Education

Action on Education is Long Overdue

I believe every Georgia student deserves access to a high quality education.  This is the only way to secure a strong economy for the future.  For too long, the state legislature has failed to adequately fund public education, and more recently, they are taking steps to divert public education funding to private schools.  That is a disservice to Georgians everywhere, and there is a much better way.

As with other policy areas, I am more than willing to work with anyone to make good ideas a reality. Here are a few of mine.

Modernize QBE

The 40-year-old Quality Basic Education formula is outdated and inadequate.  It needs to be updated to:

• Add an Opportunity/Poverty Weight so districts educating more low-income learners receive fair support.

• Update the Base Cost using today’s instructional realities: technology, counseling, transportation, school safety (School Resource Officers), paraprofessionals.

• Fix Local Inequities:

  • Strengthen equalization grants so property‑poor areas aren’t perpetually behind.

  • Cap harmful swings in local share when digest values shift.

Protect Against Federal Cuts

We must keep services like reading support, special education, and mental health in place even if D.C. sends less.

• Use the over-funded HOPE fund or the $15B budget surplus to create a State “Stabilization Reserve” for K‑12 triggered only when federal K‑12 aid drops (Title I/II/III, IDEA). Dollars flow by formula to affected districts.

• Expand statewide purchasing for curriculum, special education services, and transportation to lower unit costs during tight years.

Keep Public Funds in Public Schools

Our tax dollars should strengthen the schools that serve all Georgia children — not be siphoned off to private institutions.

• Georgia’s new school voucher program diverts millions from public classrooms into subsidies for private school tuition. 

• Voucher programs don’t improve overall student achievement, even in states where they’ve been tried for decades. Add a Proof section.

Prioritize and Support Great Principals

Throwing money at a problem rarely fixes the problem.  Studies have shown that struggling schools can make great improvements if they have great leadership. I propose:

• Paid year‑long residencies for aspiring leaders placed in high‑need schools under mentor principals.

• Multi‑year leadership stipends and relocation support tied to performance and retention targeting rural and high-need districts.

• Giving vetted principals more hiring/budget flex in exchange for clear goals and transparent progress metrics.

• Small discretionary funds for staff recognition, substitutes for observation days, and quick‑turn maintenance grants.