Data Requests & Contact

January 9, 2026 – Principals

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

Updated Dietary Guidelines

On January 7, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030. At this time, USDA has not provided additional guidance related to School Nutrition programs. As districts have embraced developing a strong culinary culture, that work will continue to align with the Dietary Guidelines.

If needed, USDA will publish detailed rules associated with any future updates, and we will share guidance as soon as it becomes available. This information has also been shared with your School Nutrition Directors, and the GaDOE School Nutrition Office will continue to share updates with them moving forward.

Thank you for your continued commitment to providing quality school meals for the students of Georgia!

2025 Governor’s Office of Student Achievement Scores

As you know, HB 1122 requires the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement (GOSA) to “establish and annually calculate individual school and system ratings” as a single numerical score on a scale of 0-100, for each public school and school system in this state.” GaDOE is required to publish GOSA’s single score.

Beginning Monday, January 12, 2026, state-, district-, and school-level CCRPI reports will include the GOSA single score, as calculated by GOSA.

Please contact GOSA directly with any questions regarding the calculation of the single score and the Promise Scholarship Public School List.

Release of the 2024-2025 School Climate Star Rating Calculation Guide

Georgia law requires the development and use of a “star rating” to address school climate and development of the new Georgia School Climate Survey called for a reexamination of the rating calculations. The official 2024-2025 School Climate Star Rating Calculation Guide is now finalized, and because the surveys and calculations have changed significantly, results cannot be compared to prior years. 2024-2025 will serve as a hold-harmless year while schools and districts become familiar with the new system. Pages 4-9 of the guide summarize what school climate is, what the School Climate Star Rating measures, and the six key changes to the calculations.

Upcoming Varsity Tutors Support Session Open for Registration

Varsity Tutors, in collaboration with GaDOE, provides practical strategies to strengthen student achievement across grades. The next support session on January 13 focuses on the journey to college, which starts well before senior year. A seasoned college admissions advisor will guide families through what to expect and when, offering expert insights into building a strong, balanced college application over time. Whether students are in eighth grade or entering 11th grade, this conversation will help families make confident, informed decisions every step of the way. The intended audience includes students and families, along with district and school leaders.

Special Education Grants Available

Three special education grants are available to provide funds for services and supports for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Details and application links for all grants below are available on the GaDOE Grant Opportunities page.

Grant for Residential and Reintegration Services

This grant assists with the placement of students with severe disabilities in private residential settings, and the reintegration of students back into the LEA or other community services, as defined by the student’s IEP.

High Cost Fund for Special Education Services Grant

This grant helps LEAs cover the direct special education instructional costs of children with disabilities whose intensity, frequency, and diversity of special education and related service needs are at least three times the state average.

Georgia Parent Mentor Partnership

This grant supports engagement with families who have students with IEPs by providing funds for parent mentors.

Contact: Belinda Tiller, belinda.tiller@doe.k12.ga.us
Deadline: April 17 at 5 p.m.

Paraprofessional to Teacher Reimbursement Grant Open

The Paraprofessional to Teacher Reimbursement Grant, Round 4, is intended to promote the recruitment of teachers in LEAS and GNETS programs across Georgia by providing financial support to paraprofessionals completing their teaching certification through GaTAPP. To provide districts with greater flexibility and ensure timely reimbursement, the grant has adopted a year-round application window with two scheduled board review periods each year. The year-round application will remain open until all funds are allocated. Applications for 2026 are due on February 20 and July 31, 2026. Georgia LEAs are able to apply.

Reminder: 2025-2026 Military Flagship School Award

The 2025-2026 Military Flagship School Award applications are open. The Military Flagship School Award recognizes schools that exceed expectations in providing a supportive environment for military students and their families. These schools specifically reach out to military families and recognize and accommodate their unique needs.

Reminder: 2026 Georgia Scholar Application Window Open

The 2026 Georgia Scholar Program application window opened January 1 and closes March 1, 2026. Georgia public- and private-school seniors who meet all program criteria are eligible to apply. These criteria are established in state law, and no exceptions can be made. The application, detailed program criteria, and application guidance brochure are found on the Georgia Scholar webpage linked below.

Reminder: Top State for Talent FY26 School Counselor Checklist

On December 8, 2025, the Top State for Talent Act (2025 HB 192) advisement checklist for school counselors was sent to Georgia’s school counselors. This document is for school counselors to use as a guide for preparing students in grades 6-12 and a planning tool to collect and report the FY26 data as required by legislation.

Please note that this is the first step to implementing the legislative requirements. Thus, information on reporting the data gathered will be provided in an upcoming email.