Muscogee County board lists 2026 legislative priorities, asks for copy of HB 372

The Muscogee County Board of Education’s Policy Committee presented the district’s legislative priorities for 2026 during the Oct. 13 work session, outlining several requests the district plans to press with the state legislature.

The first priority asks the state to fund school social workers to address chronic absenteeism at a ratio of one social worker per 1,856 students and to expand mental health support grants to elementary schools. Other priorities include strengthening the education workforce (one item specifically referenced House Bill 372), renewing support for health care for non‑certified staff by funding 25% of State Health Benefit Plan costs for non‑certified staff, and a review and revision of the state’s QBE funding formula to better reflect current student and program needs and to consider a poverty index.

During the presentation a board member requested a copy of “House Bill 372” so the board could review the bill’s full text before taking a formal stance. A committee presenter confirmed staff would send a copy of the bill to board members.

The committee also listed a priority seeking expansion of what could be purchased with local sales tax or related revenues (the materials used the phrase “East Los” when describing the requested expansion of allowable expenditures; staff indicated they would provide more detail). The policy presenter said the district supports broader E‑rate connectivity beyond schools and additional state actions related to student services and teacher incentives.

Why this matters: board legislative priorities guide the district’s requests to state lawmakers and shape advocacy by local education associations. Members asked staff for the underlying bill text and additional detail on several items to inform future action.

Staff committed to distributing the full text of HB 372 and additional supporting materials to the board.