Specific 2012 Legislative Priorities

I. STUDENT LEARNING & ACHIEVEMENT
Through the state funding formula, provide the following:
- Lower pupil-teacher ratio K-12
- The Early Intervention Program
- Paraprofessionals in grades 1-8
- Lower ratio for art, music, and PE K-8
II. ATTENDANCE & STUDENT SERVICES
Through the state funding formula, provide the following:
- One full-time school nurse at every school
- Alternative Education Program, including grades K-5
- Lower ratio for school counselors, social workers, and school psychologists
III. ATTRACTING & RETAINING QUALITY EDUCATORS
- Restore salaries for educators
- Provide educators the option of retirement with full benefits after 25 years
- Add steps to the State Salary Schedule
- Increase the Georgia Teacher Retirement System Multiplier
- Improve the State Health Benefit Plan and allow educator input in the development and operation of the plan
- Enhance salaries and retirement benefits of educational support personnel
IV. PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
Through the state funding formula, provide the following:
- Professional learning and leadership opportunities for educators
- Induction, support, and mentor teacher programs
PAGE POSITIONS
Support…
- Mandatory annual 3% cost of living adjustments for members of the Teachers Retirement System
- National Board Teacher Certification salary supplements
- Restoration and enhancement of the pre-kindergarten program
- Alternative sources of funding for public education
- State salary scale for certified personnel
- Fair Dismissal Act for all educators
- Transfer of full experience between school systems for all personnel
- Adequate funding for technology and classroom supplies
Oppose…
- Diversion of K-12 public school tax dollars to private schools
- Merger of the Teachers Retirement System with the Employees’ Retirement System
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