ATLANTA –State Representative Tom Dickson (R-Cohutta) 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.
“I am honored that Governor Deal has appointed me to the Education Reform Commission,” said Rep. Dickson. “Having spent a number of years working in education with responsibilities including budget and finance, I am certainly aware of the need for a comprehensive review of our state’s funding formula and the necessary changes needed to incorporate our current needs. I applaud Governor Deal for his consistent support of education in the state of Georgia. It has always been clear to me that one of the Governor’s highest priorities is to provide the best possible educational opportunities for Georgia’s youth, and I look forward to being a part of this commission as we work to make this a reality.”
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 Tom Dickson represents the citizens of District 6, which includes portions of Whitfield and Murray counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2004, and is currently Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Education and Secretary of the Regulated Industries Committee. He also serves on the Legislative & Congressional Reappointment, Economic Development & Tourism, Rules, and Education committees.
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