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Georgia Budget and Policy Institute's
"Schoolhouse Squeeze"
The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute recently released its updated "Schoolhouse Squeeze" report. The Schoolhouse Squeeze 2014 compiles the latest numbers to show how cuts at the state level and lost local property values combine to create financial stress for school districts. From the GBPI website:
"Georgia's 180 school districts continue to face enormous financial pressures. The Georgia Legislature cut more than $8.4 billion in funding for public schools in recent years. At the same time, local funding for schools slipped precipitously following the plunge in property values triggered by the Great Recession. The growing number of students in poverty compounds the challenges that districts confront. While grappling with these combined pressures, districts are also working hard to increase student achievement."
CLICK HERE to view the full report and see the cuts to your individual school district.
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WABE Interview with Senator Lindsey Tippins and Representative David Wilkerson
On Friday, September 5th, Senate Education Committee Chairman Lindsey Tippins and Representative David Wilkerson, a member of the House Budget Committee, sat down for an interview with WABE'S Dennis O'Hayer to discuss education funding with a focus on a potential rewrite of the Quality Basic Education (QBE) formula in the 2015 legislative session.
The current QBE formula was developed in 1985 and has been labeled "outdated" by legislators, state officials, and other stakeholders. The two legislators were asked several questions regarding education funding and how they would like to see the QBE formula updated or re-written. Senator Tippins referenced the idea of consolidating several small school districts into one district headed up by one superintendent in order to cut down on central office costs. Both legislators agreed that whatever the solution to updating the ed funding formula, priorities should include stabilizing the state's revenue stream and determining where extra funding should come from should the upcoming income tax cap referendum pass. When asked when they believed the formula update would take place, both said by the end of the 2016 legislative session.
CLICK HERE to listen to the full interview.
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Early Voting and Absentee Voting
Early voting begins in most counties next Monday, October 13th and runs through Friday, October 31st. To view early voting locations, dates, and times in your county, CLICK HERE. Georgia voters are also allowed to vote by absentee ballot. To request an absentee ballot, CLICK HERE, fill out the form, and CLICK HERE to find out where to send or deliver your request form. Absentee ballot request forms must be postmarked by November 4th, and they must be received by November 7th. November 4th is election day. To view your election day poll location, CLICK HERE. |
