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.
A Moment of Remembrance
As we mark 25 years since the attacks of September 11, 2001, we remember the lives lost, honor the courage and sacrifice of first responders, and reflect with gratitude on all those who stepped forward to serve in the days and years that followed.
We are also grateful to Georgia’s educators for the important role they play in helping each new generation understand our shared history and carry its lessons forward.
FY26 Completion Reports for Federal Funds Due October 30
GaDOE requires each LEA receiving federal grant funds to submit a completion report after the initial period of availability ends, either 15 months or 27 months. Completion reports are due on October 30. A completion report defines the total amount of the original grant award and the total amount of funds that were expended by an LEA during the initial 15-month period of availability. Grants Accounting uses completion reports to determine the amount of unexpended funds and the amount of funds available for carryover for each LEA. Additional details are available in the Federal Programs Handbook linked below.
- Additional Information: Federal Programs Handbook
- Contact: Brittan Ayers, brittan.ayers@doe.k12.ga.us
- Deadline: October 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Free Water Testing + Mitigation Funding Available Through Clean Water for Georgia Kids™
New: Free replacement plumbing products are now available to districts with Capital Outlay Project Low Wealth Designation if any lead testing results are above the state action level. Check with your facilities director to know your capital outlay project.
- Additional Information: Clean Water for Georgia Kids
- Contact: Click Here
2027 National Civics Bee: Opportunity for Middle School Students
Georgia students in grades 6–8 are invited to participate in the 2027 National Civics Bee, an annual nonpartisan civics competition organized by The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Students begin by submitting responses to four questions focused on an idea to strengthen their school or community, with finalists advancing through regional and state competitions to the National Championship.
The application deadline is February 2, 2027, and resources are available to help educators share the opportunity with students. The anticipated national first-place prize is a $100,000 contribution to a 529 education savings plan.
- Additional Information: Student Flyer | Educator Toolkit
- Deadline: February 2, 2027
Reminder: Rural Education and Innovation Summits
The Rural Education & Innovation Summits bring together district and school leaders, educators, and workforce partners to explore strategies that improve outcomes for students and communities. Through district-led sessions on literacy, special education, college and career readiness, educator workforce development, artificial intelligence, and other innovative practices, participants will gain practical ideas, valuable resources, and meaningful connections to support success across rural Georgia. Register now. Space is limited, and attendance is free.
Choose the location that works best for you: UGA Tifton Conference Center, Tifton – September 16, 2026 or Brasstown Valley Resort, Young Harris – September 30, 2026.
- Additional Information: Registration
- Contact: Laura Ergle, laura.ergle@doe.k12.ga.us
District Spotlight
A camera and a CTSO project helped launch a career for Lowndes High School graduate Trevor Terry. As a junior, Trevor’s Technology Student Association advisers encouraged him to create a video for a TSA project, sparking a passion that ultimately became his career. After working with UGA football, Trevor is now a senior editor for the Atlanta Braves, creating hype videos and commercials and working with Braves players on set. “That one opportunity sparked a passion that became my career,” Trevor said. “For me, that all started at Lowndes High School.”
- Additional Information: Trevor Terry Video
Inside GaDOE
This week, the U.S. Department of Education announced its new Learning Agenda Playbook, developed in partnership with Georgia and seven other states. The playbook helps state education agencies identify priority challenges, build and use evidence to understand what works, and focus resources where they can have the greatest impact for students. Georgia’s participation has helped GaDOE strengthen systems and connect with educators, students, families, and other stakeholders as we implement our strategic priorities.
Next week, in recognition of Constitution Week, State School Superintendent Richard Woods will begin visiting schools to recognize winners of the John Hancock Student Signature Award, which honors schools where students demonstrate excellence in cursive writing.
And this Friday, GaDOE Chief of Staff Christy Todd will speak to the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education’s Georgia Education Policy Fellowship, a nine-month professional development program focused on public policy, leadership, and professional networking. Todd will give fellows an inside look at the role of a state education agency and how GaDOE works across teams and with partners to turn policy and strategic priorities into support for schools and districts.
Don’t forget to explore the Professional Learning Catalog for upcoming GaDOE conferences, trainings, and events.