Data Requests & Contact

April 24, 2026 – Superintendents

Below are your weekly updates and reminders from the Georgia Department of Education. Here are your links to the District Deadlines and To-Dos Dashboard and the Digest Archive.

Updates on K-3 Literacy Coaches

We have received several questions about funding and qualifications for the K-3 literacy coaches referenced in HB 1193. These funds will be provided through the QBE formula and will go out as part of the district’s QBE allotment earnings (NOT a categorical grant). It’s important to note that districts will also receive T&E for these positions – we are working on a CPI code that will ensure the position is included in the T&E calculation. As long as the Governor signs HB 1193 and the FY27 state budget, these earnings will be listed on each district’s QBE allotment sheet beginning this fall.

Regarding hiring, we are still working with GOSA to determine guidance and a timeline for full implementation and will share with districts as soon as this information is finalized. Our understanding is that districts should move forward with hiring for the fall, as long as the Governor signs the budget and bill. Districts will earn the funds whether or not they employ a coach during the CPI count in October; however, it is anticipated that stakeholders will want a progress update on the hiring of literacy coaches, so GaDOE will track the literacy coach job code in the upcoming October and March CPI counts. Please reference HB 1193, specifically lines 48-86, for the precise statutory language outlining the bill’s provisions regarding minimum hiring qualifications.

For CSI schools serving grades K-3, the current CSI school-based literacy coaches will continue to be funded for the final year of this cycle.

  • Contact: Amy Denty, amy.denty@doe.k12.ga.us

Reminder: Support as Wildfires Impact Communities

We are closely monitoring the wildfires impacting communities across South Georgia and the disruptions they are causing for your schools, staff, and families. During times like this, our focus is on supporting you in maintaining safety, continuity, and stability for your students.

An email was sent yesterday to superintendents and principals with detailed information on resources and points of contact to support your local response and recovery efforts. A copy of this email has been updated to the Digest Archive and is linked below.

Reminder: John Hancock Student Signature Award

It’s not too late to focus on cursive writing! Applications for the John Hancock Student Signature Award, a special recognition for Georgia public schools demonstrating excellence in cursive writing, are open through June 1, 2026. Recognized schools will be announced and awarded at the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year. Submission details are available at the link below. Let’s celebrate Georgia’s students as they
master this timeless skill, one signature at a time!

  • Additional Information: John Hancock Award Webpage
  • Contact: Kimberly Wetzel, kimberly.wetzel@doe.k12.ga.us
  • Deadline: June 1, 2026

Rural Teaching Apprenticeship Grant Round 2 Now Open

The Rural Teaching Apprenticeship Grant Round 2 is intended to support the development and expansion of registered teaching apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships in rural Georgia by providing funding for the instruction, mentorship, and supportive services needed to create and sustain a registered teaching apprenticeship program. A maximum of $831,405 will be awarded for the grant period July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028, up to $56,150 per rural-serving LEA or RESA (GNETS Programs).

  • Additional Information: GaDOE Grant Opportunities
  • Contact: Heather Finley, heather.finley@doe.k12.ga.us
  • Deadline: May 13, 2026 at 5 p.m.

FY27 Economic Development Partnership Designation Application Open

The FY27 Economic Development Partnership (EDP) Designation recognizes school districts that are actively engaged with industry, economic development, and community stakeholders to drive local or regional workforce development efforts. With this designation comes a grant award of at least $3,000 from Georgia Power. The EDP designation is a district-wide process. Eligible applicants are school districts that receive Perkins funding.

  • Additional Information: GaDOE Grant Opportunities
  • Contact: Patrick Ledford, patrick.ledford@doe.k12.ga.us
  • Deadline: May 8, 2026 at 5 p.m.

Title IX Sports Survey

GaDOE is required by state and federal law to collect school data related to sports and Title IX annually. The Title IX sports survey, which collects data on student participation in interscholastic sports during the 2025-26 school year, will open in the MyGaDOE Portal on May 1, 2026 and will remain open through September 1, 2026. This required annual survey collects data on student participation in interscholastic sports (grades 9-12) and must be completed by each district’s Title IX Coordinator. Superintendents are responsible for reviewing and electronically approving the submission once completed.

CCRPI Live Data Verification

The CCRPI Live Data Verification tool is now available in the MyGaDOE CCRPI portal. Demographic, attendance, and Title I data are currently visible, with additional Student Record and Student Class data continuing to populate through April and May. The tool provides summary data from State Reporting and other GaDOE collections used in CCRPI calculations. District staff with CCRPI portal access and school principals should review the data promptly to ensure accuracy. Any needed corrections must be made directly in Student Record, Student Class, or other State Reporting collections before those collections close. Once they close, there are no additional opportunities to correct data. The user guide, training webinar, and PowerPoint handout are available in the MyGaDOE portal under CCRPI > CCRPI Resources.

Model Attendance Protocol Released

The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) released the Model Student Attendance Protocol, a document intended to provide background information and components of a district attendance protocol. It is intended as a practical, adaptable resource that local communities can tailor to their unique context while remaining aligned with state requirements. Each part of the document is grounded in a prevention-focused approach that emphasizes early identification, coordinated problem solving, and supportive responses to absenteeism, while reserving legal enforcement as a last resort.

Student Mental Health Services Grant Increased to $20.7 Million

Georgia’s amended FY26 state budget increased the Student Mental/Behavioral Health Services Grant to $20.7 million. At its March 27, 2026 meeting, the State Board of Education approved the increased state mental health grant funds for school districts based on a state-defined formula of $20,000 to each middle school and high school and approved the updated allocations. Impacted districts will see the adjustments in their April QBE allotments.

  • Contact: Tabathia Baldy, tabathia.baldy@doe.k12.ga.us

2026 Federal Programs Virtual Conference — Registration is Open!

Registration is now open for the June 2-3 Federal Programs Virtual Conference: Maximizing the Impact of IDEA and ESSA Programs. This conference will include workshops designed to support your LEA’s efforts to strategically align federal resources and requirements to improve outcomes for students. General session speakers will include State School Superintendent Richard Woods, GaDOE Chief of Staff Christy Todd, Deputy Superintendents Shaun Owen and Dr. Stephanie Johnson, and The Bruman Group, PLLC. Concurrent session topics will include coordinating grant funds to support local goals and initiatives, special education general supervision requirements, allowable uses of federal funds, measuring the effectiveness of grant-funded initiatives, outreach and family engagement, and equitable services for private schools. Register now to receive conference updates and important information before the event. The full schedule and workshop options will be available in May — no registration fee required.

  • Additional Information: Register Here
  • Contact: Kathy Matthews, fpconferences@doe.k12.ga.us