--- title: Senate Education and Youth Committee, March 24, 2026 collection: meetings id: 2026-03-24/senate-education-and-youth cite_as: Senate Education and Youth Committee, March 24, 2026, video https://vimeo.com/1176544233 (machine transcript by Georgia Commons) canonical_url: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-24/senate-education-and-youth md_url: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-24/senate-education-and-youth.md text_url: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-24/senate-education-and-youth/text source_url: https://vimeo.com/1176544233 date: 2026-03-24 status: machine transcript corpus_version: meetings-2026-10-23-8c15ead0f18d license: Machine transcript and summaries by Georgia Commons from the General Assembly's public video; the video stays on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel; see about.md publisher: Georgia Commons, an independent project of Georgia Civic Data. Not the State of Georgia. Not legal advice. up: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-24.md previous: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-24/house-defense-and-veterans-affairs.md next: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-24/house-retirement.md index: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/index.md chamber: Senate body: Senate Education and Youth Committee body_url: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/senate-education-and-youth.md meeting_kind: committee session: 2025-2026 Regular Session start_time: 2026-03-24T14:00:00-04:00 location: 307 CLOB duration_seconds: 4740.0 video_id: 1176544233 video_title: 03/24/2026 Senate Committee on Education and Youth agenda_url: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/agendas/senate/EDYAgenda3.24.26.pdf bills_discussed: - HB 310 - HB 1259 summaries_model: gpt-6.1-sol transcript_turns: 321 transcript_chars: 61128 parts: - https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-24/senate-education-and-youth.md?start=0 - https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-24/senate-education-and-youth.md?start=59851 --- # Senate Education and Youth Committee, March 24, 2026 Senate Education and Youth Committee; March 24, 2026; 2025-2026 Regular Session. Video, on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel: https://vimeo.com/1176544233. Agenda: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/agendas/senate/EDYAgenda3.24.26.pdf. > This is a machine transcript of the General Assembly's video, made by a speech-recognition model. It is not an official record and can mishear words, names, and numbers. Speakers are not identified. The video is the record: every timestamp links to the moment it plays. ## Summary written by Georgia Commons Written by gpt-6.1-sol from the transcript below. It is not part of the record. Quote the transcript or the video, not the summary. The committee unanimously approved [HB 310](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb310), which the sponsor described as a pilot program to help low-income student teachers cover expenses and encourage them to teach in Georgia public schools. Two college students testified about the financial strain of preparing to teach. The committee also heard [HB 1259](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1259), concerning academic requirements and funding for district-operated virtual schools enrolling students from outside the district. Members debated school performance, oversight, parental choice and the consequences of requiring students to move elsewhere. The chair postponed a vote and said discussion and testimony from the other side would continue Thursday. ## Bills discussed (2) Each account was written by gpt-6.1-sol from the stretch of the transcript it names. The bill's number is said in that stretch, unless it was the only bill on a committee's agenda. ### HB 310. Student Teacher Promotion Act; enact [HB 310](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb310) (2025-2026 Regular Session). From [0:31:34](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=1894s), turns 10 to 76. The sponsor presented a substitute creating a pilot program for 500 Pell-eligible student teachers, offering up to $5,000 during unpaid student teaching and another $2,500 if recipients teach in a Georgia public school. The sponsor said Georgia had more than 5,000 teacher vacancies and that unpaid, full-time student teaching creates a financial barrier to entering the profession. Committee members supported the proposal as a way to recruit teachers, recognize their work and encourage them to stay in Georgia. Asked whether payment could broaden the backgrounds of future teachers, the sponsor said it would make teaching accessible to more students who otherwise could not afford it. A Clark Atlanta University student described balancing living expenses, classroom responsibilities and college assignments. A Georgia Gwinnett College student said even support from two working parents was barely enough for a family with four children. The committee approved the substitute unanimously by a show of hands. ### HB 1259. Education; prohibit virtual instruction to out-of-system students if the local school system has a College and Career Ready Performance Index below the state average [HB 1259](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1259) (2025-2026 Regular Session). From [0:43:25](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2605s), turns 80 to 314. The sponsor presented a substitute requiring a district or its virtual school to average at least 70 on the College and Career Ready Performance Index over two years to enroll out-of-district virtual students. The sponsor said it would also exclude those students from enrollment used to calculate district equalization funding and would not affect charter schools. The sponsor said only Jenkins County’s virtual academy would currently be affected, reporting 1,524 students, only two from Jenkins County, and elementary, middle and high school scores of 34, 41 and 28, compared with statewide averages of 79, 78 and 77. The sponsor said the operator had twice been denied a state charter and twice withdrawn applications after unfavorable staff recommendations. One member supported the sponsor’s oversight concerns. Other members questioned the two-year standard, comparisons with traditional schools, missing information about students’ prior performance and parents’ reasons for choosing the school. Another member estimated transfers to statewide virtual charters could cost roughly $6 million more. The sponsor said students had other school options and stronger oversight justified higher costs, but lacked parent-complaint and progress data. Another member defended elected school boards as a form of accountability. The chair deferred a vote, requested further discussions and said opposing testimony could be heard Thursday. > The transcript runs 61,128 characters. A reader that cannot take it at once can read it in 2 parts: part 1 https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-24/senate-education-and-youth.md?start=0; part 2 https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-24/senate-education-and-youth.md?start=59851. ## Transcript (321 turns) [0:16:41](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=1001s) and Youth. Um, I will be presiding over the meeting in absence of our chairman right now, who's presenting a bill elsewhere. But right now we're going to hold steadfast until we are able to obtain a quorum. So just hold what you got right now and we'll, we'll start back here in just a moment. [0:30:34](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=1834s) Did we lose someone else down there? Juan? [0:30:36](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=1836s) Uh, Senator Hickman's coming. [0:30:38](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=1838s) Are you? [0:30:38](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=1838s) He's back. [0:30:39](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=1839s) One, two, three, four, five, six, and seven. All right, we now have a quorum, so we will go ahead and call this meeting of the, uh, Senate Education and Youth Committee to, to order. Um, would you lead us in word of prayer? [0:31:00](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=1860s) What number are you? [0:31:02](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=1862s) 10. [0:31:02](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=1862s) 10. There you are. [0:31:05](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=1865s) All right. Uh, dear Lord, we thank you for another opportunity to come together and do work on behalf of this great state. We ask that you please allow your presence to be in this room as we make decisions that are gonna impact students and teachers across this state, and continue to allow us to find opportunities to work together and come up with real solutions for Georgians. In Jesus' name we pray, amen. [0:31:27](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=1887s) Amen. Thank you, Senator Dole. Um, all right. F- f- first bill we're gonna begin with is HB 310. [0:31:38](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=1898s) And if you would, uh, just have a seat and just to verify, I mean, let, let me... We're working off of LC492630S. Is