Education Funding Returns to Legislative Spotlight

Senate lawmakers are examining how the state funds public schools through a new study committee, which was created by legislation authored by Senate Majority Leader Mike Dugan (R-Carrollton). At its first meeting Friday, Aug. 19, Dugan tasked the committee with determining whether funds are used in the most effective way possible to educate students. He did not set specific goals for the committee’s work.

Dugan chairs the committee, which is comprised of:

• Sen. Blake Tillery (R-Valdosta), chairman of the Appropriations Committee, which leads the development of the state budget for the Senate
• Sen. Chuck Payne (R-Dalton), chair of the Education and Youth committee
• Sen. Lindsey Tippins (R-Marietta), chair of the education subcommittee of the Appropriations committee
• Sen. Nan Orrock, (D-Atlanta), member of the Appropriations committee
• Sen. Billy Hickman (R-Statesboro), ex officio member

The Quality Basic Education (QBE) formula, which is the state’s formula to calculate how much state funding each district receives, was the committee’s focus at the meeting. The General Assembly approved the QBE formula in 1985. The current study committee is one of multiple studies that have occurred since the QBE’s passage. Some studies attempted to alter components of the formula, sometimes in controversial ways that negatively impacted state funding for public education.

PAGE supports the QBE as structurally sound but has identified several areas where enhancements would enable districts to make strategic investments in student learning and well-being: school safety, school counselors, and student transportation. Incorporating funding for low-income students in the QBE is another notable issue to review. 

Recorded footage of the meeting is available.  

Jon Cooper, budget director for the Georgia Department of Education, outlined the three main components of QBE: student funding segments, educator training and experience, and educator health insurance. He also described the QBE as a state and local partnership, with districts contributing the local five mill share.

Committee members’ discussion indicated their understanding of the QBE varies. Several members asked questions about teacher salaries and expressed concern about teacher shortages. Adding a QBE funding weight for student poverty was also mentioned. Sen. Tippins asked for more information about every local school district’s average student funding and starting teacher salary.      

GaDOE’S presentation is available.