Governor Perdue Announces IE2 Partnership Legislation

Rep. Brooks Coleman to Carry Legislation to Increase Student Achievement

ATLANTA –Governor Sonny Perdue announced today the filing of legislation creating the Investing in Educational Excellence (IE²) Partnership that will increase student achievement and promote opportunities for an excellent education for all Georgia’s students.  The legislation will be sponsored by Representative Brooks Coleman (R-Duluth), Chairman of the House Education Committee.

 “The new IE² Partnership completely redefines the relationship between the state and local school systems,” said Governor Sonny Perdue.  “Now, future conversations about education can focus on student achievement results.”

The IE² Partnership will allow local school systems to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the state that sets up a system of performance contracts that allow for greater flexibility in return for increased accountability.  The contract between the state and the local school system will ultimately be approved by the State Board of Education.

The performance of each school system will be based on goals set over a three year period during which the local school system will agree to achieve certain results.

Prior to application to the State Board of Education, the local school system will hold public hearings so that citizens may have input on the system’s request for flexibility and accountability.  The local school system will also work with the Georgia Department of Education as they go through the negotiation and contracting process.

If the performance goals are not met, consequences that have previously been agreed upon will be enacted.  Progress towards the goals will be monitored by the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement.  In return for the increased accountability, the school system will earn negotiated flexibility from state laws and regulations.

“This new education partnership is the most far reaching education legislation this state has ever seen and provides true choice for our school systems,” said Rep. Brooks Coleman.  “I want to thank Governor Perdue and his staff for working closely with the legislature on this important piece of legislation.”

Pending passage in the House of Representatives, Senate President Pro Tempore Eric Johnson (R-Savannah) has agreed to carry the IE² Partnership in the Senate.

Since Governor Perdue took office in 2003, education has remained a top priority.  Graduation rates have improved nine percentage points in four years, and state funding is at an all time high both in terms of real dollars and per pupil spending. With the help of the General Assembly, the Governor has created innovative initiatives such as the Graduation Coach program, Classroom Card for teachers and the Education Scoreboard. He has proposed another first-of-its kind program this year, the VIP Recruiters, which will promote additional parental involvement in schools with high absenteeism rates.

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