Governor Brian Kemp on Friday announced additional funds for teachers across the state as students are set to return to the classroom.
According to a release from his office, “full-time, public-school teachers and staff members” will each receive $125 to purchase educational materials.
“This has been a working summer for everyone on my team and our partners devoted to Georgia students, their safety, and their academic and professional success,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “As millions of students and educators prepare to head back to the classroom next week, Marty and I want to assure Georgia families that the Kemp Administration has furthered efforts to foster safe learning environments.”
Educators will be allowed to purchase “items that can be used for age-appropriate, educational purposes that support the learning, growth, or development of students.”
“Through wise investments and policies that empower families while supporting teachers, students and faculty will return to the classroom stronger and safer than ever for the first full school year not impacted by distanced or remote learning. We hope this $125 ‘Back-to-School Supply Supplement’ will aid in these efforts and help us close the learning loss gap caused by the pandemic. When it comes to protecting our children and their bright futures, we will not quit or slow down. That work will continue well into the new school year and those that follow,” Kemp added.
The money is in addition to an increase in salary that Kemp approved earlier this year. In the state’s 2023 budget, teachers in Georgia will bring in $2,000 more. At the collegiate level, educators will earn $5,000 more per year.
Kemp’s opponent in the gubernatorial race, Stacey Abrams, has pledged to raise teacher pay to a minimum of $50,000 per year.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Georgia Star News and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
