Peach Tree Times

Governor Brian P. Kemp of Georgia has unveiled a legislative package aimed at enhancing K-12 education and ensuring the security of classrooms across the state. Joined by Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, Speaker Jon Burns, and members of the Georgia General Assembly, Kemp outlined the details of his proposal which includes funding allocations in both the amended fiscal year 2025 (AFY'25) and fiscal year 2026 (FY'26) budgets.

The proposed package aims to fully fund K-12 formula earnings while also providing additional school safety grants, mental health support, crisis counseling, and increased funding for technical education and transportation. The plan further seeks to improve benefits for teachers and faculty alongside funding capital projects to modernize educational facilities.

"We are spending more today on K-12 education than we ever have in our state's history," said Governor Brian Kemp. He emphasized that this initiative fulfills a promise to prioritize children in Georgia by fully funding schools, raising teacher pay significantly, delivering millions in school safety grants, and addressing mental health needs.

Since taking office in 2019, Governor Kemp's administration has committed an extra $3.7 billion towards ongoing K-12 education funding along with $294.07 million dedicated specifically to school safety grants.

Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones expressed strong support for the initiatives announced by Kemp: “I applaud Governor Brian Kemp for prioritizing school safety. He has my full support for the proposals announced today.” Jones underscored his commitment as a father of school-aged children to focus on student safety during the upcoming legislative session.

Speaker Jon Burns reaffirmed the dedication of the General Assembly towards ensuring quality education for every child in Georgia: "From strengthening literacy initiatives...we are delivering on our commitment to Georgia's students."

Key components of Kemp’s proposal include allocating over $120 million in FY'25 and more than $402 million in FY'26 towards fully funding K-12 education. Additionally, funds are earmarked for pupil transportation improvements and technical education labs.

Support measures for teachers include legislation increasing indemnification benefits through changes to Public School Indemnification Fund payments. There will also be an increase in employer contributions to improve health insurance plans under Teachers’ State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP).

In terms of improving school safety measures, $50 million is allocated as one-time additions to existing grants alongside sustaining funds for expanded bandwidth services initiated with previous relief funds.

Finally, a capital package totaling $212.4 million is proposed covering facility earnings enhancement along with purchases such as new buses or vocational equipment upgrades within educational institutions across Georgia.