Day 16 completed a week of high activity. This is likely a prelude to what is to come over the remainder of the session. Buckle up!
The full House Education Committee met and passed the following bills:
HB 81 – Rep. John Corbett sponsor gives an opportunity to low wealth school districts to access capital outlay funding grants for facilities construction. Criteria: one grant per district per 10 years and the building has to be more than 35 years of age. Passed unanimously. It moves to House Rules for consideration to be added to the full House for a vote.
HB 87 – The Completion Special State Schools which relates to Mt. Ed., Foothills, and Coastal Plains special charter state schools reconstitutes the funding structure and the relationship with local districts. This bill has had a long journey to arrive where it is today. My belief is it is a reasonable solution to the current SB 153 which would have drastically reduced the funding mechanism for these schools. This bill in its current state although not at the same level of funding as originally implemented it does allow for some combination funding sources from the state and the locals that represents a partnership by all focused on improving the lives of these non-traditional students. Passed unanimously. It moves to House Rules for consideration to be added to the full House for a vote.
We have been waiting for the questionable bills to be dropped here is one:
HB 318 – Rep. Scott Hilton – “Reestablishment”… The Charter Commission is attempting to expand its authority under this bill. The Commission would hire personnel for the Office of Charter School Compliance and they would report directly to the State School Board of Education. This newly formed authority would become the overseer of charter petitions, guidelines…The Office of Flexibility would be a part of the GADOE and oversee charter systems’ guidelines and applications….Looks to be an attempt at expansion over the K-12. It has been assigned to the House Education Committee.
Next week will begin with Monday, February 13, 2023, with Day 17 and House Education Subcommittees will be meeting to consider new legislation.
Quote: The storms of life come in various sizes and intensities such as hurricanes, tornadoes, straight line winds, blizzards, and fog which may cause disorientation as well as rearranging of the landscape but remember -north is still north.
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