Systems could spend certain funds where needs arise

The Georgia legislature may remove some spending controls for school systems to help them meet the challenges of the rough economy.

Rep. Matt Ramsey, R-Peachtree City, has introduced such a bill in the Georgia House of Representatives. The bill would remove the spending controls that are tied to several different types of pupil funding, freeing up the money to be used in other areas as needed, Ramsey said.

The idea is to free up the money to help fund “classroom instruction and the quality education level we are receiving,” Ramsey said.

The spending controls, which are codified as Georgia law, require school systems to spend certain funding on programs such as staff development training or areas such as media centers, Ramsey explained. If those funds are not expended in those areas school systems must pay a penalty.

That penalty would be waived for the current school year and the next school year, Ramsey said, noting that school systems have already been told by state officials they could take such measures due to the economic crisis. The bill, if approved, would be void for the following school year but a similar measure could be reconsidered if necessary, Ramsey noted.

Ramsey proposed the bill as part of his duty as a floor leader on the house for Gov. Sonny Perdue. He said the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker of the house all realize the effect the economy has had on local school systems.

Ramsey also said the bill has widespread support in the legislature.