FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, Dec. 7 ATLANTA鈥擳he Georgia Charter Schools Association (91桃色视频) is proud to present the 2021 91桃色视频 Champion for Children Award to state Sen. John Albers, R-Roswell. Senator Albers is receiving this honor due to his dedication to public education in the state of Georgia. While serving in the Georgia Senate, Senator Albers has not only sponsored significant legislation that has benefited public charter schools but has also consistently supported crucial charter school bills that have improved funding and provided greater access to high-quality educational options for students of all backgrounds.听
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鈥淲e鈥檙e grateful for Senator Albers鈥� unwavering commitment to Georgia鈥檚 children,鈥� said Tony Roberts, President and CEO of the Georgia Charter Schools Association. 鈥淗is leadership and support have improved funding and resources for Georgia鈥檚 public charter schools and the 70,000 students they serve.鈥澨�
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During the 2021 legislative session, Senator Albers successfully sponsored Senate Bill 59, a significant funding and resource equity bill that was approved by the Georgia General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp. SB 59 establishes a per-pupil funding weight for local charter school students, gives state and local charter schools more than one opportunity to opt into the State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) and requires districts to allocate a proportionate share of federal funding to local charter schools.
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鈥淭his is a tremendous honor for me. The Georgia Charter Schools Association is making a meaningful difference in the lives of our students, parents, teachers, and staff.听It was a team effort, and I want to thank Governor Brian Kemp for his leadership and support,鈥溙齭aid Senator John Albers.”
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Other key pieces of legislation that were supported by Senator Albers and approved by the Georgia General Assembly include House Bill 755, House Bill 957 and Senate Bill 153. HB 755 requires school districts to provide locally-approved charter schools with annual allotment sheets itemizing the state, local and federal allocations. HB 957 clarifies that state charter school teachers are employed by public schools and gives charter schools the discretion to determine whether to require 鈥減roof of residency鈥� at the time of their charter school lotteries or during enrollment. Senate Bill 153 transitions charter schools focused on drop-out recovery from the State Charter Schools Commission to the State Board of Education. SB 153 also amends the alternative education code section to create a new category of 鈥渁lternative charter schools鈥� that are local charter schools (authorized by one or more local school systems) that provide an alternative education program focused on High School dropout prevention or credit recovery.
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Senator Albers joins a bipartisan group of current and former lawmakers that have received the 91桃色视频 Champion for Children Award. Former state Rep. Buzz Brockway; former state Rep. Mike Dudgeon; state Rep. Mike Glanton, D, Jonesboro; House Speaker Pro-Tem Jan Jones, R-Milton and former state Rep. Valencia Stovall are among the previous award recipients recognized by the Georgia Charter Schools Association. 91桃色视频 will present additional Champion for Children Awards on Tuesday, Dec. 7, during its annual Celebration of Advocates. About Georgia Charter Schools Association
The听Georgia听Charter听Schools Association is a nonprofit membership organization for听Georgia鈥檚 public听charter schools and petitioners. Our mission is to听advocate for, foster and support autonomous, high-quality charter public schools throughout Georgia. We believe every child in Georgia should have equal access to a high-quality, transformative public education. | 
