DAY 19

It was a slow and cold day under the Gold Dome. The House and Senate met with no education related bills on either agenda.

The Governor quickly signed HB75, the FY15 midterm adjusted budget. The original educational budget changed slightly. The QBE funding amount increased to reflect the actual number of students reported, and the equalization grant received an additional $8.5 million.

The House is scheduled to have their FY16 budget work completed by the end of this week. The House Appropriations Committee is scheduled to meet at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday. In order for the FY16 budget to be completed, HB170, the 2015 Transportation Bill, will need to be finalized.  The bill is still undergoing revisions. The current bill has reduced the financial impact on schools.  Once HB170 passes the House, it may undergo major changes in the Senate. HB170 still has a long way to go.

A sub committee of House Education Committee, the Academic Achievement and Curriculum Sub Committee will meet on Monday. The following bills are on the agenda: SB2, students who complete certain requirements relating to postsecondary coursework awarded a high school diploma, and HR303, a resolution to urge the GDOE to develop and implement comprehensive civics education curricula.

The Senate Education Committee will meet on Monday. A hearing will be held for SB133 and SR287, regarding the Opportunity School District. Testimony will be provided by Dr. Cindi Chance, Dean, College of Education Georgia Regents University. Public comment may be taken.