SR257: SR257 Charter Schools Day; recognize February 26, 2025

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia Senate rather than a change to state law. It recognizes February 26, 2025 as Charter Schools Day at the state capitol, citing the growth of charter schools in Georgia since the state's first charter school law passed in 1993. The resolution notes there are currently 96 charter schools operating across all 159 Georgia counties, serving about 65,000 public school students, with roughly 21,000 more students on waiting lists. It also cites a Stanford University study finding charter school students gained more learning days in reading and math than peers in traditional public schools. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies to the Georgia Charter Schools Association, the public, and the press.

• Formally designates February 26, 2025 as Charter Schools Day at the Georgia state capitol.
• Commends teachers and leaders working in Georgia's charter schools.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the Georgia Charter Schools Association, the public, and the press.
• Does not create, fund, or change any charter school law or program; it takes no binding legal action.

Charter school students, teachers, and administrators across Georgia's 96 charter schools, the Georgia Charter Schools Association, and members of the Georgia Senate who are recognizing the day.

The resolution has no legal effect on schools, funding, or enrollment; it is a symbolic honor. Its real-world significance is limited to public recognition of charter schools and their students, teachers, and leaders on a single designated day.

• The preamble recites background facts: Georgia's 1993 charter school law, 96 currently operating charter schools, and statewide enrollment across all 159 counties.
• Cites a Stanford University Center for Research on Education Outcomes study on charter school academic performance compared to traditional public schools.
• Notes about 65,000 students enrolled in Georgia charter schools and 21,000 students on charter school waiting lists.
• The resolving clause designates February 26, 2025 as Charter Schools Day at the state capitol.
• A further resolution clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies to the Georgia Charter Schools Association, the public, and the press.

1. 2025-02-26Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2025-02-25Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Clint Dixon (R, SD-045)Primary sponsor
• Ricky Williams (R, SD-025)
• Russ Goodman (R, SD-008)
• Sam Watson (R, SD-011)
• Billy Hickman (R, SD-004)

• charter schools
• education
• state capitol ceremonies
• Georgia Senate resolutions