HB59: HB59 Education; state funding for one school counselor for every 250 full-time equivalent students; provide

Georgia currently calculates how much state money school districts get for counselor salaries based on a ratio of one funded counselor position for every 450 full-time equivalent students. This bill would lower that ratio to one funded counselor for every 250 students, meaning the state formula would provide funding for more counselor positions per student enrolled. The bill amends Georgia's school funding law (O.C.G.A. § 20-2-182), which sets 'program weights' used to calculate how much state money multiplied by a base amount goes toward counselor salaries and benefits across grade levels and specialized programs like English language learner services and programs for students with disabilities. The existing rule requiring counselors to spend at least five of six work segments directly counseling or advising students stays in place. The law would take effect as soon as the Governor signs it or it becomes law without a signature.

• Lowers the student to counselor funding ratio in Georgia's school funding formula from 450 students per counselor to 250 students per counselor.
• Applies the new ratio across kindergarten through high school programs, including early intervention, alternative education, and other specified program categories.
• Keeps the existing requirement that at least five of six counselor work time segments be spent counseling or advising students or parents.
• Leaves in place the existing rule that English language learner programs, disability programs, gifted programs, and remedial education programs also generate school counselor funding.

Georgia public school districts, which would receive state funding calculated using the new ratio, and school counselors, whose funded positions would increase relative to student enrollment. Students and parents who rely on school counseling services would also be affected.

By funding more counselor positions per student, the bill could mean more counselors available in Georgia public schools, potentially reducing counselor caseloads and increasing time available for direct student and parent counseling, subject to how districts use the funding.

• Section 1 amends O.C.G.A. § 20-2-182(c) to change the funding ratio from one counselor per 450 full-time equivalent students to one counselor per 250 students.
• Section 1 retains the requirement that counselors spend at least five of six full-time equivalent program count segments counseling or advising students or parents.
• Section 2 sets the effective date as the date of the Governor's approval or the date the bill becomes law without approval.
• Section 3 repeals any conflicting laws.

1. 2025-01-17House Second Readers (House)
2. 2025-01-16House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-01-15House Hopper (House)

• Lydia Glaize (D, HD-067)Primary sponsor
• Stacey Evans (D, HD-057)
• Carl Gilliard (D, HD-162)
• Miriam Paris (D, HD-142)
• Robert Dawson (D, HD-065)
• Karen Lupton (D, HD-083)

• school counselors
• education funding
• public schools
• student services