that correct? [0:31:53](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=1913s) That is correct. [0:31:54](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=1914s) All right. Go ahead and present your bill. [0:31:56](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=1916s) Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the committee. Uh, presenting House Bill 310, which creates a targeted pilot program for 500, uh, Pell eligible student teachers, providing up to a $5,000 grant, uh, during their unpaid student teaching semester, and an additional $2,500 if they go on to teach in a Georgia public school. Uh, this approach aligns with the key recommendation from, uh, this summer and fall's work, uh, with SR 237 that many of you all were spearheading and, uh, many stakeholders behind me were, uh, uh, a part in getting to the finish line, uh, with the focus on strengthening our educator workforce. [0:32:40](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=1960s) Uh, Georgia still has more than 5,000, uh, teacher vacancies. Uh, and every one of those gaps impacts student learning and consistency in our classrooms. And so if we want better outcomes for our children, uh, then graduating and retaining qualified educators is essential to closing the gap. Uh, and student teaching is a full-time commitment. Uh, in most cases, it's, uh, a semester long, 40 hours a week commitment. Uh, you are there before sunrise. [0:33:11](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=1991s) Uh, you are lesson planning well into the night, um, pouring into our kids all day, and you're doing all of this unpaid. Uh, and rent is still due, uh, gas isn't free, and we all know that, uh, grocery prices are continuing to climb. Uh, and you're probably working one or two jobs, uh, particularly for, uh, our students who come from families that are economically disadvantaged. Uh, and so you're now probably, uh, asking yourself, uh, "Can I even afford to finish the semester that prepares me to lead my own classroom?" And so student teaching is one of the strongest predictors of classroom readiness and long-term retention. [0:33:51](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2031s) Several other states have implemented various paid student teaching programs. And so if we want prepared teachers who stay, we've gotta help them get across the finish line first. And so, uh, HB 310 does that. It removes that financial barrier. Uh, it strengthens recruitment and retention, and helps ensure that every child in Georgia has a well-prepared teacher in the classroom. Uh, that's the bill, Mr. Chairman, and I'm happy to take any questions. [0:34:20](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2060s) Thank you, sir. It's great to see you here today, and I appreciate it. Um, um, you may have already said it, but this actually was a recomission, recom- recommendation that came out of Senate Resolution 237 that was chaired by our good friend sitting almost on the back row back there, Dr. Jody Barrow. So we, we learned this is another way to get teachers in the classroom, and keep them in the classroom. Yes, sir. [0:34:41](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2081s) Yes, sir. [0:34:42](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2082s) Senator James. [0:34:45](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2085s) Hello, and thank you for the legislation. Uh, I believe, um, Zel Miller, didn't he instill this for about two or four years? Yes, he did. [0:34:58](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2098s) He did. [0:34:59](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2099s) He did, and it worked very well, so I was, uh, disappointed when they stopped it. So I'm glad that y'all bringing it back. This is, oh, what? T- a two dec- uh, one decade later, a decade and a half later or whatever. But it, it, it did work very well, so thank you for bringing it, and you do have my support. [0:35:18](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2118s) Thank you, Senator. [0:35:19](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2119s) Mm-hmm. [0:35:19](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2119s) I, I think we said, um, Mr. Representative, that student teachers are probably one of the on- if not the only internship type organization that, that does not get paid. I mean, we got interns all up here, they all get paid. You know, we got interns in our offices, our accounting firms, they all get paid. [0:35:40](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2140s) Yes, sir. [0:35:40](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2140s) So, so this, hopefully this will, will attract more teachers. And, um, thank you so much for bringing it. Senator Kemp. Go ahead, sir. [0:35:50](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2150s) Uh, yeah, I just wanted to make a comment that I'm really thankful for you bringing this bill. I think that, you know, we as a nation failed teachers in not respecting them for the professionals that they are. Um, and this will go a long way to show teachers that we respect them and their time and their efforts. Um, having been in a school, you know, it used to be back in the day, we'd tell them, "Well, you're getting paid by the experience that you're getting." Well, folks nowadays don't s- totally buy into that. So I think this is a very important step for us to show our future teachers that we value them. [0:36:25](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2185s) Um- [0:36:26](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2186s) And, uh, I think it will go a long way helping to recruit, and this bonus is a great idea to hopefully retain them here in the State of Georgia. So, thank you. [0:36:34](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2194s) Thank you, Senator. [0:36:34](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2194s) Thank you, Senator. Senator Halpern. [0:36:37](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2197s) Thank you so much for this piece of legislation. One other thing that I wanted to just, um, kind of bring up here is that, is it not true that being able to pay our, our student teachers allows us to have a greater diversity of the kinds of folks who will ultimately enter the classroom? Because not everybody has the financial wherewithal, as you said, to be working full time and not get paid. [0:37:05](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2225s) Uh, that is, uh, uh, correct. Uh, it- it's so hard, uh, being a college student, working family. Um, you have choices nowadays, and for many of our talented, uh, college students, they're choosing not to enter the education profession because the benefits and the compensation doesn't match up with, uh, their options and their talent. And so, uh, we've gotta, we've gotta lower that barrier to entry so that we can make this an option, uh, for all of our college students, our talented, passionate, uh, young people who wanna break into, uh, the profession and pour into our young folks, uh, but who can't. [0:37:46](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2266s) I mean, I was a working student and, um, I wasn't looking at any, uh, career pathways that weren't, uh, providing me with the level of, uh, support and a salary and benefits to pay off, uh, crushing college debt. And so we're gonna be able to attract more people to the field, um, and, uh, and enrich our classrooms with a, a, a world of different backgrounds and perspectives as well. [0:38:14](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2294s) Thank you. [0:38:15](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2295s) I would also add to that, one of the things that we need to, and we've talked about this so many times, and, and, and again, it was identified in Dr. Barrow's report, we need to really look very seriously at our, at our beginning teacher salaries. [0:38:30](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2310s) Mm-hmm. [0:38:30](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2310s) And we got some communities, some districts are paying as low as 43 and 44,000, and yet the, the teachers are having to pay 12, $1500 a year, or 12 or $1500 a month in rent. The numbers don't work. That's another. [0:38:43](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2323s) Yeah. [0:38:43](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2323s) So, but this goes back to, I think, the last time I spoke to Dr. Barrow, I think out of our Senate Resolution two, Senate Resolution two, Senate Resolution 237, that we've had about 23 or 25 bills just this session, House and Senate bills. So I'm gonna ask for a, uh- [0:39:02](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2342s) We got some people to speak too [0:39:04](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2344s) ... oh, everybody's for it. [0:39:06](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2346s) Yeah. [0:39:08](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2348s) Everybody, everybody's for it. So, so I'm gonna ask for a, uh, motion on it. [0:39:14](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2354s) I make a motion. [0:39:16](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2356s) She's got two students out there want to speak. [0:39:18](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2358s) Uh, yeah. They'll move, Mr. Chair. [0:39:20](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2360s) Say that again. [0:39:20](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2360s) Move to add. [0:39:21](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2361s) She has two students out there. [0:39:22](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2362s) Oh, oh. Yeah, yeah. Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Yeah, we definitely would welcome... You got a couple students wanting to come up and speak? [0:39:31](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2371s) Oh, I'm sorry. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you. We gonna, I'm sorry, but we're gonna limit y'all to, to a minute each. But thank y'all so much for being here. Thank you for caring. Thank you for caring. That's a big deal. Sit right there and please tell us your name and where you go, where you're in school at, and, um, obviously you wanna be a teacher. [0:39:53](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2393s) Uh, good morning. Can you hear me? [0:39:54](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2394s) Yeah, good. [0:39:55](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2395s) All right. Uh, my name is Baron Gadson. I go to the illustrious Clark Atlanta University. [0:40:00](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2400s) My name is Myra Fuller. I go to GGC, Georgia Gwinnett College. [0:40:04](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2404s) Thank you. [0:40:06](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2406s) Uh, so I just wanted to say, one, thank you for having us here and listening to our testimonies towards this bill. Um, I personally can say I think it's really hard to pour into our other children and to the youth of this community when our cups are empty. Um, it's very, very difficult when we have to worry about rent and gas and feeding ourselves, and then we get into classrooms having to not only observe, but plan full lesson plans, manage classroom behaviors, manage grades, all while still being expected to complete work that is assigned by our professors during this time of student teaching. [0:40:44](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2444s) Um, so I really, really, again, thank you all for having us. I know I wanna keep myself brief and not preach up here. Um, but thank you again for having us. [0:40:52](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2452s) Thank you so much. And you know, one of, and thank you. Uh, we, we, and not, not to say this may sound bad because the ladies know, but we, we're looking for more and more male teachers, and we appreciate you stepping forward and doing that. Yes, ma'am. [0:41:07](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2467s) Um, again, thank you for letting me be up here as well. I wanted to add another aspect. My mother is back there. Another aspect of being in teaching learning is that, and I'm preparing for it, I'm a sophomore right now, I'm going to my junior year. But it's also aspect of those who are being supported by their parents. I have two parents in the home, and still that is barely enough. It w- we're thinking about all the other things. That's still not enough. And I have three other siblings, and they have their own passions. That's four children in total that is having to be paid for, like we're paying to get paid. [0:41:40](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2500s) That's basically what, essentially what we're doing. We're having to go into debt to go into a battlefield, is how I view it personally. So I think it's very important, and especially when I'm looking at my household, and you would think that is enough when you have two incomes coming in, and it's still, it's still not making it enough. It's barely, we're barely passing by as a middle class family. [0:42:04](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2524s) Okay. Senator Payne. [0:42:06](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2526s) I just wanna cor- correct you, 'cause you said your mother was here. I was gonna say your very proud mother is here. [0:42:14](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2534s) She was smiling, she was smiling the whole time you were talking. So, uh, we will now entertain a motion. [0:42:20](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2540s) Make a motion. [0:42:21](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2541s) There's, Senator Kemp makes the motion. [0:42:23](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2543s) Second. [0:42:24](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2544s) Second. [0:42:24](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2544s) Oh. Let's make it, let's make... Uh, uh, Senator Payne seconds it. Okay. All in favor of the motion, please raise your right hand. Okay. I think that's 100%. Any opposed? You got it. Thank you, sir. Thank you. Thank you, sir. And who's gonna carry the bill for you? Uh, Senator Still. Oh, great. Great choice. Thank you, sir. Great choice. Thank you. [0:42:50](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2570s) Thank y'all so much. [0:42:51](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2571s) Thank you. Thank you. Thank y'all for being here. [0:42:53](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2573s) Of course. Thank you. [0:42:54](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2574s) Thank you. Yeah. [0:43:00](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2580s) There he is. I kept looking for him. Representative Dunny, he, he's been on the firing la- line the last hour or so, and I... And when I observed him, he did an incredible job. [0:43:10](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2590s) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [0:43:10](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2590s) He and the chairman over there both did great jobs explaining the literacy bill. So, Mr. Representative Dunny, tell us what the bill number is and the LC number, and take it away. [0:43:21](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2601s) Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the committee. I have House Bill 1259, LC 64-0067 by substitute. Is that what we all have? [0:43:31](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2611s) Yeah. [0:43:31](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2611s) Yes. [0:43:34](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2614s) 067S. [0:43:35](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2615s) Yes, sir. [0:43:35](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2615s) Yes, Representative. [0:43:38](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2618s) Ladies and gentlemen of the committee, this, this bill passed unanimously out of our House Education Subcommittee, unanimously out of our full House Education Committee, unanimously on the floor of the House. Uh, this bill simply brings a minimum requirement of educational performance, some would refer to it as accountability, for an LEA to serve out-of-district students through a locally approved virtual school. The goal of this legislation is to preserve the integrity of school choice by preventing bad actors from taking money meant for student instruction and then showing little to no results on student achievement. [0:44:15](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2655s) The changes in this bill only impact virtual schools with statewide enrollment operated by a local school system. I wanna be clear that local and state charter schools are in no way impacted by this legislation. Uh, Mr. Chairman, if, if I could just give a brief- [0:44:34](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2674s) Yes [0:44:34](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2674s) ... history- [0:44:35](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2675s) Yes, sir, please [0:44:35](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2675s) ... of how we got here. [0:44:36](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2676s) Please. [0:44:37](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2677s) Uh, if any of you were around in 2013, uh, raise your hand. Uh, so then, then again in 2020, this is now the third time in the last 13 years that we've had to, uh, close a loophole in, in state law. So in 2013, Montgomery County School Board established a virtual school facilitated by the county school system and operated via a management company. The school had a statewide enrollment but was not a charter school. Vidalia City Schools opened a similar school in 2015, and our own Department of Audits and Accounts found that existing virtual charter schools authorized by the commission were using local school system virtual schools to skirt our state enrollment caps. [0:45:23](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2723s) Uh, at the time, state law required an agreement between transferring school systems, but because these two were accepting students from other school systems without that engagement... Uh, I'm sorry, that agreement, they were in violation of, of our state law. The audit also found school systems benefited from increased revenue