Where any local or independent system is repealed by and in the manner provided in Code Sections 20-2-370 and 20-2-371, the territory formerly included in such independent system shall become and constitute a school district of the county in which it is located and shall enjoy the same privileges and shall be governed by the same laws as other school districts in the county, including the authority to levy local taxes for school purposes; provided, however, that the rate for such taxation shall not exceed the rate allowed by law to other similar school districts.
OCGA § 20-2-372