The following Commission Members were in attendance:
Madelyn Adams, Matt Arthur, Robert Avossa, Greg Beadles, Brad Bryant, Brook Coleman, Tom Dickson, Mike Dudgeon, Kent Edwards, Terry England, Mike Glanton, Barbara Hampton, Tyler Harper, Hannah Heck, Kyle Holley, Bonnie Holliday, Amy Jacobs, Audrey King, Dr. Chuck Knapp, Chairman; Cynthia Kuhlman, Fran Millar, Nels Peterson, Hunter Pierson, Freddie Powell-Sims, Noris Price, Elizabeth Rhodes, Will Schofield, Lindsey Tippins, Anthony Townsend, Alvin Wilbanks, Pam Williams, Dick Yarbrough.
The following members were not present: Tina Fernandez and Jack Hill.
The meeting was called to order by Dr. Chuck Knapp, Chairman.
Welcome and Purpose of the Commission by Governor Nathan Deal
- The Governor thanked all for being a part of the Commission and briefly laid out his vision for the Education Reform Commission
- The Commission members are part of an historic effort who are asked to focus on reshaping education in Georgia
- Georgia cannot afford to fall behind the rest of the U.S. in terms of academic excellence. The Commission was admonished to think beyond the confines of the current system and to study and make recommendations to ensure Georgia remains the best place in the U.S.
- Develop a formula based on student need that will allow for flexibility for the schools
- The Funding Subcommittee will have a demanding timeline of August 1, 2015 so that recommendations can be considered in the FY 2017 budget
Additionally, the Governor asked the Committee to consider the following:
- Think about teacher recruitment and pay
- Focus on getting 1st class teachers from the top of university classes in the classrooms
- Strive for cancelable loans and tax credits
- Focus on early childhood education; make recommendation of expanding pre-k and quality rated programs from birth to 5 years old
- Find a single system of moving students to the next educational level; more opportunities for internships; Move on When Ready
- Think outside the traditional and propose a new vision for academics in Georgia; expanding school choice; better options for parents moving from failing schools
The Governor mentioned we stand today at the beginning of an exciting and challenging time. The Commission has a charge and opportunity to reshape education in Georgia. He will embrace the Commission’s recommendations and put them into practice.
Introductions and Discussion of Process by Dr. Charles Knapp, Chairman
Dr. Knapp asked members to introduce themselves. After introductions, Dr. Knapp expounded on his passion as it relates to education. He mentioned we have to be able to train and equip our people to be able to compete in the global economy; that merely competing in the local economy is not enough. We need an educational system in which Georgia can compete. We have to make recommendations that are out of the box.
Dr. Knapp asked Commission members for comments and the following are some comments from a few of the Commission members:
- Mike Glanton - Technology is a driving force in education; set the bar high in knowing how to use all the choice options
- Bonnie Holliday - Change and innovation is ok; however it must be quality driven
- Robert Avossa - Technology is allowing us to think outside the box; have courage to go against the traditional model
- Dick Yarbrough – In terms of QBE, let’s alter, but not throw out altogether
- Brad Bryant– Be willing to look at Move on When Ready
- Will Schofield– Google Drive is powerful way to keep in touch
- Amy Jacobs – Think outside the box as it relates to early care and learning
Dr. Knapp thanked Erin Hames, Dr. Susan Andrews and Martha Ann Todd.
Dr. Knapp mentioned that the Governor has given the Commission charge to five different sub-committees. Dr. Knapp would like to be invited to sub-committee meetings. He asked the group to work with Dr. Andrews and Lonice Barrett on logistics for setting up sub-committee meetings. We will ask members of the Commission to sit in on sub-committee meetings. Erin Hames mentioned the Governor has education advisory boards consisting of superintendent, principals, parents, and school board members that the Commission may want to reach out to for input.
Assignment of Sub-Committees and Chairpersons by Dr. Knapp, Chairman
Dr. Knapp mentioned the Committee Assignments below:
Funding Committee
- Chuck Knapp, Chair
- Tom Dickson
- Kent Edwards
- Terry England
- Barbara Hampton
- Jack Hill
- Cynthia Kuhlman
- Lindsey Tippins
- Alvin Wilbanks
- Dick Yarbrough
Teacher Recruitment, Retention and Compensation
- Pam Williams, Chair
- Robert Avossa
- Brad Bryant
- Mike Dudgeon
- Hunter Pierson
- Freddie Powell Simms
- Elizabeth Rhodes
Move on When Ready
- Matt Arthur, Chair
- Brooks Coleman
- Tyler Harper
- Audrey King
- Will Schofield
- Anthony Townsend
Early Childhood Education
- Amy Jacobs, Chair
- Madelyn Adams
- Kylie Holley
- Fran Millar
- Noris Price
Expanding Educational Options for Georgia Families/School Choice
- Nels Peterson, Chair
- Greg Beadles
- Tina Fernandez
- Mike Glanton
- Hannah Heck
- Bonnie Holliday
Discuss Meeting Schedule: Dates, Times, Locations by Dr. Knapp, Chairman
The Sub-committees meeting frequency is up to the respective chair. The Funding Committee will meet every three weeks and the Commission meetings will take place every month.
In May, the Commission may travel to South Georgia.
Meeting Adjourned