ATLANTA – State Representative Matt Dubnik (R-Gainesville), chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, recently received the 2023 Champion for Charter Schools Award from the National Alliance of Public Charter Schools. Rep. Dubnik was selected for his commitment to seeing public education and charter schools thrive and expand in Georgia.
“Receiving the Champion for Charter Schools Award is a tremendous honor, and I am grateful to the National Alliance of Public Charter Schools for this recognition,” said Rep. Dubnik. “I firmly believe that every child deserves access to high-quality public education, and charter schools play a vital role in providing innovative and effective learning environments. While our efforts to secure full funding for Georgia’s charter school facility grant were met with a setback, I remain steadfast in my commitment to improving charter school opportunities, ensuring that our students have the resources they need to thrive and succeed in life.”
Rep. Dubnik is one of 18 other state and local lawmakers from across the country to receive this year’s award. In a recent announcement, the alliance highlighted that the honorees were chosen for their tireless efforts in supporting these high-quality public education options for students. The alliance also recognized Rep. Dubnik for helping more students and families have access to high-quality education options and a solid foundation to succeed in life.
“This bipartisan group of lawmakers has fought for students, families and high-quality public education options in their states,” said Nina Rees, president and CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. “We celebrate and commend their work in state capitols and city halls and for putting the interests of students and families first. The ability for public charter schools to innovate and serve more families and communities is possible due to the sound policy put forth by lawmakers like our 2023 champions. Please join us in expressing gratitude to these leaders for their steadfast support of public charter schools.”
During the 2023 legislative session, Rep. Dubnik spearheaded efforts to fully fund Georgia’s charter school facility grant, which would have provided $100,000 in facility grants for every charter school in the state. Collaborating closely with House leadership, Rep. Dubnik’s recommendation was included in the General Assembly’s final version of the Fiscal Year 2024 budget. Despite the legislature’s endorsement, this funding initiative was ultimately removed from the budget by the governor.
The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools is the leading national nonprofit organization committed to advancing the charter school movement. Its mission is to lead public education to unprecedented levels of academic achievement by fostering a strong charter school movement.
Representative Matt Dubnik represents the citizens of District 29, which includes portions of Hall County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and currently serves as Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Education. He also serves on the Education, Game, Fish & Parks, Higher Education, Juvenile Justice, Regulated Industries, Small Business Development, Technology and Infrastructure Innovation and Urban Affairs committees.
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