the state board, his place shall immediately become vacant.