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Calendar
Thursday, Feb. 9
House Education Committee - 2:00pm - 606 CLOB - Agenda
Friday, Feb. 10
Senate Education & Youth Committee Meeting - 2:00pm - 307 CLOB
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In an historic first for a presidential Cabinet nominee, Vice President Mike Pence cast a tie-breaking vote Tuesday to confirm Betsy DeVos as the US Secretary of Education. This was a disappointing outcome considering her lack of experience in public education and unfamiliarity with key education issues during her confirmation hearing, as well as the bipartisan opposition to her nomination.
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Senate Appropriations Meets
The Senate Appropriations committee, chaired by Sen. Jack Hill (R-Reidsville), met briefly Tuesday to review the proposed Amended Fiscal Year 2017 budget. After a rundown of major changes including a brief highlight of the expansion of move on when ready programs in Georgia, the full committee voted to approve the AFY 17 budget.
CLICK HERE to view the full AFY 17 budget (education begins on page 66).
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Senate Ed Hears CONNECT Act & Passes ESPLOST Distribution Legislation
Wednesday afternoon, the Senate Education Committee heard, but did not vote on,
SB 3, the "Creating Opportunities Needed Now to Expand Credentialed Training (CONNECT) Act." The bill is sponsored by Senate Ed Chair Lindsey Tippins (R-Marietta) on behalf of Lt. Governor Casey Cagle. The legislation seeks to provide industry credentialing for students who complete certain focused programs of study and would also lower the age of participation in apprenticeship programs from 16 to 15.
Additionally, SB 3 enables the State Board of Education to establish a competitive grant program for renovation, modernization, replacement, or purchase of career tech or agricultural education equipment.
Though the committee did not vote on SB 3 today, the legislation appeared to be well received by committee members who are expected to move the legislation forward at their next meeting.
The committee did unanimously pass a resolution regarding the distribution of Education Special Local Option Sales Tax (E-SPLOST) today. SR 95, sponsored by Senator Ellis Black (R-Valdosta), directs E-SPLOST proceeds to be divided between county and neighboring city school districts on a per pupil basis in instances in which the districts sharing E-SPLOSTS cannot agree on how to divide the dollars.
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Chatter about the legislation expected to address low performing schools in the wake of Amendment 1's failure is growing louder and louder. PAGE met with the legislation's lead sponsor Rep. Keven Tanner (R-Dawsonville) this morning. Rep. Tanner expects the bill will "drop" (be formally introduced) as early as this Friday. PAGE will publish the legislation as soon as it becomes publicly available.
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Join PAGE as well as the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders and the Georgia Association of Colleges for Teacher Education at the Capitol on Tuesday, Feb. 21. Breakfast and lunch are provided free of charge.
Hear from leaders in education such as Buster Evans, the new executive director at the Teacher Retirement System of Georgia, Claire Suggs with the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, and more! The full agenda will be announced soon.
Click here to register today.
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PAGE's core business is to provide professional learning for educators that will enhance professional competence and confidence, build leadership qualities and lead to higher academic achievement for students, while providing the best in membership, legislative and legal services and support |
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