| Your one-stop center for everything you need for this 2010 Legislative session. During the 40 days of the 2010 Legislative Session, GAE will push forward Six Major Initiatives:
1. Tax Examination, Economic Development, and Funding for Public Schools (TEF)
Georgia must explore the necessity of modifying the way we incentivize corporations to relocate. Since education provides perhaps the largest return, it is important for Georgians to view education as an investment and less of an expenditure. GAE Recommendation: Establish a TEF Commission. A TEF Commission would examine current practices and make recommendations on how to effectively and efficiently transform Georgia into a fierce 21st Century competitor in the global market.
2. School Bullying
Part of GAE’s Legislative Priorities is to promote safe schools for children. GAE Recommendation: Present a more comprehensive bill to address bullying in Georgia’s public schools. There are many states around us that have grappled with this issue. We have an opportunity—and the obligation—to create a strong, proactive policy against school bullying.
3. Salary Allocations Protected
No funds shall be transferred by any board of education from salary allocations to any other expenditure or for any other purpose. GAE Recommendation: Enact legislation that will protect the salaries and benefits of our public school employees.
4. Tiered Certification
Georgia has done an exceptional job in compensating public school employees when compared with their counterparts in the Southeast. We are confident that Georgia will continue to lead the way. However, compensation should not be left out of a conversation on education reform. GAE Recommendation: Investigate a new method to fund salaries. Professionals should be rewarded based on their varied responsibilities and experience as public school professionals.
5. Professional Recognition for School Psychologists
School psychologists play a vital role in student’s academic and emotional development, success, and in establishing relationships with families and school officials. GAE Recommendation: Demonstrate support for Georgia’s school psychologists by passing a resolution that acknowledges their special training and ability to function well within a public school setting.
6. School Bus Safety
1 bus driver, 40+ children. When buses are manufactured, they come with recommendations. A primary recommendation that should be adhered to is seating capacity. In many instances buses are overcrowded making it difficult for a single adult to maintain order. Overcrowded buses have the potential to create serious problems—from automobile accidents to simply being unable to control the number of students while attempting to provide safe passage to and from school. Overcrowded buses are unsafe buses. GAE Recommendation: Enact legislation requiring that school districts adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations on seating capacity. | 
