Sen. Fran Millar to Serve on Education Finance Commission

Gov. Nathan Deal Tuesday (May 17) announced the names of members of the State Education Finance Study Commission, which will evaluate the method of funding for Georgia’s school systems. The commission was created by the passage and signing of HB 192.

Newly appointed members include Sen. Fran Millar (R-Atlanta), chairman, Senate Education and Youth Committee who represents part of Peachtree Corners and State Rep. Brooks Coleman, (R-Duluth), chairman of the House Education Committee, who introduced the bill passed by the Georgia General Assembly in the 2011 session. H.B. 192 drew broad bipartisan support.

“The members of this commission have both the knowledge of education and the expertise in education finance required to find the right ways to balance the educational needs of Georgia’s children with the appropriate resources to fund them,” said Deal in the announcement. “I look forward to seeing the commission’s evaluations as we seek to find the best, most fair way to pay for our children’s education.”

The 20-member commission consists of 10 members tapped by Deal, four senators appointed by Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, four representatives named by House Speaker David Ralston, State Supt. John Barge and Scott Austenson, COO of the Georgia Department of Education.

The commission was created to study the cost and resources required to educate a child. It will review the Quality Basic Education Formula, a method of calculating funding needed for Georgia school systems. Because it is more than 25 years old, the General Assembly passed the legislation to allow for a comprehensive study and evaluation of QBE. The commission will also review other types of educational funding, including Race to the Top.

“This bill is critical for the future of Georgia education,” said Coleman after the Georgia House passed the legislation in February. “A thorough review and update of QBE is long overdue. Our schools shouldn’t have to operate under an outdated funding formula.” 

The commission will meet quarterly as required by the legislation and must have its final recommendations completed by Sept. 30, 2012.