Georgia lawmakers pass bill to increase funding for charter school administrators

Georgia charter schools are poised to see increased funding for key administrative positions.

ATLANTA (41NBC/WMGT) — Georgia charter schools are poised to see increased funding for key administrative positions.

House Bill 1122 was amended and approved by the House on Tuesday, March 26, and confirmed by the Senate on Thursday. It allocates additional funds 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 within the state with the goal of enabling Georgia families to more effectively compare and track the academic progress of public schools and districts.

“Previously, the GaDOE assigned a “single score” or numeric grade to schools through the state’s College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI),” a Georgia Charter Schools Association (GCSA) news release stated. “However, in recent school years, GaDOE was allowed to waive this requirement by the U.S. Department of Education.”

GCSA President and CEO Tony Roberts says the funding portion of the legislation is a step toward narrowing the financial 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,” he said.

According to GCSA, 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 also:

• 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 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.

HB 1122 now heads to Governor Brian Kemp’s desk for approval. If signed, the bill’s funding provisions will go into effect in Fiscal Year 2026.