Georgia’s system of school finance is characterized by complex formulas and restrictive policies. Fortunately, Gov. Nathan Deal’s Education Reform Commission is set to make recommendations that would increase transparency and district-level flexibility if adopted.
Most notably, the Commission’s Funding Formula Committee is recommending a weighted-student formula that would include a weight for low-income students. It also recommends phasing out the state’s top-down salary schedule for teachers and allowing districts to determine pay scales based on local priorities.
The Funding Formula Committee’s recommendations are a big step in the right direction. However, there is still work to be done as equity and empowerment must be pushed down to the school level.
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