Wilkinson Appointed to Two Study Committees on Georgia School Systems

State Senator John Wilkinson has been appointed by Lt. Governor Casey Cagle to serve on the Senate Study Committee on Continual Audit Exceptions on Local School Systems and on the Senate Study Committee on Evaluating the School Year Calendar of Georgia Public Schools.

“I am honored to serve on these study committees and look forward to carefully considering a variety of topics that impact public schools around our state,” said Sen. Wilkinson.

The Senate Study Committee on Continual Audit Exceptions on Local School Systems was created by Senate Resolution 1064 during the 2018 Legislative Session.

It’s purpose is to determine what, if any, legislation might be necessary to obtain compliance from local school systems that do not meet state audit expectations.

Wilkinson said the committee will look at audit irregularities reported in school budgets and determine if legislative solutions are needed to correct the problem.

The school calendar study committee has been tasked with looking into several factors surrounding school start times, including the effect on tourism and hospitality industries and whether the amount of breaks in a school year affect performance and learning.

“For years, our state has left the school calendar up to the discretion of the local school systems,” Wilkinson noted. “The school calendar study committee has been tasked with looking into several factors surrounding school start times, including the effect on tourism and hospitality industries and whether the amount of breaks in a school year effect performance and learning.”

Wilkinson said while he knows many people have differing opinions on both topics, it’s important to consider all sides and determine what is in the best interest of students.

Reports on the findings of these study committees must be completed by December 1, 2018.

Wilkinson currently serves as Chairman of the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee. He is also Vice Chairman of the Education and Youth Committee.

He represents the 50th Senate District which includes Banks, Franklin, Habersham, Rabun, Stephens and Towns counties and portions of Hall and Jackson counties.

He can be reached by phone at 404.463.5257 or by email at [email protected].