Governor Brian P. Kemp, joined by state government colleagues, has announced a legislative package aimed at improving K-12 education in Georgia. The plan, outlined on the Office of the Governor's release includes funding and reforms for schools, such as full funding for K-12 formula earnings and enhanced mental health support.
The funding comes from both the AFY'25 and FY'26 budgets and includes proposed legislation for school safety grants and facility upgrades. "We are spending more today on K-12 education than we ever have in our state's history," Governor Kemp said in the same release. He highlighted the full funding of schools and increases in teacher pay, among other accomplishments since 2019. The state has added $3.7 billion in ongoing K-12 funding, with $294.07 million allocated specifically for school safety grants.
The appropriations for fiscal year 2025 total $120.8 million, increasing to $402.2 million by fiscal year 2026, to fully fund K-12 education. Additionally, $10.3 million will go towards pupil transportation, and $1.25 million will support technical education labs in high schools. The package also includes a provision to raise the indemnification benefit for public school employees from $75,000 to $150,000 in the event of death.
School safety grants will receive $50 million in the amended fiscal year 2025 budget, adding $21,635 per school to their annual base amount. The overall budget for school safety is $158.9 million. Other initiatives include funding for expanded K-12 bandwidth, crisis counseling training, and $212.4 million for infrastructure improvements. Lt. Governor Burt Jones voiced his support for the package, emphasizing the importance of student safety. He stated that, as a father of school-aged children, this issue requires focus and commitment. After speaking with law enforcement, school administrators, and those affected by the tragic event in Barrow County, he pledged to prioritize the passage of "Alyssa's Law" and advocate for stronger penalties for those who threaten or commit school-related crimes during the 2025 session. Jones highlighted that this package builds on school safety initiatives he supported last year, aiming to enhance the security and well-being of Georgia's students and teachers, as noted in the Office of the Governor's release.
The proposed legislation reflects Georgia’s commitment to students and educators, with Speaker Jon Burns also expressing optimism about the package. "From strengthening literacy initiatives, investing in school safety, increasing mental health resources, and championing access to Pre-K education, we are delivering on our commitment to Georgia's students, educators, and families. This session, the House will place a continued emphasis on those policies that will ensure the safety and security of our schools, and we look forward to working alongside Governor Kemp and Lieutenant Governor Jones to pass these critical measures," Burns said in a statement obtained by the Office of the Governor.
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