Brian Kemp on Education

We can take an all-of-the-above approach to education

We have given teachers a $7,000 pay raise in just five years

HOPE Scholarship and Grant awards now cover 100% of tuition

Asked Georgia Board of Ed. to denounce critical race theory

$2000 pay raise for all public school teachers

Vetoed Keeping Georgia's Schools Safe Act: unfunded mandate

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 110-56-14, Vote #420 on Apr/02/19; Passed Senate 42-11-3, Vote #434 on Apr/02/19; Vetoed by Governor Brian Kemp on May/10/19

Broadened prohibition on sex between teachers, students

Analysis by Atlanta Journal-Constitution: The Georgia General Assembly broadened a prohibition on sex between teachers and high school students. Current law, which prosecutors find difficult to enforce, prohibits sexual relations only when the teacher has "supervisory or disciplinary" authority over the student.

Govenror's Signing Statement : SB9 addresses the power differential between teachers and students who may technically be old enough to consent to sex but are to be considered incapable of consent under the circumstances.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 149-2-29, Vote #414 on Apr/02/19; Passed Senate 51-0-5, Vote #410 on Apr/02/19; Signed by Governor Brian Kemp on May/7/19.

Invest in those who educate: keep teacher pay competitive

My 2020 budget proposal includes a $3,000 permanent salary increase for certified Georgia teachers. This is the largest pay increase for teachers in Georgia history and serves as a sizable down payment on my promise to ultimately raise pay by $5,000. We also include a 2% merit increase for all state employees. These hardworking Georgians play a vital role in serving our families and crafting Georgia's future. We must continue to reward their efforts.

$69 million in one-time funding for school security grants

With $8.4 million in additional funding through the successful APEX program, we can focus on mental health in Georgia high schools. These professionals will engage with struggling students and provide critical resources to prevent disruptive and aggressive behavior. They will inspire, mentor, and keep our students safe. Together, we will secure our classrooms and protect our state's most treasured asset--our children.

Fully fund public school education

Abrams: Yes. Make necessary investments to reduce long-term costs & increase long-term return on investment.

Kemp: Yes. Vows to "fully fund public school education."

Supports vouchers to attend private schools

Abrams: No. Opposes vouchers for private schools & unchecked expansion of charter schools.

Kemp: Yes. Supports vouchers to attend private schools & expanding charter schools.