Data Requests & Contact

October 3, 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.

Availability of Formula and Discretionary Grant Drawdowns During Federal Shutdown

Due to a lapse in appropriations, the U.S. Department of Education is currently shut down. However, the Department has confirmed that systems supporting routine automated grant transactions, including drawdowns, remain operational. GaDOE will continue processing drawdowns for both Formula and Discretionary grants.

GaDOE is following developments related to the federal shutdown closely and will provide updates as needed to ensure districts are informed and supported.

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.

Coding in Minecraft Program for Middle School

GaDOE, Microsoft, and Prodigy Learning are bringing the free “Coding in Minecraft” program to middle school classrooms across the state. This curriculum helps students learn computer science, coding, and problem-solving through Minecraft while providing teachers with resources to support meaningful instruction. Districts can register for upcoming informational webinars linked below – on October 8 at 2:30 p.m. for curriculum leaders and October 14 at 3:30 p.m. for all educators.

GenAI Upskilling for Teachers and Staff on Coursera

As AI rapidly transforms how schools operate and students learn, upskilling in GenAI means saving time, enhancing instruction, and preparing students for an AI-powered future. Coursera ensures Georgia’s educators stay ahead of the curve. License capacity is limited, so don’t wait.

Reminder: GAA 1% Application Deadline 

The GAA 1% Participation application for district assessment directors to complete in collaboration with special education directors will close October 2, 2025 at 4 p.m. and superintendent signoff is required.

To access the application, log onto the MyGaDOE Portal, click on the CCRPI link, then choose GAA 1%. Please note that pop-ups must be enabled to access the application. The user guide, training video, and video PPT handout for this application are available in the MyGaDOE Portal (select CCRPI, CCRPI Resources, then GAA Participation Application Resources).

If you need assistance completing the application, please contact the GaDOE accountability specialist assigned to assist your district.

Reminder: FY26 Title IX, Part A McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth LEA Survey

GaDOE has an annual requirement to collect the number of homeless students enrolled and the educational support services provided by LEAs. All LEAs, regardless of receiving McKinney-Vento Program (MVP) funds or not, are required to submit this report. The LEA, typically the homeless liaison, will collect the required data, verify the information is correct, and complete the survey. Each LEA superintendent assures the accuracy of these data by making the final submission to GaDOE through the consolidated application approval process. Records supporting the requested data submitted in this survey must be maintained at the local level for five years or until any pending program audits are settled following the five-year period. The MVP Survey data collection form is available online by accessing the FY26 consolidated application.

Reminder: FY26 Title I, Part D Annual Neglected and Delinquent Survey Due

GaDOE has an annual requirement to collect the number of students enrolled in residential facilities for neglected or delinquent children located in LEAs. The annual survey is required by the U.S. Department of Education and the information is used to determine Title I funding. This year’s survey generates funding for the 2026-2027 school year.

Reminder: SB 351 – Internet AUP Submission Deadline

Per SB 351, each local board of education must approve an internet acceptable use policy by October 1, 2025 and submit that policy to GaDOE by October 15, 2025. This submission will occur using the GaDOE Surveys application found in GaConnects Staff. This is the same platform used to collect the annual technology inventory and will be accessed by the district technology coordinator in the same manner as the technology inventory.