Deal adds $167 million to state budget for K-12 education funding
Additional funding lifts state spending on education to $9.6 billion
By Terry Lewis
ALBANY — Gov. Nathan Deal’s last-minute FY 2019 budget amendment, which adds an additional $167 million for K-12 education throughout the state, will add an additional $1.4 million to the Dougherty County School System’s reserves, according to DCSS Superintendent Ken Dyer.
Dyer thanked Deal for the removal of state austerity cuts and the restoration of QBE (Quality Basic Education) funding.
“We are very appreciative of Governor Deal’s leadership in eliminating the austerity cut in the QBE formula,” Dyer said. “When he took office, Gov. Deal inherited an educational austerity cut of over $1 billion. As state revenues increased, he began reducing the austerity cuts with a goal to get rid of it completely.
“The fact that he has been able to do so is a testament not only to his leadership but also to his commitment to provide a quality education to the students of Georgia. We are elated about the elimination of the austerity cuts, and we offer our sincerest gratitude to Governor Deal and the Legislature for making this happen. The elimination of the austerity cuts will allow the DCSS to make additional investments in our schools and in initiatives to improve student achievement.”
The austerity cuts were felt statewide with teacher and staff furlough days and a reduction in instructional days.
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