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GA HB694
GA HB694State Board of Education; establish five-year school pilot program to increase graduation rates and postsecondary education
summary
Introduced
02/28/2025
02/28/2025
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT To amend Article 14 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to elementary and secondary education grants, so as to provide for the State Board of Education to establish a five-year school pilot program to increase the availability of effective school counseling and postsecondary preparation services in secondary schools to increase high school graduation rates and the percentage of students who continue into postsecondary education; to provide for eligibility; to provide for grant funds for local education agencies to increase the availability of effective school counseling at public secondary schools; to provide for applications and selection to participate in the pilot program; to provide for assessment and reporting on the impacts of the pilot program; to authorize the State Board of Education to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement the pilot program; to provide for waivers and variances of state rules, regulations, policies, and procedures if necessary; to provide for automatic repeal; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a five-year pilot program through the State Board of Education aimed at improving high school graduation rates and postsecondary education preparation. The program will provide up to $3 million annually to eligible local education agencies to enhance school counseling services and support student success. Participating school districts must submit comprehensive applications detailing their current counseling resources, partnerships with postsecondary institutions and community organizations, early warning systems for at-risk students, and plans for using grant funds to increase school counselors and professional development. The State Board will prioritize districts with higher dropout rates or higher percentages of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals. Participating agencies must submit annual reports tracking metrics such as the number of counselors hired, dropout and graduation rates, percentage of graduates enrolled in postsecondary institutions or entering the workforce, and details about postsecondary preparation services. The board is authorized to waive certain state regulations to achieve the program's goals, and the pilot program will run from the 2027-2028 school year until July 1, 2033, with the Department of Education developing the application process and monitoring the program's progress.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
House Second Readers (on 03/04/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/71049 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/234672 |
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