The Georgia State Legislature convened on February 10, 2025, for Legislative Day 14, where discussions centered on the urgent need to reform the state's Quality Basic Education (QBE) Funding Formula, which marks its 40th anniversary this year.

During the session, a senator highlighted the outdated nature of the QBE formula, which has seen little change since its inception in 1985. Drawing a personal connection, the senator noted that while they have evolved from childhood to adulthood, the education funding system has not adapted to the changing needs of students and the modern job market. The senator emphasized that classrooms today are vastly different, with new challenges such as mental health awareness and technological advancements that were nonexistent four decades ago.

The senator pointed out the real consequences of maintaining an outdated funding model, including struggles faced by schools in growing communities, teachers spending personal funds on supplies, and rural schools dealing with declining enrollment and shrinking budgets. The urgency for reform was underscored by the potential risks to federal education funding, with national figures threatening to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education.

The senator called for a funding formula that reflects the realities of 2025, advocating for resources that cater to diverse student needs, modern technology, and vocational training. They stressed the importance of ensuring that every student, regardless of their location, has access to the necessary resources to thrive.

In closing, the senator urged their colleagues to take immediate action to revamp the QBE formula, likening the need for change to their own personal growth over the years. They expressed confidence that with strong leadership and commitment, the legislature could successfully navigate the challenges ahead to secure a better educational future for Georgia's children.

The meeting concluded with a call to prioritize educational reform, emphasizing that the time for change is now.