Modernizing Georgia’s Education Funding
In 1985, the Nintendo Entertainment System was released. The first smartphone was manufactured in 1994, and DVDs continued to rise throughout the early 2000s. Yet one thing that hasn’t changed since 1985 is the Quality Basic Education Act (QBE). This act creates a formula dictating funding allocations for Georgia’s public schools, affecting students’ lives every day.
Under the QBE, Georgia schools receive funding based on a formula that considers student enrollment, specifically the Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) count. This formula calculates the basic funding amount for each student, as well as adjusts it for factors such as grade level and special services needed. Additionally, the QBE accounts for teacher salaries and operational costs. The funding of the QBE is supported by local school districts through property taxes, while the state covers the remaining costs.
The original mission of the QBE was to provide a quality basic education much like the name suggests, however key factors have been overlooked to do so. Currently, the formula lacks recognition for students living in poverty, transportation costs, the growth of technology and student needs.
Georgia is currently one of only six states that does not specifically allocate at-risk funding for low income students. This is particularly concerning due to the fact that as of 2023, 18.8% of children in Georgia were living in poverty. These circumstances also affect Black and Hispanic/Latino students at a much higher rate. This lack of intentional and targeted funding upholds the educational disparities faced by these populations, further deepening the opportunity gap across the state.
This issue has been raised under the Golden Dome in Atlanta, and politicians are aware of the growing calls for change. Governor Nathan Deal’s 2015 Education Reform Commission recommended increasing the weight of the QBE formula in order to better support economically disadvantaged students, yet comprehensive support has not been added.
After the 2023-2024 legislative session, Governor Brian Kemp praised the package of educational legislation that passed. Highlights of the legislation include the funding of school voucher programs, not student success driven by an adjusted QBE. Similarly, the Georgia General Assembly approved a $2,000 raise for teachers in 2023. However, the burden of securing the necessary funds to support their teachers falls within individual school systems, many of which are already facing financial strain.
Adequate funding for schools is essential to the success of both the local community and as well as the state as a whole. The proposed 2024 budget for the Clarke County School District, for instance, includes plans to increase staffing in elementary schools and provide raises for certain staff members. However, to cover these costs, the district must utilize its surplus funds, highlighting the balancing act school districts must perform to support both students and teachers.
School systems are committed to providing the best education possible for their students and offering strong support to their teachers, but they often struggle to meet these goals due to insufficient funding. Without sustainable and updated financial resources, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain high standards of education and equitable opportunities for all students.
During the 2023 legislative session, legislation was introduced to improve the QBE. The Support for Students Living in Poverty Act, authored by Representative Sandra Scott, would provide additional resources to students living in poverty, giving them opportunities to enrich their education. The bill asks for over $300 million with the intention of launching programs that cater to students’ needs, ranging from transportation to dual enrollment programs to mental health counseling.
HB 712 authored by Representative Viola Davis proposes a solution to insufficient funding of transportation to school, without financially burdening local districts. Transportation has been a consistent issue in Georgia schools, disproportionately affecting rural students. However, both bills did not pass, and ultimately died during session.
Updating the QBE will not only benefit schools, students and teachers but will also provide a significant advantage to the state as a whole. According to a report by the Washington Center for Equitable Growth, reducing education gaps can drive economic growth and increase government revenues, further reinforcing the value of investing in education.
The pulse of the QBE is not just felt in our local schools, but the entire state, affecting Georgia’s economic growth and workforce development. The state has the opportunity to enhance the education system, and push Georgia toward a more competitive position on the national scale.
Achieving this goal depends not only on continued support and strong advocacy, but legitimate action from government leaders. It is essential that lawmakers prioritize education funding reforms to ensure that schools have access to the resources they need. These changes will support the long-term prosperity of our local communities and state as a whole.
Sibley Durisch is a third-year student at the University of Georgia studying Political Science. She is a member of the education policy group.