One-Time Pay Supplement Approved by SBOE
The State Board of Education (SBOE) convened today for its March meeting and approved a federally funded one-time pay supplement aimed to boost educator retention. Most Georgia educators and support staff will receive the $1,000 pay boost for full-time staff and a $490 pay supplement for part-time education workers. More information is available in the Georgia Department of Education's FAQ document below and will be included in PAGE's March SBOE report, which will be published Friday, March 26.
Voucher Expansion Bill Moves Forward in House
By a 91-71 margin documented in the voting record below, the House voted to expand the special needs private school voucher program as outlined in SB 47. PAGE highlighted concerns about the bill, which is sponsored by Sen. Steve Gooch (R-Dahlonega), here and here. Because the House revised the bill, it now goes back to the Senate for approval of House changes.
House Approves Alternative Charter School Legislation
House lawmakers agreed to SB 153, sponsored by Sen. Greg Dolezal (R-Cumming), which would move alternative state charter schools to the Georgia Department of Education and establish a new state funding mechanism for them. The bill returns to the Senate for another vote due to revisions made by the House.
Paid Parental Leave Passes Senate
The Senate approved HB 146 from Rep. Houston Gaines (R-Athens), which would provide three weeks of paid parental leave to state employees who have worked full-time for at least six months. The bill would also apply to school district employees, though it does not provide funding to districts to cover any added costs. It heads back to the House to approve changes made by the Senate.