Georgia’s education funding formula, QBE, has been in place for decades, but there are growing calls to update it, particularly to better support low-income districts.
On Monday, state Rep. Phil Olaleye and state Sen. Jason Estevez introduced bills aimed at modernizing the system by incorporating additional funding for students in foster care or those from households that rely on government assistance programs like SNAP and TANF.
Their proposals include about $2,000 per eligible student, with an estimated 500,000 students potentially benefiting.
Rep. Olaleye highlighted that the current system, created in 1985, doesn’t reflect the modern realities of education—like the prevalence of smartphones, internet access, and the growing need for mental health support. Estevez echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the funding formula hasn’t evolved alongside these societal changes.
For the bills to pass, support from Republicans is essential, and House Education Chairman Chris Erwin pointed out that any changes to QBE will require several hearings and a significant amount of time to ensure the right adjustments are made.
He also suggested looking at other states that have revamped their funding models as potential guides for Georgia.
Community members like Cozzie Walker have spoken out about the struggles of overcrowded classrooms, underscoring the need for these changes to better equip students in underserved areas to succeed.
However, any reform will take time, and it remains to be seen whether the political will can be built to make these changes a reality.