The formula for funding Georgia’s public schools was established in 1985, and state lawmakers believe it needs to be re-looked and possibly changed. That will be the challenge of the Senate Study Committee to Revise Education Funding Mechanisms, which will begin holding meetings in August. According to Committee Chair, Senate Majority Leader Mike Dugan (R-Carrollton), the six member committee will be reviewing and evaluating the funding mechanisms related to the Quality Basic Education Formula, capital outlay, equalization grants and virtual schools in order to best meet the needs of Georgia’s schools and students.
“We will be spending this summer doing an in-depth dive on how we fund education in Georgia. I’m looking forward to seeing our chamber work together to support our classrooms,” said Dugan.
The committee was established by Senate Resolution 650 during the 2022 session of the Georgia General Assembly. Dugan was the main sponsor of the bill, along with several other powerful leaders including Sen. Blake Tillery (R-Vidalia) and Sen. Steve Gooch (R-Dahlonega). The current formula calculates funding to local school systems based on student counts and type of program.
The Resolution states that “it is the stated policy of the State of Georgia to ensure that every public school student is educated in a facility which is structurally sound, well maintained, and has adequate space and equipment to meet each student’s instructional needs.”
It goes on to state that “due to the complexity of education funding mechanisms and, specifically, the mechanisms relating to the Quality Basic Education Formula, capital outlay, equalization grants, and virtual schools, it is in the best interests of the citizens of this state to periodically review and evaluate the efficacy and sufficiency of these and other funding mechanisms in meeting the needs of Georgia’s schools and students.”
A special committee appointed by then Governor Nathan Deal took on a similar task several years ago, but no action came out of those meetings.
Besides Dugan, the committee will include Sen. Tillery, Sen. Nan Orrock (D-Atlanta), Sen. Chuck Payne (R-Dalton), Sen. Lindsey Tippins (R-Marietta) and Sen. Billy Hickman, Ex-officio (R-Statesboro).
According to Dugan, the committee has also launched a website to serve as a one-stop-shop to house all meeting information including presentations, videos and any other supporting materials. He is also encouraging all interested parties to visit the website to provide any feedback for the committee members to review, compile and consider before recommendations are made in preparation for the 2023 Legislative Session.
Dugan said the public is also encouraged to submit testimony to the committee using the following form: https://forms.gle/p8uKCAmo699qztS97.
Meetings will be held in various regions across the state including Columbus and Savannah. The first is planned for Friday, August 19, from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Georgia State Capitol in Room 450.
