ATLANTA – State Representative Rick Townsend (R-Brunswick) was recently appointed by House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) to serve on the House Study Committee on Student Attendance in PreK–12 Education. The study committee is set to hold its first meeting on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the Georgia State Capitol.
“I’m honored to have been appointed by Speaker Burns to serve on the House Study Committee on Student Attendance in PreK–12 Education,” said Rep. Townsend. “As someone who has spent much of my career working in Georgia’s education sector, I understand the critical role that consistent attendance plays in student success. I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring that perspective to the committee’s work, and I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to identify meaningful solutions that will help improve attendance and engagement for students across our state.”
“Education remains a top priority for the Georgia House, which is why we’re taking a closer look at student attendance in PreK-12 education,” said Speaker Jon Burns. “The creation of the House Study Committee on Student Attendance in PreK-12 Education reflects our commitment to finding real solutions that will help improve attendance rates across Georgia. A strong educational foundation is essential to preparing students for success in our state’s growing workforce, and I’m confident that Representative Townsend, Chairman Erwin and the rest of the committee will deliver thoughtful recommendations that strengthen our schools and support every student’s path to achievement.”
“I am very excited that Rep. Townsend will be serving on the study committee,” said Chairman Erwin. “He has an extensive background in public education and was very successful at helping students succeed. I look forward to his participation and contributions.”
Created by House Resolution 711, the study committee – led by State Representative Chris Erwin (R-Homer), who also chairs the House Education Committee – will conduct a comprehensive review of student attendance from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The committee will examine the root causes of chronic absenteeism, evaluate best practices for improving attendance and engagement and recommend legislative and policy solutions to address these challenges.
Also serving on the study committee are State Representatives Matt Dubnik (R-Gainesville), Sandy Donatucci (R-Buford), Will Wade (R-Dawsonville) and Lydia Glaize (D-Fairburn).
More information about the upcoming meeting of the House Study Committee on Student Attendance in PreK – 12 Education may be found here.
Representative Rick Townsend represents the citizens of District 179, which includes a portion of Glynn County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2022 and currently serves as Secretary of the Natural Resources & Environment Committee. He also serves on the Economic Development & Tourism, Education and Judiciary, Juvenile committees.
Representative Chris Erwin represents the citizens of District 32, which includes Banks and Stephens counties, as well as portions of Habersham and Jackson counties. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves as Chairman of the Education Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, Insurance, Intragovernmental Coordination, Retirement, Rules and State Planning & Community Affairs committees.
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