Georgia Set to Overhaul School Funding System
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Commentary

Georgia Set to Overhaul School Funding System

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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