rather than spending all the QBE funds earned directly on instruction. The audit found that CCRPI scores for Montgomery County were lower than the state average and lower than the virtual schools. So then again in 2016, legislation passed to require a local school system with more than 5% of out-of-district students to ensure that 90% of funds are expended for cost for virtual instruction and to include virtual students out of system student CCRPI data. [0:46:09](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2769s) The bill further required a local school system to have an above average, uh, above statewide average CCRPI to provide that virtual instruction. However, sadly, that sunset sunsetted in 2019. [0:46:22](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2782s) Oh. [0:46:22](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2782s) Mm-hmm. [0:46:23](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2783s) Oh. [0:46:23](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2783s) Um, to- today we have a, uh, Jenkins County Virtual Preparatory Academy that started a couple of years ago and, uh, has taken advantage of that sunset provision by creating a locally approved virtual school with a statewide attendance zone. Uh, they are operated by a management company, just as we specified before, and I want to make this committee aware that this operator applied to the State Charter School Commission a total of four times to create a virtual charter school. [0:46:53](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2813s) That was in March of 2021, March of 2022, March of '23, and March of '24. Twice, they were denied by unanimous consent from the State Charter School Commission. The other two times, their application was withdrawn. That was after they were formally notified that staff would recommend denial. Uh, the reason for that, and after considering and reviewing, was that a governance board capacity interview determined that there are significant concerns about academic performance by this operator in other states, including school closures and not meeting academic standards. [0:47:30](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2850s) I wanna be clear, there is not a charter holding this virtual school accountable. And as we have seen, in this case, 5% of the total QBE funding goes to Jenkins County, 95% to the operator, which should be used on instruction. However, once that money leaves Jenkins County, we have no idea how it's being spent. Jenkins County Board of Education approved a contract with this operator in July of 2024, but there was no public documentation at that board meeting about the contract or anything related to it. [0:48:08](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2888s) Mr. Chairman, I'm happy to provide that, um, as well. But I think my greatest concern is that if we look at, at scores for this school, and I'm happy to share those numbers, Mr. Chairman, and I'm- [0:48:19](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2899s) Please. [0:48:20](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2900s) Yeah. If we look and break this down, members of the committee, elementary, middle, and high school, uh, statewide average, and if- I hope y'all don't mind me rounding to the nearest whole number. Elementary school statewide CCRPI score in the state of Georgia is 79 This elementary, virtual elementary school, 34. Middle school, 78. This middle school, 41. And statewide high school average, 77, and this school, 28. [0:48:51](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2931s) Um, members, if you'll go with me to lines 34 through 37, we say that in order for a virtual school to enroll students from other counties, the district or the virtual school's CCRPI must maintain an average of 70 above over the previous two years. Please note, members, that is lower than the statewide average. And then on lines 38 through 41, an out-of-system student enrolled in a virtual school will not be included in the total enrollment amount for calculating a district's equalization. [0:49:25](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=2965s) Mr. Chairman, I just close with this. Um, I, I can't condone failing schools. I, I can't look past the idea of, of accountability. I believe that this is about protecting future families, as has been done multiple times in state law, uh, before from being subjected to poor performance. This is a public school that chose not to be s- not to pursue becoming a charter school. They're not a locally approved charter school. They have found a loophole in the law, and ultimately, I don't condone failing schools at any cost, which furthermore is why, as the champion of the Promise Scholarship, uh, I believe that we need to continue to hold our schools accountable. [0:50:06](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3006s) Mr. Chairman, that, that is the presentation of the bill, and happy to stand for any questions from members of the committee. [0:50:11](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3011s) When did they supposedly enter, enter into, enter into the contract? [0:50:17](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3017s) July 29th of 2024. [0:50:20](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3020s) 7/29/24. [0:50:21](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3021s) At the Jenkins County- [0:50:22](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3022s) So they've been in it almost two years. [0:50:25](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3025s) Yes, Mr. Chairman. [0:50:25](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3025s) Okay. Okay. Okay. So, uh, just for general information from the, um, for the committee, we talked about, we talked a good bit about this in the budget. I think that the number, um, by including these children in their head count year to year, Jenkins County received how much equalization money and then the children were not in the classroom? [0:50:47](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3047s) Uh, y- y- yes, Mr. Chairman. So from, from this standpoint there, uh, two Jenkins County student, two students from Jenkins County enrolled in this school. The other- [0:50:58](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3058s) Out of how many? [0:50:58](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3058s) Uh, 1,524, Mr. Chairman. [0:51:01](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3061s) And only two from Jenkins County? [0:51:02](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3062s) And, and so m- my understanding is that Jenkins County's portion of this is, is, uh, that they're receiving for operations, administration oversight, uh, is about $600,000. And then, yes sir, there is, there are some equalization, uh, dollars in there that, that I can get to you. [0:51:21](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3081s) I think the equalization dollars would give you a bit more than that, don't they? [0:51:23](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3083s) Y- yes, Mr. Chairman. They, uh- [0:51:24](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3084s) Several million dollars? [0:51:25](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3085s) Y- yes, sir. I- [0:51:26](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3086s) And we have stopped that loophole. Oh, well, this bill will stop it too, right? [0:51:30](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3090s) Th- this would be the third time that state law would've had to have been changed to, uh, close this loophole, yes, Mr. Chairman. [0:51:36](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3096s) Okay. [0:51:37](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3097s) And twice before it, it was stopped, and unfortunately, that sunset provision of 2019 is, is why we're here again in March of 2026. [0:51:47](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3107s) Okay. Okay. Senator Kemp. [0:51:52](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3112s) Thank you, uh, so much, uh, Chairman. I just want to say did a great job just before you came in here speaking about the literacy issue in the state, and I appreciate- [0:52:01](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3121s) Thank you, sir [0:52:01](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3121s) ... the work you're doing on that. Um, this is startling and shocking, uh, to hear 1,500 students attend this school and only two from that district are attending, and the results that are coming from this. I'm just curious, uh, why the 70% was chosen on line 35. [0:52:20](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3140s) Uh, that was a number, Senator, that, that we chose trying to f- to create a balance, create a metric to, to put a number in there, not, not making it be that statewide average. But certainly I'd, if the Chairman and the committee were to feel differently about that, I'm certainly happy to entertain that. But I, I, I did feel that there needed to be a high standard if, if we were gonna allow this kind of opportunity to exist. [0:52:47](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3167s) Absolutely. Thank you. [0:52:48](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3168s) Thank