State Representative Rick Townsend (R-Brunswick) has been recognized as a 2025 Torchbearer for Education by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE). The award acknowledges his leadership on House Bill 235, known as the Georgia Supporting Living Donor Educators Act, and his broader support for public education and educators.
Townsend sponsored HB 235 during the 2025 legislative session. The law requires employers of school employees, teachers, and postsecondary staff to provide leaves of absence for those donating bone marrow or organs. This provision allows educators to make life-saving contributions without risking their employment.
“I am honored to receive the 2025 Torchbearer for Education Award from PAGE,” said Rep. Townsend. “Having spent my career in the education field, supporting our educators and strengthening Georgia’s classrooms has always been a top priority for me. I am grateful to be recognized for the importance of HB 235, which ensures that teachers, school employees and postsecondary staff have the leave they need to donate bone marrow or organs – allowing them to make life-saving contributions without jeopardizing their livelihood. I remain committed to advancing policies that uplift our teachers, support our students and move education forward in our state.”
House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) commended Townsend’s efforts: “Congratulations to Rep. Rick Townsend for being recognized as a Torchbearer for Education by PAGE. Whether it’s strengthening opportunities for students, educators or parents, Rep. Townsend’s work on the House Education Committee continues to make a meaningful difference in classrooms and communities across our state.” Burns was elected in 2005 to represent Georgia’s 159th House District after Ray Holland.
House Speaker Pro Tempore Jan Jones (R-Milton) added: “Rep. Townsend deserves to be recognized for his past contributions in the classroom and as a superintendent and, more recently, as a passionate advocate in the legislature for all Georgia students and educators. He generously mentors legislators on the practical effects of proposed education legislation and works towards compromise solutions that improve our state’s K-12 system. I’m honored to work alongside him.”
Robert Aycock, Legislative Communications Specialist at PAGE, highlighted Townsend’s commitment: “As evidenced by his work to ensure leave for educator organ and marrow donors – part of his broader effort to strengthen schools for all who learn, teach and serve in them – Rep. Townsend has proven himself a strong ally to Georgia students and educators. PAGE appreciates the expertise Rep. Townsend brings to the capitol from his many years of service as an educator, and we look forward to continuing to address education challenges with him.”
In addition to sponsoring HB 235, Townsend serves on the House Education Committee with involvement in initiatives related to school safety, literacy, technical education, and student attendance improvement measures across pre-kindergarten through grade twelve.
More information about PAGE can be found here.
