PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GEORGIA EDUCATORS

The   Senate Study Committee on Combating Chronic Absenteeism in Schools  met for the final time Nov. 20 at the Georgia State Capitol. Following presentations from multiple student support services providers, committee members recessed to draft the final report. Educators Share Views on Student Absenteeism in Upcoming PAGE Report Results from the 2025 PAGE Legislative Policy Survey indicate educators perceive chronic student absenteeism as a significant challenge. Nearly 87%

The     House Study Committee on Student Attendance in PreK-12 Education   held its final meeting Nov. 5 at the Georgia State Capitol. The meeting addressed school mental health resources with a specific focus on school social workers. Committee members also shared their policy priorities ore about Issues Facing Special Education Teachers In PAGE's Educator Workforce Survey Report Learn More about Educator Views on Student Absenteeism in Upcoming PAGE Report Thank you to the

The   Senate Study Committee on Combating Chronic Absenteeism in Schools  met Oct. 16 at the Georgia State Capitol. Committee Chair John Kennedy (R-Macon) opened the meeting  with an explanation of  the difference between chronic absenteeism and truancy .   He explained  that student truancy is generally defined by excessive unexcused absences, while chronic student absenteeism encompasses both excused and unexcused absences. PAGE Survey Shows Educators Believe Absenteeism is

The   Senate Study Committee on Combating Chronic Absenteeism in Schools  and the House Study Committee on Student Attendance in PreK-12 Education   held a joint meeting Sept. 22 at the Georgia State Capitol. During the meeting, members from both committees heard from a number of organizations on a wide range of topics, including recommendations to combat chronic absenteeism. rn ore about Issues Facing Special Education Teachers In PAGE's Educator Workforce Survey Report PAGE

The   Senate Study Committee on Combating Chronic Absenteeism in Schools   met Aug. 7 at Mercer University. The study committee was created via SR 217 sponsored by Sen. John Kennedy (R-Macon), who serves as chair. In addition to Kennedy, the following Senate members sit on the committee:  Sen. Shawn Still (R-Johns Creek) Sen. Freddie Powell Sims (D-Dawson) Sen. RaShaun Kemp (D-Atlanta) Sen. Clint Dixon (R-Gwinnett) Sen. Billy Hickman (R-Statesboro) Penny Elkins, executive v

Day 35 didn't disappoint on education action. It was a busy day on the House and Senate floor and in committees. The Senate passed HB 340 , by Rep. Scott Hilton (R-Peachtree Corners), which prohibits K-8 student use of cell phones during the school day. The legislation is supported by PAGE based on educator feedback. We appreciate the bipartisan group of senators who voted to move the bill forward to Gov. Brian Kemp. Two senators voted against it. The House passed SB 123 by

The House and Senate were busy with committee meetings to review bills from the opposite chamber. Several initiatives backed by PAGE advanced. The Senate Appropriations Committee is set to discuss the education-friendly FY2026 budget tomorrow. PAGE-Supported Bills Approved by Senate Ed The Senate Education & Youth Committee unanimously approved two PAGE-supported bills, which both move on to Senate Rules: PAGE Legislative Communications Specialist Robert Aycock testified in s

With Crossover Day looming next week, the General Assembly is moving bills at a highly accelerated rate. The House passed the Riley Gaines Act during its floor session. Many other education-related bills passed multiple committees. This pace will continue until Crossover Day (LD 28) concludes March 6. House Floor Session Senate Floor Session House Approval of 'Riley Gaines Act' Sends the Bill to the Senate Following lengthy debate, the House passed HB 267 , the " Riley Gaine

The Senate approved the Amended Fiscal Year (AFY) 2025 budget , which included major changes to the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) operating budget. More information on these changes is available here . The Senate also approved SB 123 by Sen. John F. Kennedy (R-Macon), which requires school districts to re-institute school climate committees. More information on SB 123 is available in the Day 17 report . House Floor Session Senate Floor Session Organ Donor Leave, Ad