you. [0:52:49](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3169s) So, so Mr. Chairman, one of my questions is what happens to these students? [0:52:54](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3174s) Well, Mr. Chairman, I, a great question. I think the, the benefit of a, a strong, uh, public education system across the State of Georgia and school choice that this general assembly has, has championed gives these students a, a number of options. One, they could go back to their home district. They could find a charter school that, uh, fits and serves their needs. We also have a number of virtual schools that, uh, that these students have the option to attend. There, we have schools in, in multiple count- virtual schools in, in multiple counties, including some of the largest county s- school systems in the state. [0:53:31](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3211s) And so there are statewide attendance zones and virtual schools and charter schools and, and public schools that, that are all available for these children and, and, and their families to make that choice and, and find an option that best suits their needs. [0:53:44](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3224s) So if, if, if, if this bill passes, when it passes, and the governor signs it, and he signs it April, May, w- what would this bill do for Jenkins County? [0:53:56](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3236s) So th- this bill- [0:53:57](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3237s) Or any other place like this? [0:53:58](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3238s) Uh, sure. So Mr. Chairman, this, this bill currently would only impact that one school, uh, statewide. And again, as I, as I was stating, it, it would give those students and those families the, the opportunity and the option to, to find that, that next school for, for them- [0:54:14](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3254s) Mm-hmm [0:54:14](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3254s) ... uh, that best suits their needs. [0:54:17](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3257s) Good. [0:54:17](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3257s) And, and prospectively, if I could be so bold as to give them an opportunity where they could- [0:54:22](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3262s) Oh, yeah [0:54:22](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3262s) ... seek a school that, that has- ... better and stronger outcomes. [0:54:28](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3268s) My chairman just pointed to the date on the bill, July 126, so yeah. Um, so these, again, these students are us- To virtual school. So it wouldn't be like a kid coming out of, child coming out of a classroom to this virtual school. And so for the most part, they've already been in virtual schools. [0:54:45](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3285s) Yes, Mr. Chair. [0:54:46](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3286s) Okay. Um, number 13, uh, how far down the line is that? Oh, Senator Bearden? [0:54:52](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3292s) Yes. [0:54:52](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3292s) I can't, I can't see you down there. [0:54:54](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3294s) I'm hidden- [0:54:55](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3295s) Oh, there you are [0:54:56](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3296s) ... for, for a reason. So there's approximately 1,500 kids in the school, correct? [0:55:02](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3302s) Yes, sir. I'll pull up my handy dandy, um, spreadsheet. Yes, sir, fif- 1,524. [0:55:11](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3311s) Of the 1,524, uh, kids with their parents, um, how many complaints been lodged against their, um, against this virtual school for bad teaching or bad curriculum or parents aren't happy or- [0:55:28](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3328s) Sure. Senator, I don't have that information available at this time. [0:55:31](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3331s) Do we know if there's- [0:55:32](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3332s) I can- [0:55:32](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3332s) ... been, been m- any made? So we don't know if any parents have been dissatisfied with the- [0:55:37](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3337s) Uh, Senator- [0:55:37](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3337s) ... learning? [0:55:38](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3338s) ... I'd be, I'd be dishonest if I told you I had, had anyone talk to me about that. [0:55:43](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3343s) And this has been in place in less than two years? [0:55:48](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3348s) Yes, sir. [0:55:49](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3349s) How long does it usually take for, um, basically a startup to start showing progress? 'Cause, uh, some of these kids may have came from traditional school into a virtual school and just now getting a grasp on virtual, 'cause I know when my kids were in school and we went virtual because of COVID, unfortunately, uh, there was a quite long time of adjustment period- [0:56:12](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3372s) Sure [0:56:13](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3373s) ... for that, so. [0:56:14](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3374s) Uh, Senator, when, when you ask how long for a startup, do you have a particular type of school in, in mind? [0:56:21](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3381s) Well, we're talking about the virtual school. So could a virtual school start off slowly and start working its way up or? I'm just trying to compare apple to apples here to- [0:56:31](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3391s) Um, I, I do have- [0:56:33](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3393s) But I think, I think your CCRPI numbers are for Jenkins County period though, right? [0:56:38](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3398s) Uh, CCRPI for Jenkins County as a whole is 60. [0:56:45](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3405s) Okay. Oh, so this is a virtual school. [0:56:46](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3406s) And- [0:56:47](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3407s) Okay [0:56:47](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3407s) ... uh, Senator, the, the two statewide, uh, virtual charter schools that I have, um, Georgia Cyber Academy, uh, overall a 62, and Georgia Connections Academy with a CCRPI of, of 64. I have not, I will readily admit I have not plotted those on a, on a chart from a timing standpoint. So once again, I would be dishonest if I told you that I knew how long, uh, or where the progress of those, um, have been. [0:57:18](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3438s) I, I can tell you that, that when we look just from a charter school standpoint, that our charter school commission has been willing to close down schools because of performance in- including one recently, uh, m- m- multiple recently who have had higher CCRPI scores than the s- than the school in question, so, um- [0:57:44](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3464s) Okay. Oh [0:57:45](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3465s) ... and n- neither of those charter schools that I'm referencing have, have ever dropped below a, a score of, of 51. So they've always, from the outset, at least those two with that statewide attendance zone have, have been there. [0:58:01](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3481s) Did, did you say Jenkins County had a CCRPI of 60? [0:58:06](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3486s) Jenkins County as a whole, Senator, is 59.6. [0:58:10](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3490s) Okay. [0:58:10](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3490s) And again, for fairness, I referenced I would round up all numbers- [0:58:13](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3493s) Yeah, I do too [0:58:13](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3493s) ... I was speaking to, but for full transparency's sake. [0:58:17](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3497s) So they, they also fall below the average of 70 that you have on lines 35. I was just trying to grasp my head around this. So on line 35, you got an average of 70. [0:58:25](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3505s) Right. [0:58:26](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3506s) So Jenkins County itself below, falls below that. [0:58:29](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3509s) Um, so in this bill we're, we're referencing it's those school systems that provide virtual... It would be their ability to provide virtual, uh, instruction from line 34 to those out of system students. So it would only affect the virtual school, not, not Jenkins County as a