Data Requests & Contact

October 30, 2025 – Superintendents

Below are your weekly updates and reminders from the Georgia Department of Education. Click here for the District Deadlines and To-Dos Dashboard.

State-Recognized Model Character Education Programs

Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 20-2-145) requires that GaDOE identify model character education programs to be used in K-12 public schools. LEAs have the freedom to select any program that meets the criteria and must implement it at all grade levels. GaDOE recently completed a Request for Information for Character Education Programs and compiled a list of those who fulfilled the request, which is linked below.

Ready Georgia Seal of Preparedness Application Due in Three Weeks

The Ready Georgia Seal of Preparedness application is due in less than three weeks, and resources are available from the Office of Whole Child Supports to support principals and district leaders. Because the application has changed this year, principals should get started early to avoid last-minute issues. 

Formation of New Student Organizations

In light of recent events, we have received questions about the formation of new student organizations such as Turning Point USA. Student clubs and organizations are allowable under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 20-20-205) and can be established in line with local board of education guidelines.

2025-2026 Important School Climate Survey Dates

The 2025-2026 School Climate Surveys are quickly approaching. Here are a few important dates of which you should be aware:

November 4, 2025: Office of Whole Child Supports hosts the School Climate Survey Success: Administration & Participation Strategies webinar (registration linked below).

November 17, 2025: Unique URLs and QR codes for each school will be available to districts and schools in the MyGaDOE Portal.

December 1, 2025: The survey window opens. URLs and QR codes become live.

March 31, 2026: The survey window closes at 11:59 p.m. All URLs and QR codes will be inactivated, and no extensions to this deadline will be granted.

  • Additional Information: Webinar Registration
  • Contact: Tammi Clarke, tammi.clarke@doe.k12.ga.us
  • Deadline: Survey closes March 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Reminder: Allowable Expenses for Student Mental/Behavioral Health Services Grant

As part of the Student Mental/Behavioral Health Services Grant, each public middle and high school is eligible to receive $20,000 in dedicated state funding to expand direct student mental health services.

In collaboration with the House Budget Office, a review of allowable expenses regarding curriculum materials in support of the Student Mental/Behavioral Health Services Grant was conducted. In addition to services such as teletherapy, in-person therapeutic services, and specialized personnel to provide student supports, districts may now use grant funds to purchase mental and behavioral health curriculum to be used to provide direct services to students.

Districts are encouraged to review curriculum carefully to ensure it supports the grant objectives and aligns with GaDOE guidance.

Reminder: Guidance on FY26 Poverty Funding Allocations & Uses

The General Assembly included $15,275,991 to districts for targeted support to economically disadvantaged students in the FY26 budget. These funds began being disbursed in the district September QBE payments. Guidance on the allocation and use of these funds is linked below.

Reminder: Educator Wellness & Leadership Coaching Webinar Series

Join GaDOE and Housman Learning for the Educator Wellness and Leadership Coaching Webinar Series! This four-part series is designed to support educators and school leaders across Georgia with timely, research-backed strategies focused on wellness and leadership. Each webinar will explore relevant topics and offer actionable solutions grounded in evidence-based practices. Sessions will be available statewide, recorded for future access, and presented throughout the 2025-2026 school year.