Senator Michael Williams (R – Cumming) commends the passage of Senate Bill 2, a bill that will authorize local boards of education to award a high school diploma to students who complete certain requirements relating to postsecondary coursework.

“Ensuring children in Georgia receive a quality K-12 education is very important to me,” said Senator Williams. “Today, we passed a bill that will provide our students with alternative ways to earn high school diplomas, while they prepare to enter the highly skilled technical fields that are a driving force in today’s job market.”

Senate Bill 2 will allow students, who have met the necessary requirements, to enroll in postsecondary coursework at a technical college, to earn both a high school diploma and a technical degree. In order to receive both diplomas, students must comply with Georgia code sections relating to the enrollment and coursework requirements. Students who wish to participate in this program must be 16 years or older, complete the ninth and tenth grades and pass the required college readiness assessment. Technical colleges will work with the State Board of Education to annually identify the areas of study where there is a shortage of workers.

The Georgia State Senate passed Senate Bill 2 with unanimous, bipartisan consent with a vote of 56-0. It will now travel to the House of Representatives where it will await approval.

  Cumming, Forsyth County, Georgia, Government, Sen. Michael Williams