whole. [0:58:49](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3529s) How long does a charter school have, if you don't mind me continuing my questions- [0:58:52](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3532s) No, you're fine. You're fine [0:58:52](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3532s) ... how long does a charter school have to really show progress and performance before they could be shut down? [0:58:58](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3538s) Uh, sure. So, uh, the initial charter period, should they be approved by the, by the commission, is for a period of five years. Um, but there are metrics in place in that first three years, uh, where scrutiny is, is hot and heavy and is, and is certainly present and required from a fiscal standpoint and a governance standpoint and, and a performance standpoint as well. [0:59:24](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3564s) So charter is five. We're gonna put virtual to two. [0:59:28](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3568s) Uh, in, in this case, Senator, there, with this not being a charter school, there's no charter or contract in place for, for us to have any ac- or for them, I'm sorry, to have any accountability and, o- other than the, the local school system that wants to operate them. So, uh, again, I go back to my previous statement, and personal opinion is that I'm looking at it from an accountability standpoint and from an oversight, uh, standpoint, a- and the, the performance is, is not there for me to believe that there's accountability in place to see results. [1:00:07](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3607s) Okay. I just, I just wanna make sure that we're on the same playing field. And also, if we got 1,500 kids, that's 3,000 parents that's taken a choice to send their kids- [1:00:21](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3621s) Yeah [1:00:21](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3621s) ... to a virtual school. And I just wanna make sure that we're not hurting school choice for parents to make sure their kids are in the best environment, make sure that whatever environment they're in, that the environments are on the same field, and make sure that we have the best for the kids and make sure the parents are happy with what they're doing with their kids' education. And right now, I feel like we're- Don't know if they were this or not, but thank you for answering all our questions. [1:00:48](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3648s) Yes, sir. [1:00:49](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3649s) Thanks, Senator. [1:00:51](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3651s) Mr. Chairman, Mr. Chairman, how, how, um, public are, are CCRPI numbers? [1:00:58](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3658s) Uh, they're very public, Mr. Chairman. They're, they're on, uh, DOE and GOST's websites and, and can be found. Some of the numbers that I referenced here today, we were on a laptop in my office since the sun came up this morning to, to verify and double-check a couple of those numbers. [1:01:17](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3677s) Okay. Um, Senator Kemp. [1:01:20](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3680s) Yeah. Uh, Mr. Chairman, correct me if I'm wrong, but what I wrote down, this operator has applied for a charter four times in this state and were denied twice and withdrew twice. [1:01:33](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3693s) Because they... It was indicated to them by staff that that denial would be recommended in those two cases where they withdrew. [1:01:39](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3699s) That's right. So our own state charter school commission found that they were not a sufficient school that should be operating in this state, but yet they are still able to partner with Jenkins County to go around the system to now operate. And the results that they're showing is 34% for elementary, 41% for middle school, and 28% for high school, when the state average is in the upper 70s. [1:02:11](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3731s) Is that correct? [1:02:12](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3732s) Uh, Senator, I think you summarized it better than, than I could. [1:02:15](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3735s) All right. Thank you. [1:02:17](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3737s) Former principal. [1:02:23](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3743s) Have any, any other questions on this? [1:02:30](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3750s) Senator Dolezal. [1:02:32](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3752s) I was, uh, busy here representing a dude Nick's bill in, uh- [1:02:36](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3756s) Yeah [1:02:36](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3756s) ... in the other committee, so. [1:02:38](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3758s) I appreciate your attention. Thank you very- [1:02:40](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3760s) Always. We. Yeah, Senator. Um, a- and I apologize if you're repeating any of this, but walk me through how QBE works for the schools. There's a, there's a state allotment. Is there a local allotment as well? [1:02:53](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3773s) Um, I- [1:02:53](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3773s) Or is it just the state allotment of QBE? [1:02:56](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3776s) So a- again, with this being, uh, approved by this being a locally operated virtual school, uh, if you will, they're, they're receiving QBE funding from us as the state. Yes, absolutely. [1:03:10](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3790s) Okay. So can... Would you agree, just for the purposes of this, if using a round number of, let's just take the promised number of $6,500? [1:03:16](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3796s) That's... Yes. [1:03:17](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3797s) Okay. If GCA and Georgia Connections are at 10.6 and 11.6, so if every one of these kids leaves and wants a virtual option, and they go to one of our two state virtual charters, um, it's gonna be 80% more money. Um, [1:03:40](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3820s) I don't... I, I'm failing to see the wisdom in shutting this down in year one. I think that would make a lot of sense to say at the five-year mark, like other charters, we wanna review and see where they're, where they're at. While we have the CCRPI scores, as Senator Kemp mentioned, we don't know what the CCRPI scores were of these students last, th- before they entered the pro- the, this particular school. Which I think is incredibly critical information, 'cause it could be up or down. Uh, but I don't, I haven't seen data yet that al- that allows any of us to know what that is. [1:04:10](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3850s) So obviously, these are somewhat raw materials that have walked in the door that 16 months ago were not at this school. Um, and so I'm wondering from your perspective, and you may have covered this already, so I, I'm not trying to make you repeat it, but- [1:04:23](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3863s) No, you're fine [1:04:23](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3863s) ... i- is it 1,200 kids that are there? [1:04:25](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3865s) 1524. [1:04:26](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3866s) 1524? [1:04:28](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3868s) Yes, sir. [1:04:28](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3868s) Um, [1:04:31](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3871s) where are they gonna go? [1:04:33](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3873s) A- as, as I did s- state previously, uh, I think one of the great things that we've done in this state, uh, with your help, certainly with your help and leadership, is we've created an environment of, of options and choice across the state. We know that we have public schools where these children are, are from, uh, what I would call their home base. We know that there are charter school options, there are virtual school options, other virtual school options with, with statewide attendance zones that they would have the option to attend. And, and Mr. [1:05:04](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3904s) Chairman, to, to your point, from a cost standpoint, again, one of the things that I've, I've said previously is I believe in accountability, and I think that we're lacking that in this scenario. But I think that also goes hand-in-hand with funding. And to your point, if that cost should be greater, should they go somewhere else? I think that having accountability in place for performance standards of where they go a- as, as well as understanding that if we're spending more, but they're going into an environment where there's both accountability and performance, then, uh, yes, sir, I, I'm for that. [1:05:42](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3942s) And