FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 28, 2024
ATLANTA — Public charter schools are set to receive more funding for principals and superintendents following the bipartisan approval of House Bill 1122 by the Georgia General Assembly. The bill was amended and approved in the House on Tuesday, March 26. The Senate agreed to those amendments today.
In addition to allocating more funding for principals and superintendents in charter schools, the legislation also requires the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) to calculate and publish a “single score” for all public schools and districts in the state – allowing Georgia families to compare public schools and districts and track academic progress. Previously, the GaDOE assigned a “single score” or numeric grade to schools through the state’s College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI). However, in recent school years, GaDOE was allowed to waive this requirement by the U.S. Department of Education.
The Georgia Charter Schools Association (GCSA) is grateful to Rep. Scott Hilton, HB 1122 sponsor; Sen. Matt Brass, Senate sponsor; Rep. Chris Erwin, Chair of the House Education Committee, and Sen. Clint Dixon, Chair of the Senate Education and Youth Committee, for their support of high-quality charter schools and the 62,000 public school students they serve. GCSA also appreciates the bipartisan coalition of lawmakers who enabled the passage of this important legislation.
“We’re pleased that charter schools will now receive additional state funding to cover critical positions like principals and superintendents,” said Tony Roberts, President and CEO of the Georgia Charter Schools Association. “By allocating these resources, the state is one step closer to closing the funding gap between charter schools and traditional public schools. These additional dollars will ensure public charter schools are better positioned to retain and attract skilled administrators who are focused on improving student outcomes.”
HB 1122 allocates approximately $6 million to fund:
- one (1) superintendent for each state charter school with 1,000 or more students.
- one (1) principal for each charter school (state and local) serving grades 9-12
- one principal per 300 students (max of 2 principals) to a state and local charter school serving any combination of the grade levels K-8.
HB 1122 gives local school charter schools the option of allowing children of part-time employees to attend the school in which the parent is employed through an enrollment preference. (This is already allowed for full-time employees.)
- Allows schools to attract high-quality staff to serve in critical part-time roles (art, music, band, etc.)
HB 1122 provides a conflict-of-interest clarification for state charter schools.
- Allows for ‘non-executive level’ employees (teachers) to serve on state charter governing boards. Current law prohibits all district employees from serving on a state charter school governing board, which is restrictive and does not present a conflict of interest.
HB 1122 requires the Georgia Department of Education to annually calculate an aggregate performance rating (or “single score”) for each public school and school system.
Requires the performance ratings to be published on the Georgia Department of Education’s website, on the school system’s website, and on each individual school’s website.
House Bill 1122 now heads to Gov. Brian Kemp’s desk for approval. If signed by Gov. Kemp, the bill’s funding provisions will go into effect in Fiscal Year 2026.
About the Georgia Charter Schools Association
The Georgia Charter Schools Association is a nonprofit membership organization for Georgia’s public charter schools and petitioners. Our mission is to support, foster and advocate for the development of high-quality public charter schools and networks that improve opportunities for Georgia students. We believe every child in Georgia should have equal access to a quality and transformative public education.
CONTACT: Michelle Wirth
Director of Communications
Georgia Charter Schools Association
mwirth@gacharters.org
470-233-6682
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