(a) The State Board of Education is authorized and directed to establish the Georgia Education Leadership Academy whose full-time personnel shall be employees of the Department of Education. The purpose of the Georgia Education Leadership Academy shall be to provide opportunities for public school leadership personnel to update and expand their leadership knowledge and skills.

(b) The Georgia Education Leadership Academy shall use such approaches as are necessary to ensure the active participation of public school leadership personnel and their mastery and application of essential knowledge and skills. Such approaches shall include but are not limited to conducting seminars and workshops, awarding academic or staff development credit, and providing on-site technical assistance. Local governing boards are authorized to reimburse such administrators for actual expenses which result directly from participating in this program.