The 2019 session ended April 2, 2019, and since then, the governor has been reviewing what received final passage, so he can sign or veto the legislation. Overall, the Georgia General Assembly passed 130 general bills and resolutions addressing a variety of issues. A topic that remained a priority is properly funding education and ensuring our school systems have every resource possible to educate Georgia’s students.While the work to ensure our education system continues to thrive is never over, I believe we made positive strides. The following are some highlights of funding that was appropriated for education and legislation that passed that will impact Georgia’s education:
Appropriations in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Budget:$530.8 million to address a $3,000 pay raise, which will begin July 1, 2019, for Georgia’s teachers and other certified school personnel including counselors, social workers, psychologists, special education specialists, and technology specialist. $1,500,109 in lottery funds for a 2% salary increase for assistant teachers.$15,003,985 in lottery funds to increase salaries for certified pre-K teachers and certified employees by $3,000 effective July 1, 2019. $1 million for additional high school counselors and programs for Title I schools.
An increase of 25 cents to $15.50 per month for each year of service for the benefit utilized by noncertified school employees like school bus drivers through the Public School Employees Retirement System.
Legislation signed by Governor Brian P. Kemp May 2, 2019:
Senate Bill (SB) 48 instructs the State Board of Education to develop a policy of dyslexia screening for all kindergarten students in addition to proper referrals for students with identified dyslexia characteristics in grades one to three. Along with addressing the needs of students, the Georgia Department of Education would implement guidance and training in all schools regarding teaching students with dyslexia. Under SB 48, a three-year pilot program will be implemented to address the requirements in this legislation before they go into effect in 2024.
SB 60, the “Jeremy Nelson and Nick Blakely Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act,” will require the Georgia Department of Education website to have guidelines and relevant information on the nature and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest. This will be posted and available for students participating in interscholastic athletic activities, their parents or guardians, and coaches. SB 108 requires courses in computer science to be provided in middle and high schools through a phase-in process beginning with the 2022-2023 school year and ending at the start of the 2024-2025 school year. At that point, every high school in a local school system must offer a course in computer science. Additionally, $750,000 was appropriated in the FY20 Budget for professional development grants for teachers who wish to teach computer science courses.
House Bill (HB) 12 requires public schools, including local and state charter schools, to post a sign containing the toll-free telephone number for the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) of the Department of Human Services to report child abuse or neglect at any time. The sign must be posted in a clearly visible location in a public area of the school.
These are just the highlights of the actions taken during the 2019 session to improve education in Georgia. While the session might be over, my work on your behalf is never done. Please reach out to my office with any questions, concerns, or comments.
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