If re-elected this November, Gov. Brian Kemp said he would request a state budget of $65 million to combat learning losses due to the pandemic, hire new guidance counselors and recruit teachers.

In a speech on Monday, Kemp outlined his top priorities for Congress next year, saying he would aim to increase the number of counselors dealing with mental health issues for students.

“When I talk to school administrators, teachers and staff, one of the biggest concerns I hear all the time is the mental health needs of my students. I’ve been there, but I can and must do more,” Kemp said in a speech at Dove Creek Elementary School in Statham. Counselors don’t just help students with issues they may be facing psychologically. ”

In 2020 and 2021, Georgia schools provided one counselor for every 419 students, according to the American Association of School Counselors. This is close to the national average of 415 students per counselor, but far from the recommended 250 students per counselor.

Stephen Owens, an education policy analyst at the Georgia Institute for Budget Policy, said an additional $25 million could close that gap.

“I think it’s a great first step, because the pandemic has shown that if kids are dealing with mental health issues, if their bodies aren’t taken care of, their brains can’t be educated.” ‘he said. “It showed how much we needed social-emotional learning, mental health professionals. is completely over, so I hope it doesn’t get dealt with.”

Kemp’s K-12 budget proposal also includes a $15 million grant designed to help recruit associate professionals to assist teachers in the classroom and otherwise assist students in a variety of ways. and can become a full-time teacher.

“Currently, more than 9,000 semi-professionals with four-year degrees work in our school, but the cost and length of time it takes for these hardworking Georgians to become certified educators is prohibitive. It’s a big obstacle for people,” he said. “To help these parapros offset their substantial certification costs, my budget proposal for next year includes $15 million in a $3,000 refundable grant program. It will help us get more teachers in our classrooms and help Georgians who are already passionate about helping their students achieve career success.”

Owens applauded the idea.

“I think it’s a good read that there are financial barriers that prevent people from being in the classroom in parapro roles,” he said. Considering how useful it is as, these are the people in the classroom, if they can set it up that way, it’s kind of like a growth program for themselves and they can be teachers, because they know the context , all will be better.They live in communities.We may not need to set up tax credits to move UGA natives to rural Georgia.Maybe we should invest in people who are already in the classroom. can.”

Kemp cited state data showing that the number of third graders reading at the grade level declined from 73% to 63% from 2019 to 2022. These students are back on track.

“Schools with students in this category can apply for these grants to utilize additional tutoring services, non-traditional staff, or to supplement existing learning loss services.” “By working with the local school system and providing targeted funding to bring these children back to grade level, we are reaching out to the students who need it most,” he said. I am confident it can be done.”

The governor also made several suggestions that would strengthen the school’s ability to keep students safe. Recommend ongoing education and training updates.

“These reforms will not only make our schools safer, but they will also strengthen state-local partnerships to improve communication and sharing of best practices in improving school security,” said Kemp. said.

Kemp’s Democratic opponent, Stacey Abrams, released her education policy recommendations in June.

Her K-12 priorities include raising the state’s teacher base salary from $39,092 to $50,000 and raising the average teacher salary from $62,500 to $73,500. This would move Georgia from 21st nationally to the top 10 in teacher salaries.

Abrams is also calling for programs that allow paraprofessionals to pursue teaching qualifications while working, expanding existing programs and grants. Her platform also includes partnering with colleges and universities to recruit students to teach in rural areas.

Next year’s legislative session is scheduled to begin in January, with members elected this November.

One of the major changes that could result from the 2023 General Assembly was not mentioned in Kemp’s remarks, but a strong group of state senators will hold their second of three meetings on Friday. , will discuss changes to the formulas that determine quality basic education decisions over the long term. How a portion of the state’s education costs are paid.

“There is still this kind of huge hole in the way schools are funded due to the fact that there is no additional funding to educate students living in poverty,” Owens said. “And for the Senate Inquiry Committee, which has shown interest in the exact mechanism, to bring this further to the fore as a way to actually set up a funding system for Georgians to do right over the next 30 years. I hope we can do this formula.”