Committee Turns Attention to Rural Schools and Early Childhood Education

October 31, 2026 - 01:33

The House Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Education Performance Metrics and Workforce Stability held its fifth meeting on Oct. 14 in Fitzgerald, turning its attention to the needs of rural schools, early childhood education, and non-certified staff.

The committee, chaired by Rep. Bethany Ballard, a Republican from Warner Robins, has a dual focus: studying Georgia's state accountability assessment, the College and Career Ready Performance Index, and strengthening the educator workforce.

During the meeting, PAGE presented its perspective on the challenges facing rural districts and the early childhood education system. The discussion highlighted how schools outside major population centers often struggle with limited resources, staffing shortages, and fewer opportunities for professional development compared to their urban and suburban counterparts.

Lawmakers also heard about the role of non-certified staff, including paraprofessionals and support personnel, who make up a significant portion of the education workforce but often receive less attention in policy discussions. Committee members raised questions about recruitment and retention in these roles, particularly in communities where competing employers offer higher wages.

The Fitzgerald meeting is part of a broader effort by the committee to gather input from educators, administrators, and community leaders across the state before making recommendations. Previous sessions have examined assessment data, workforce pipelines, and the effectiveness of current accountability measures. The committee is expected to continue its work in the coming months, with additional meetings planned to cover other regions and topics.