As a teacher, resident, and parent of students in Catoosa County, I have firsthand experience and understanding of our public schools system.

The proposed bills HB 30, HB 31, and HB 754 specifically TARGET CATOOSA COUNTY and are NOT state-wide legislation. These bills threaten to negatively impact not only the students and staff of our schools but also our fellow tax payers in Catoosa County, GA. The potential negative consequences of these bills are profound. These legislative plans could undermine the quality of education and exacerbate inequalities within our communities by creating further damage to our local budget. We need to protect our children's future and ensure that public schools continue to have the necessary resources to provide an exceptional and equitable education. 

HB 30: Exemptions for Seniors

• CCPS offers many property tax exemptions, including partial exemptions at 62 and 65 and a complete exemption regardless of income at age 75. Seniors currently receive 3 exemptions from Catoosa County.
• This proposed local exemption would REDUCE our district’s revenue by approximately $2.9 million annually and would likely result in raising the millage rate for younger residents
• CCPS School Board unanimously opposes this legislation

HB 31: Balanced Budget and Limited Flexibility

• The limitations in HB 31 to balance the budget while restricting our ability to borrow funds in accordance with Title 20 puts our school district at an extreme disadvantage.
• CCPS has already lost over 10 million dollars in state funding in less than 5 years
• CCPS School Board unanimously opposes this legislation

HB 754: Additional Audit and Auditor

• This new local bill MANDATES AN UNFUNDED district-wide audit and the creation of a district-funded internal auditor position, placing an undue financial burden on CCPS.
• CCPS is already audited annually in accordance with the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts, which is an independent audit group.
• ESPLOST is audited separately every year by an independent CPA firm
• This third audit would be a WASTE of local, taxpayer funds
• CCPS School Board unanimously opposes this legislation

These bills will affect all of us, from teachers like me, to parents and students - disrupting our home life and compromising our profession. Let's stand together to show that we, the citizens of Catoosa County, firmly oppose HB 30, HB 31, and HB 754. Sign the petition today to join the fight for an exceptional and equitable education system in Catoosa County.