as I stated previously, it's because of those reasons that I was a strong believer in and a strong yes vote in our, in our Promise scholarship, is to create those options and to give opportunities to families. But again, I think for me, it, it comes back to, and, and to the gentleman's point here, I think it goes back to oversight and accountability, uh, for me. [1:06:04](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3964s) You're saying to Senator Kemp's point on the... Well, I, and I shared this with m- some friends of mine that are on the charter commission. I've heard more about the charter denying, the charter commission denying charters in the last one, in the last year than I had in my previous seven years. And in fact, I'm not gonna s- There, there's been frustration that has been expressed to me by members of the general assembly that have been trying to get charters in their own district, and these charters are getting, for whatever reason, denied. I've- my personal opinion is the charter system needs a wholesale reset, and the state charters shouldn't exist other than these statewide virtual charters. [1:06:38](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3998s) 'Cause the- [1:06:38](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3998s) Right [1:06:38](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=3998s) ... system right now is such that we pick up the full freight both sides of the QBE, and every local system knows, just don't, don't approve the charter, wait it out, and the state's gonna come in, they're gonna do a state charter, and then we're gonna save all that money, and I think it's a total scam, um, that, that is being perpetuated on the taxpayers of Georgia by doing that. But your, your bill respectfully doesn't have accountability in it. [1:07:00](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4020s) Your bill just says essentially shut the doors, um, to these folks. And if these, if these students go spend $4,000 more, um, at the state charter, uh, virtual charter, that's, I'm doing quick math, that's $6 million. Um, I, my struggle is, um, and you're my friend and I like you, but the, where is the accountability of the public school? 'Cause I guarantee these students that are whatever they are in the CCRPI were about the same last year, right? [1:07:34](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4054s) And they were in a public school conceivably, um, that wasn't servicing them well, and they're now, for whatever reason, they're pursuing an option, and they go into this school, and 16 months later, we're gonna come in and say, "Well, sorry, we, there's a loophole." [1:07:47](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4067s) Sure. [1:07:48](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4068s) Um, "And we're, you gotta go somewhere else." So, um, while I'm supportive of your other bill, I'm not sure that I'm supportive of this one, but I do appreciate you. [1:07:55](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4075s) No, I appreciate that. [1:07:55](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4075s) Uh, presenting. [1:07:56](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4076s) Senator, if I, if I could go back to, to one of the points you made earlier, we, we did change the opportunity last year, uh, from an incentive standpoint to incentivize our local school districts to approve charters locally, uh, after a number of years of... I, I, I kind of look at it as the inverse of what you said. After we went through a, a number of years of our local partners not approving charters, we are seeing a number of local, uh, charter schools that are being, charter schools that are being approved- [1:08:25](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4105s) Locally [1:08:25](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4105s) ... locally- [1:08:26](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4106s) Mm-hmm [1:08:26](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4106s) ... uh, from that standpoint. [1:08:27](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4107s) Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. [1:08:29](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4109s) And so it, it is my sincere hope that we've, we have found willing participants and partners in our local school systems to approve these, these charter schools. And I certainly think af- over a glass of wine, you and I could discuss charter schools as a whole and, and approvals and... But, but again, in this case, I, I, this operator and this school chose not to pursue becoming a, a charter school. Ultimately, when, when they got to the point of operation, they tried that a, a number of times and were not successful. [1:09:02](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4142s) So, uh, Senator, same, I have the utmost respect for you and appreciate and, and hope this committee would, would know that we spent a few minutes together, a- and, and Goose. [1:09:13](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4153s) We. [1:09:13](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4153s) Uh, we, we, uh, Senator. [1:09:15](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4155s) And we were commenting, Mr. Chairman, by the way, about the way that the pocket square matches the socks. Do you find that to be particularly impressive? I mean, that is... Senator Kemp, I know you got respect for that, don't you? Yeah. [1:09:29](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4169s) But thank you, thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your, your time in that, and, and hearing the literacy bill as well. [1:09:36](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4176s) So we got five minutes left, so. [1:09:38](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4178s) Okay. Big Bird called. He wants those socks back after this hearing, if we can do that, so. [1:09:44](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4184s) I'll remember that. [1:09:50](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4190s) Um, piggybacking on Chairman Dolezal, um, Senate Bill 233 from a couple years ago, a, a major component of it was, uh, virtual transfers, kids that want to be able to do a ful- full virtual transfer if there is an opening in that school district that allows them to be able to use those dollars to transfer. So hypothetically, a, a kid in South Georgia could attend a virtual school in North Georgia if it had the academic programs, reputation, GPA challenges of, of what they're hoping to, to get to. [1:10:34](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4234s) It, it feels like this bill, while it's somewhat targeted at a, at a particular school, could have an unintended consequence to damage those schools as well. Can you speak to that? [1:10:44](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4244s) Yes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So as, um, as I stated, uh, again, respectfully before you got here, uh, this, this does not affect any of our charter schools or our virtual charter schools, so that option is still there for the example that you gave. So this would allow, in the scenario you describe, someone could be in Moultrie and want to attend a virtual school in, in anywhere else in the state should that option be there, and they accept those students. [1:11:17](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4277s) So again, this, uh, Mr. Chairman, as I was stating previously, this is the third time that we've contemplated changing and fixing state law because a loophole exists. So twice in this state's history have we been here contemplating the same exact issue. Uh, the provision sunset in 2019, or else we would not be here today. [1:11:48](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4308s) Is there, any time we have a school that is below, um, using line 35 in the bill, uh, "failed to maintain an average of 70 or above in the CCRPI over the previous two school years," [1:12:04](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4324s) do we use that same metric on public schools, private schools, or anything else where they may fall behind for whatever reason to give them an opportunity to pull back up? [1:12:17](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4337s) Um, well, I think our, our public schools would be different from a standpoint of providing virtual instruction to out-of-district students, which is all we contemplate here in this bill. So my response accordingly would be, no, it would not apply to public schools. And then I think, uh, the same answer, I would provide the same answer for any of our other schools because we're contemplating a locally approved virtual school that provides virtual instruction to out-of-district students, i- if you will. [1:12:52](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4372s) Okay. Thanks. [1:12:56](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4376s) Well, we have two minutes left, and so I, I will entertain- We will not take a vote today because I think we need to, Chairman Dutton needs to sit down with a couple of y'all and discuss some, some concerns, but, but I would entertain your question [1:13:11](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4391s) Three. