As the fiscal year 2025 budget proposed by Gov. Brian Kemp awaits approval from the General Assembly, there is a positive reception from school transportation officials and education advocates regarding the substantial increase in student transportation funding.
The governor’s proposal, introduced in late January, aims to double the state’s contribution to the student transportation budget in 2025. This includes an additional \(210 million allocated for busing operations and \)20 million designated for acquiring 227 new buses. This significant boost has garnered praise, albeit cautiously, from various stakeholders.
Pat Schofill, formerly the director of pupil transportation for the state Department of Education and currently the assistant superintendent of operations for Jackson County Schools, expressed enthusiasm about the proposed funding increase. He highlighted the impact it would have on their budget, enabling investments in essential areas such as bus driver and technician salaries, training programs, and bus upgrades like GPS technology and safety features.
Jason Ayers, the transportation director for Barrow County Schools, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of competitive salaries to address long-standing staff vacancies. The prospect of enhancing pay for bus drivers and mechanics is seen as a step towards attracting and retaining talent in the face of industry competition.
In Richmond County, concerns persist regarding mechanical issues with buses, delays in student transportation, and staff shortages. However, the proposed funding presents an opportunity for improvements. Yolanda Brown, a school bus driver and union representative, cautiously welcomed the funding increase, hoping it would lead to necessary changes at the local level, particularly in terms of employee compensation and retention.
Looking ahead, the proposed budget for fiscal year 2025, supported by House and Senate leaders, signifies a substantial investment in education, including raises for teachers and additional funding for school security and pre-K programs. The upcoming review and deliberation process by budget writers will determine the final allocation of resources, with a focus on addressing critical needs within the education sector.
Overall, the proposed budget adjustments signal a positive shift towards prioritizing student transportation and education funding, setting a precedent for sustained support in the years to come.