Newton County Schools Board of Education Adopts 2026 Legislative Priorities; Taxpayer Relief Headlines the List
The Newton County Schools Board of Education has formally adopted its 2026 Legislative Priorities, and agenda that was largely influenced by community feedback.
Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley, III emphasized that this year’s priorities carry a “distinct local flare.” “It was important that we communicate, in plain language, what we are advocating for, why we are advocating for it, and how these issues impact our schools and our community.” “That was our aim,” Bradley said.
2026 Legislative Priorities: Key Themes
The legislative platform centers around eight core priority areas:
• Increased Funding & Taxpayer Relief
• Access & Opportunity for Students
• Strengthening the Educator Pipeline & Advancing Compensation
• Fair and Balanced Accountability & Evaluation Systems
• Workforce Development Initiatives
• Support for Local Public Schools & Increased Local Control
• Mental Health, Counseling, and Student Support Services
• Enhanced Safety and Security Measures
Community Input Highlights Taxpayer Relief as Top Concern
Following the distribution of a stakeholder survey which was new this year, one priority rose clearly to the top: taxpayer relief. As property values rise and local tax bills continue to increase, even with the Board’s historic millage rate reductions in consecutive year, stakeholders expressed strong interest in a more sustainable and equitable school funding model – one that reduces the burden that property owning residents disproportionally shoulder.
To respond to these concerns, the Board of Education is also introducing a proposal for an Education Local Option Sales Tax (E-LOST).
This proposal, championed by Board Member Trey Bailey, would allow voters to authorize a 1% sales tax dedicated to school operations. The intent is to reduce reliance on property taxes while providing stable funding for day-to-day expenses. The proposal includes safeguards such as:
• Required millage reductions
• Reserve fund limits
• Transparent voter oversight
• Accountability provisions to ensure equitable relief
“This proposed legislation is an acknowledgment that our current funding formula is no longer sustainable,” Bailey said. “We cannot expect property owners to shoulder the full weight of funding public education – not at a time when funding is going down and expenses are going up. Action is needed, and this proposal represents a responsible and community-focused path forward.”
Strengthening the Educator Workforce Remains a Critical Priority
Survey respondents also emphasized the importance of competitive educator compensation and workforce stability, notwithstanding the sweeping raises that the Board approved less than a year ago. The rationale for this priority is that as Georgia school districts face increased competition for a shrinking pool of qualified educators, Newton County Schools recognizes the need to ensure compensation that keeps pace with rising expectations and economic conditions.
The district’s priorities under strengthening the educator workforce calls for:
• Competitive and sustainable pay models
• Strengthened support for school counselors
• Improved counselor-to-student ratios, and
A Comprehensive Advocacy Plan for 2026
Beyond funding and workforce needs, the Board’s adopted priorities also advocate for:
• More flexible, growth-based student performance measures
• State-supported workforce development initiatives tied to local industry
• Greater local control to reduce unfunded mandates
• Strengthened mental health training for staff
• Improved cross-district safety and data-sharing protocols
Each priority includes a clear, easy-to-understand explanation, another intentional shift in this year’s process to ensure greater transparency and accessibility for the community.
Community Focused, Community Inspired
Board Chair, Abigail Coggin praised the process and the resulting priorities, noting that they truly reflect a community-centered approach.
The final 2026 Legislative Priorities document is available on the Newton County Schools website and will be shared with the Newton County Legislative Delegation ahead of the 2026 Legislative Session.
DOCUMENT:
2026 NCS BOE Legislative Priorities