For Immediate Release March 28, 2018
ATLANTA – “When we heard the news of Gov. Deal’s proposal to add $167 million to DOE’s budget with the sole purpose of finally fully funding our state’s public schools, we were of course elated,” said Dr. Sid Chapman, president of the Georgia Association of Educators. “Fully funding our public schools has been on GAE’s priority list since QBE was implemented. Our members felt the impact firsthand of not having everything they needed from the state to add to their resource coffers.”
Chapman says during his recent tour across the state this past fall, fully funding our schools was again at the top of his list when meeting with local communities and media. “We have always heard from our members on the lack of resources available. This challenge needs to be addressed from both the legislative and economic development fronts. We are pleased to see that now the legislative commitment will be fulfilled. Affected communities will continue to need assistance in helping to build their commercial base so monies are also available from their end.
While we realize this is not an actual update to the state funding formula, which is still needed, we applaud the governor for fulfilling the state’s responsibility to our public schools and Georgia’s children. We hope subsequent legislatures take his lead and continue to do what is right for Georgia’s public schools.”
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