The 18th annual Media Symposium was held at Georgia Public Broadcasting on January 5, 2024.
This year's participants included:
Rep. Chris Erwin - Chair, House Education Committee, Georgia House of Representatives - who discussed the legislative landscape in Georgia for 2024
Rep. Becky Evans - House Education Committee, Georgia House of Representatives - who discussed the legislative landscape in Georgia for 2024
Sen. Nan Orrock, Senate Higher Education Committee, Georgia State Senate - who discussed the legislative landscape in Georgia for 2024
Mr. Richard Woods - State School Superintendent, Georgia Department of Education - who provided a status update on the Georgia Department of Education's focus for 2024. (PowerPoint Presentation)
Ms. Christy Todd - 2024 Georgia Teacher of the Year, Georgia Department of Education - who provided reflections on her time as a classroom educator and current role as Georgia Teacher of the Year. (PowerPoint Presentation)
Mr. Matthew Smith - Director of Policy & Research, Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education - who provided an overview of the 2024 Top Ten Issues to Watch. (PowerPoint Presentation)
Mrs. Shanika Clay - Chief Financial Officer, Henry County Schools - who discussed the ways in which Henry County Schools is preparing for the end of ESSER funding.
Mr. Granville T. Freeman- Mental Health Coordinator/Wraparound Coordinator, Metro RESA - who discussed the ways Metro RESA is supporting educator and student mental health. (PowerPoint Presentation)
Ms. Meghan Frick, Director of Communications, Georgia Department of Education - who provided a Georgia Department of Education media update. (PowerPoint Presentation)
Mr. Cliff Jones, Chief of Staff, Fulton County School District- who provided insights into Fulton County Schools' plans for mitigating the effects of ESSER funding coming to an end.
Mr. Fred A. Jones, Jr., Senior Director of Public Policy & Advocacy, Southern Education Foundation- who discussed the legislative landscape in Georgia for 2024.
Dr. Stephen Owens - Director of Education, Georgia Budget & Policy Institute - who discussed the statewide implications of Georgia's public schools no longer receiving ESSER funds in 2024. (PowerPoint Presentation)