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I, I was gonna follow s- slightly different line than what, uh, Chairman St- St- Still, um, asked. But, um, do we know how many schools, traditional c- bricks and mortar schools in Georgia have a below a 70 CCRPI? [1:13:28](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4408s) I'll get you that answer, Mr. Chairman. [1:13:29](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4409s) Yeah. I, I, I suspect it's a pretty good number, and it's probably a decent sized number that have done that for more than two years. [1:13:37](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4417s) And you specifically mean brick and mortar- [1:13:39](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4419s) Tradit- [1:13:39](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4419s) ... charter, public, virtual [1:13:40](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4420s) ... tr- tr- traditional brick and mortar public schools. Yeah. Um, now I, I say that, um, because whatever the size of that subset is, um, I don't know of us re- eliminating their funding. I think we continue to s- fund them. Um, and if, you know, we're, we're looking to bring more res... Most schools that have a below 70 CCRPI score, we're looking to bring more resources to them to help them get out of the ditch. [1:14:14](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4454s) Um, I think in this case, you know, this, this, for the, with respect to this program, it's kind of the, the death penalty. Like, we're kind of gonna, gonna put an end to it. Um, why do you think parents choose these options? I mean, if this is, um... A- a- and I, and I don't want to ask you questions you don't have the sta- uh, I don't want to death by statistics. [1:14:34](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4474s) Sure. [1:14:35](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4475s) I, I, I would suspect that many parents are, have kids coming from schools that don't perform well themselves. They're looking for another alternative. If they're coming from a school that has a s- a 67 CCRPI score, and they're putting their kid in this school, um, they're coming from a s- school that's not doing awesome, to something that, something else they feel is better for the kid holistically. Um, I don't, um... We don't shut down brick and mortar schools because they're not where they need to be, um, exactly, but parents are choosing these schools for a reason. [1:15:06](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4506s) Have you gotten... I mean, what, what, what, what's the consensus among parents why they think, "Hey, m- maybe this, this setting, may- maybe the online delivery is less rich than being in a classroom setting. We still think it's best for my kid." Um, what's the anecdotal feedback you've gotten in this school from those parents that choose this? [1:15:23](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4523s) Uh, I'll get that information to you. [1:15:25](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4525s) Yeah. A- a- and Mr. Chairman, if I ask, I know we don't have too much time, but I just, I, I think about this- [1:15:30](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4530s) You'll have time. [1:15:31](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4531s) ... because it's an option parents are choosing, and, um, I, I don't accept the premise that charter schools should only be able to exist if they're above average. [1:15:43](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4543s) A- and just, just for clarity, this is not a charter school. [1:15:45](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4545s) Yep, yep, yep. C- correct. It's, but it's, when we look at charters, it's, it's analogous. It's a, it's a circumstance where in charters we have, you let the school exist. It's brought, it's given a charter. In this case, it's access to online instruction through an, th- for remote people. It's, it's, it's an analogous public choice kind of decision, and I think about that. Um, I, I think there's inherent value in giving parents options, Mr. Chairman, and I think the, to, to, to shut, s- shut down an option that, that 1,500, you said 1,500 and some parents are choosing. [1:16:16](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4576s) 1,524 students. [1:16:18](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4578s) Yeah. I, I think we should do that carefully. [1:16:20](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4580s) Thank you. We're going, we're, we're out of time, but I am going to recognize there's a couple patient senators down on this end. Um, Senator Parent. [1:16:28](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4588s) Great. I'll be real fast. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [1:16:30](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4590s) Yes, please. [1:16:30](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4590s) Um, I had a similar question as was just expressed about why- [1:16:34](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4594s) Yeah, we're out of time [1:16:34](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4594s) ... slightly different, why people are choosing this versus, versus our other available statewide charters, and then I just wanted to make the point that, um, typically our premise has been we are required to have a adequate public education. That is our responsibility under the Constitution. If, um, we h- our premise for this, the state charter schools has been you get approved for a certain amount of time, you do need to be performing better. Otherwise, all we're doing is diverting resources that are needed away from the schools that already exist and spreading ourselves thinner. [1:17:09](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4629s) That's the reason they have to perform better, which makes sense to me. I don't agree with the premise that there is no accountability on the public schools, and you and I could discuss this online, Senator Dolezal. The reality is the school board's elected, and the voters can k- kick them out, and the governor can also remove them from office, which I've seen happen. So it isn't the case where there's no accountability. Um, and so I don't think it's fair to try to make that argument exactly. Um, just wanted to throw those out there for discussion, and, um, look forward to your answer about why we're, people are going here versus our, our other two virtual options. [1:17:45](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4665s) Yes, ma'am. Thank you. [1:17:46](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4666s) Thank you. [1:17:47](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4667s) Senator Hatchett. [1:17:48](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4668s) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh, my, I'll, I'll be brief. Because this passed unanimous out of the House Education Committee, unanimous, you said unanimous off the floor as well? [1:17:58](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4678s) Unanimous in subcommittee, full committee, and on the House floor. [1:18:01](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4681s) We've got you carrying it, the chairman of Education as the second sponsor. Um, I know that there are some members that have pos- will we have another meeting? [1:18:11](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4691s) We will Thursday. [1:18:12](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4692s) Okay. I would- [1:18:13](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4693s) And we already have a bill. We have another bill for Thursday. [1:18:15](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4695s) Okay. [1:18:15](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4695s) So we'll piggyback on this. That's why I would have stretched out, I would have contacted if that had not been the case. [1:18:21](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4701s) Would we be able to hear testimony from the other side? [1:18:23](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4703s) Yeah, we will. We will. We just, we just, y'all, y'all ask so many questions. I, I'm running out of time. Yeah. Thank y'all. Mr. Chairman, I would encourage you to get with these guys, if you would please. [1:18:34](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4714s) Yes, Mr. Chairman. [1:18:35](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4715s) Thank you, sir. [1:18:35](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4715s) Thank you. [1:18:36](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4716s) Appreciate you. [1:18:40](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4720s) Take a break, guys. [1:18:42](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4722s) I know. [1:18:43](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4723s) You got to bring your kids next time. [1:18:44](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4724s) Yeah, she said it, not in that kind of... [1:18:50](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4730s) This is why she wants to come. Thank you. You guys are [1:18:58](https://vimeo.com/1176544233#t=4738s) wonderful. Be careful. Thank you.