Media Symposium

Annually convening journalists from the Southeast
to discuss critical public education issues in Georgia

2024 Media Symposium

The 18th annual Media Symposium was held at Georgia Public Broadcasting on January 5, 2024.

This year's participants included:

Rep. Chris Erwin - Chair, House Education Committee, Georgia House of Representatives - who discussed the legislative landscape in Georgia for 2024

Rep. Becky Evans - House Education Committee, Georgia House of Representatives - who discussed the legislative landscape in Georgia for 2024

Sen. Nan Orrock, Senate Higher Education Committee, Georgia State Senate - who discussed the legislative landscape in Georgia for 2024

Mr. Richard Woods - State School Superintendent, Georgia Department of Education - who provided a status update on the Georgia Department of Education's focus for 2024. (PowerPoint Presentation)

Ms. Christy Todd - 2024 Georgia Teacher of the Year, Georgia Department of Education - who provided reflections on her time as a classroom educator and current role as Georgia Teacher of the Year. (PowerPoint Presentation)

Mr. Matthew Smith - Director of Policy & Research, Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education - who provided an overview of the 2024 Top Ten Issues to Watch. (PowerPoint Presentation)

Mrs. Shanika Clay - Chief Financial Officer, Henry County Schools - who discussed the ways in which Henry County Schools is preparing for the end of ESSER funding.

Mr. Granville T. Freeman- Mental Health Coordinator/Wraparound Coordinator, Metro RESA - who discussed the ways Metro RESA is supporting educator and student mental health. (PowerPoint Presentation)

Ms. Meghan Frick, Director of Communications, Georgia Department of Education - who provided a Georgia Department of Education media update. (PowerPoint Presentation)

Mr. Cliff Jones, Chief of Staff, Fulton County School District- who provided insights into Fulton County Schools' plans for mitigating the effects of ESSER funding coming to an end.

Mr. Fred A. Jones, Jr., Senior Director of Public Policy & Advocacy, Southern Education Foundation- who discussed the legislative landscape in Georgia for 2024.

Dr. Stephen Owens - Director of Education, Georgia Budget & Policy Institute - who discussed the statewide implications of Georgia's public schools no longer receiving ESSER funds in 2024. (PowerPoint Presentation)