Agenda Item
d. Approval of 2023 Legislative Priorities (Updated 01.06.2023)
Summary: Presented by: Board-Chair Elect
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the 2023 Legislative Priorities.
Mrs. Vickie B. Turner, Board Chair
Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr. Vice Chair
Mrs. Anna Hill
Mrs. Whitney McGinniss
Mrs. Deirdre Pierce
Mrs. Allyson Gevertz
Dr. Joyce Morley
Dr. Vasanne S. Tinsley
Interim Superintendent
Legislative Priorities 2023
DeKalb County School District Legislative Priorities votes for such school annexations, and limits or prohibits such annexations
The DeKalb County Board of Education and Superintendent advocate for the when they primarily involve commercial properties, or which otherwise
following priorities for the 2023 Legislative Session. The DeKalb Legislative disproportionately deprive a school district of current or future tax revenue
Delegation is requested to actively support each priority along with the when compared to the reduction of expenses to such school district. Any such
Governor and the collective membership of the Georgia General Assembly. legislation should further provide Districts the right to elect to retain buildings
and properties otherwise subject to annexation and require compensation equal
Budgeting and Adequate Funding of the Quality Basic Education to the full replacement cost for any buildings or properties owned by a school
Act (QBE) Formula district when such are annexed by an independent school district. State law
DCSD supports initiatives that protect and stabilize the ability of school boards shall require that county assessors must review comprehensively the assessed
to generate funding for education, and that do not restrict the ability of school value of each commercial property no less frequently than once every three
boards to direct those resources to students, as necessary. This substantive years.
reform should begin with the establishment of an increased and fully funded
Abatements and Other Tax Diversions
weight for students identified as Economically Disadvantaged, much in the
DCSD urges that school districts be granted representation on any development
same manner that Students with Disabilities and English Language Learners
authorities which have the power to grant abatements or other diversions
also receive a substantive increase in assigned funding.
from school districts of school taxes and standing to object to any proposed
DCSD supports substantive reforms and revisions to the current QBE funding
abatements. Therefore, State law shall require that each development authority
formula. Members of the General Assembly are urged to continue full funding
with the power to abate school taxes must have one representative appointed
of the state’s funding formula for K-12 education. Any updates to the formula
by a school district whose taxes are subject to abatement. Further, legislation
should be matched with proper funding to support the formula. State funding
should allow school districts to limit the amount of a reduction in any single
for education should be distributed based on the actual costs for providing
abatement or similar action as well as impose an aggregate limit for all such
services and resources such as transportation, media, textbooks, technology,
abatements and similar actions.
and other equipment including extraordinary costs related to the COVID
pandemic. Districts should be held harmless for any reductions in enrollment Mental Health and Counseling Needs
during the COVID pandemic. We also urge the General Assembly to reexamine DCSD urges the State to partner with local agencies to increase funding
and modify the equalization formula to reduce the burden on districts with high resources targeted to help identify and address the mental health needs of
rates of students on free and reduced lunch. students and staff, and to assist in developing and implementing practical
and appropriate mental health programs, trainings, and services. THE QBE
School Safety and Security
allotment should include monies to promote mental wellness, identify and
DCSD urges the establishment of partnerships to devise a comprehensive
address chronic behavior, and provide data-driven services based on the needs
strategy and attain the necessary training and resources to secure schools
of individual students. DCSD also urges the state to fund for counselors at a
against a full range of risks.
rate of one per 250 students and a mental health coordinator for each school
Speed Cameras district.
DCSD urges the Legislature to pass legislation that ensures school districts
College & Career Readiness
must consent to speed camera installation and that any such legislation should
DCSD supports increased funding for the college & career pipeline with a focus
also mandate that a major share of any funds collected must be used for
on creating more opportunities for work-based learning, expanding the career
improvements to school safety. The current speed camera law prevents school
pathways, and expanding learning opportunities for educational enrichment and
police from being the administrative agency for camera installations despite
career exposure.
their having ticketing jurisdiction in a school zone.
Early Childhood Education
Public School Employees Retirement System (PSERS)
DCSD urges legislation that increases funding allocated to school districts for
DCSD urges that the State support a sustainable retirement program for
Early Childhood Education with a focus on children in high needs communities.
employees under the Public School Employees Retirement System (PSERS),
The goal of Early Childhood Education is to provide children with strategies that
for the benefit of school district bus drivers and custodial, maintenance, and
help them develop the emotional, social, and cognitive skills needed to become
food service personnel. Therefore, state law shall require the funding of a
lifelong learners. For children in lower socioeconomic environments who are
defined pension that offers a guaranteed minimum retirement to all permanent
unable to access these programs, it can be challenging for them to enter a
employees not covered in the Georgia Teacher Retirement System (TRS).
school system and thrive academically and emotionally.
Annexation and School Boundaries
DCSD urges the Legislature to pass legislation that separates municipal
annexations from school annexations, requiring separate consideration and
V11.8.2022