ATLANTA – State Representative Brooks Coleman (R-Duluth) today was appointed to the Education Reform Commission by Governor Nathan Deal. The commission is charged with studying the state’s education system and providing recommendations to Governor Deal for possible improvements to the system.
“It is an honor and a privilege to serve as a member of this very important commission,” said Rep. Coleman. “I look forward to working with the Governor and the members of this commission as we strive to develop an education system that continues to make Georgians proud. I believe that Georgia’s education system is the best in the country, and I am thrilled to work to continue to make improvements that will serve the best interests of our children for years to come.”
The commission will convene throughout the year to comprehensively review the state’s education system including the current Quality Basic Education (QBE) funding formula, increasing access to early learning programs, recruiting and retaining high-quality instructors and expanding school options for Georgia’s families. Based on their findings, the commission will provide recommendations for possible executive, legislative and agency improvements. These recommendations will be sent to Governor Deal by August 1, 2015, with some recommendations becoming effective as early as the 2016-2017 school year. Chuck Knapp, former president of the University of Georgia, will chair both the commission.
“My vision for K-12 education in Georgia is a system driven by student need that provides local school and district leaders with real control and flexibility,” said Governor
Deal. “With this commission now in place, it is my hope that we will work together to make education more accessible and effective in preparing our state’s students for the rigors of college and the workforce. Georgia families depend on our classrooms, and now it’s time we take the responsibility in full to provide the high-quality, technologically advanced education they so deserve. I fully anticipate this commission will help bring my vision to reality and I’m grateful for the members’ willingness to serve.”
Representative Brooks Coleman represents the citizens of District 97, which includes portions of Gwinnett County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 1992, and currently serves as the Chairman of the Education Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education and the Intergovernmental Coordination, Natural Resources & Environment, and Retirement committees.
###