Georgia Legislators Push Sweeping Education Reform as Crossover Day Nears

Proposals focus on math, teacher recruitment, and literacy as state lawmakers race to meet key legislative deadline.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Georgia legislators are advancing a comprehensive set of education initiatives this session, with a focus on improving classroom safety, fostering early literacy, enhancing teacher recruitment, and broadening higher education opportunities. As the countdown to Crossover Day intensifies, lawmakers are diligently pushing key proposals through the process, including the 'Math Matters Act,' efforts to address teacher recruitment and retention challenges, and measures to expand access to after-school programs and improve reading proficiency statewide.

Why it matters

Education reform is a top priority for Georgia lawmakers, who are seeking to address longstanding challenges in the state's public school system, including low math and literacy rates, teacher shortages, and inequities in school funding. These proposed initiatives aim to improve student outcomes, support educators, and invest in the state's economic future.

The details

The 'Math Matters Act' aims to update academic standards and introduce new teacher certification requirements to boost math performance among Georgia students. Efforts are also underway to address challenges in teacher recruitment and retention, with particular attention to issues surrounding long-term benefits and compensation packages. House Bill 310, the Student Teacher Promotion Act, and House Bill 372, which would allow retired teachers to return to the classroom, are two measures targeting these challenges. Additionally, House Bill 1009 would expand a cell phone ban to all K–12 classrooms during instructional time, while House Bill 1193, the Georgia Literacy Act, is aimed at improving reading proficiency and student outcomes statewide.

  • Next Friday is the pivotal Crossover Day deadline for bills to clear at least one legislative chamber to stay viable.
  • In 2027, the state benefit plan has a looming cliff for teachers, which lawmakers are seeking to address now.

The players

Derek Mallow

A Democratic state senator from Savannah who has highlighted the need to address challenges in teacher recruitment and retention, particularly related to the state's benefit plan.

Brian Prince

A Democratic state representative from Augusta who has raised concerns about how poverty impacts school funding and the limitations of the Quality Basic Education law.

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What they’re saying

“In 2027, the state benefit plan has a looming cliff for teachers, and we need to address that now. We're a state with a multibillion-dollar surplus. We can do the right thing for teachers right now.”

— Derek Mallow, State Senator (Newsfinale Journal)

“If we truly want to grow our economy, reduce poverty and reduce crime, pay a teacher.”

— Derek Mallow, State Senator (Newsfinale Journal)

“The Quality Basic Education law does not fully account for poverty, and many rural districts are being asked to do more with less.”

— Brian Prince, State Representative (Newsfinale Journal)

What’s next

Next Friday is the pivotal Crossover Day deadline for bills to clear at least one legislative chamber to stay viable, putting pressure on lawmakers to advance these education measures before the legislative deadline.

The takeaway

Georgia's proposed education reform package aims to address longstanding challenges in the state's public school system, including low math and literacy rates, teacher shortages, and inequities in school funding. By investing in educators, improving classroom safety, and expanding access to educational resources, lawmakers hope to boost student outcomes and support the state's economic future.