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Georgia Report Sounds Alarm on Public Education Funding

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, February 21st 2026 at 9:00 GMT by Atlanta Journal-Constitution
      Locales: Georgia, UNITED STATES

Atlanta, GA - February 21st, 2026 - A comprehensive new report released this week is sounding the alarm about the state of public education in Georgia, urging lawmakers to dramatically increase investment in both teacher compensation and student mental health services. The report, a collaborative effort from the Georgia Budget Priorities Coalition and Georgia Policy Labs, paints a stark picture of a system struggling under chronic underfunding, leading to teacher shortages, increased stress on educators, and a growing mental health crisis among students.

The findings come at a pivotal moment for Georgia's education system. While the state has seen population growth and economic development, funding for public schools hasn't kept pace. Stephen Owens, Executive Director of the Georgia Budget Priorities Coalition, emphasized this critical disconnect: "Georgia has consistently underinvested in its public schools, and the consequences are becoming increasingly clear." These consequences, the report argues, are not merely budgetary concerns, but represent a significant threat to the future of the state's workforce and overall societal wellbeing.

The Teacher Retention Crisis: A Vicious Cycle

The report identifies teacher pay as a primary driver of the escalating teacher shortage. Georgia's average teacher salary currently sits around $55,000 - noticeably lower than the national average. This disparity, coupled with increasing workloads and limited opportunities for professional development, is driving experienced teachers to seek employment in other states, or leave the profession altogether. The impact is felt most acutely in high-need schools and subjects, exacerbating existing inequities.

"We're losing teachers because they're leaving for better opportunities in other states or because the job is just too stressful," Owens explained. "It's a vicious cycle: underfunding leads to overworked and underpaid teachers, leading to high turnover, leading to a less experienced and qualified teaching force, and ultimately, impacting student outcomes." The report proposes significant increases to teacher salaries, not only to stem the outflow of experienced educators, but also to attract talented individuals to the profession. Specifically, the study suggests tying salary increases to experience and performance, alongside providing robust mentorship programs for new teachers.

Addressing the Silent Epidemic: Student Mental Health The report doesn't stop at teacher compensation. It highlights a parallel and equally pressing crisis: the rapidly growing need for mental health support within schools. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly exacerbated existing mental health challenges among students, leading to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. The demand for services far outstrips the current capacity of schools, leaving many students without access to the care they desperately need.

The report argues that schools are uniquely positioned to provide accessible and preventative mental health services. However, this requires a significant increase in the number of qualified mental health professionals - including school counselors, psychologists, and social workers. Currently, the student-to-counselor ratio in many Georgia schools is significantly higher than the recommended levels. The report advocates for a substantial investment in hiring and training these professionals, as well as expanding access to telehealth and community-based mental health resources.

The Price of Investment: A $300 Million Proposal

The Georgia Budget Priorities Coalition and Georgia Policy Labs estimate that fully implementing their recommendations would require approximately $300 million in additional funding. While a substantial sum, the report stresses that this investment is crucial for the long-term health and prosperity of the state. They suggest a diversified funding approach, drawing from the state's general fund, as well as remaining federal COVID-19 relief funds. Some experts also suggest exploring potential revenue streams, such as targeted tax increases or redirecting funds from other areas of the budget.

The upcoming legislative session will be critical. Lawmakers are expected to seriously consider the report's recommendations, weighing the costs of investment against the potentially devastating consequences of continued underfunding. Several state senators and representatives have already expressed preliminary support for increasing education funding, but significant debate is anticipated, particularly regarding the source of funding.

Beyond the financial implications, the report also calls for a broader systemic review of the state's education funding formula, which many argue is outdated and inequitable. Advocates hope that this report will serve as a catalyst for a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to funding public education in Georgia, ensuring that all students have access to a high-quality education and the support they need to thrive.