ATLANTA –State Representative Mike Dudgeon (R-Johns Creek) 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.
“My primary focus throughout my eight years as an elected public official has been to help public education in Georgia,” said Rep. Dudgeon. “I believe my background as a former school board member, an entrepreneur, and my openness to new models of funding and educational delivery will help the commission succeed in its mission to implement education reforms where it’s needed in our great state.”
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 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 Mike Dudgeon represents the citizens of District 25, which includes portions of Forsyth and Fulton counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2010, and currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the Education Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Economic Development and the Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications, Science & Technology, and Small Business Development committees.
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