GSSA Capitol Report

This week takes us to the thirty-fifth day of the 2022 session. We have seen some significant movement on some big issues. HB 911 which is the FY23 budget passed out of the Senate and it was mostly good. One late breaking surprise was the change in funding of GNETS from a grant style funding to rolling the program into the QBE formula using the special needs FTE weights to calculate the funding.  There was no warning on this change it was just decided and it appeared in the budget and from a first look at the numbers there appears to be a significant reduction of GNETS funding.  The education advocates are all working together to urge the legislature for a solution so the service to children is not negatively impacted. Even though the highest QBE weighted in the special needs category was used there appears to be an over 20 million dollar difference (decrease in GNETS funding).  We are hopeful the key leaders in both chambers will assist with a resolution. Click here for FY23 Budget. (still not finalized) Could be some additional changes.

Key legislation that is moving:

SB 226– Obscene/harmful material in school media centers

SB 514– unmask Georgia Students

SB 345 -prohibits government from mandating vaccines

SB 357 – Allows dependent active duty military children to attend any school. (a school choice bill)Parents must provide transportation.

SB 545– requires first aid instruction in cardio resuscitation and use of an AED. (grades nine and ten)

SB 588 -open meetings disruptive process to be followed. A much improved version simply restates current law, thankfully.

SB 498 – the accrediting agency bill which emphasizes student achievement measures and results as a much larger part of the accreditation process and results.

HB 1178 – Parents’ Bill of Rights legislation that appears to be the one that will move. Places a great deal of time consuming processes on the school building principals.

HB 1295 – dropping the needs development language and its impact on teacher certification.

HB 1303 – Permits the GADOE to establish an elementary agriculture education program.

HB 385 – The return to work bill with specific limitations. Must have 30 years of service and return to teach in an identified high needs area. Also known as the teacher pipeline bill a Governor’s initiative.

This was a busy week but it will not compare to this upcoming week when a frantic pace will ensue.  WE will be there to follow and report when the dust settles after April 4, 2022.(Sine Die)

Quote:  What is leadership? It is the ability of an individual or a group of individuals to influence and guide followers or other members of an organization.

Spring Bootstrap April 20-21, 2022, in Savannah is extremely limited. Our theme is Turning the Page. Register at www.gssaweb.org.  Hotels rooms are scarce.  We will post the conference agenda this week.  Hope to see you there!