GWINNETT COUNTY — As Gwinnett County students head back to class this week, State Rep. David Clark, R-Buford, who represents District 100, highlighted Georgia’s continued investment in education, teacher pay, student safety and literacy initiatives.

While students may lament the end of summer break, Clark said the start of the school year offers families a welcome return to routine and renewed opportunities for academic success.

“For many parents, the start of school brings a welcome return to routine and the reassurance that their children are stepping into classrooms filled with opportunity,” Clark said.

Among this year’s legislative accomplishments, Clark pointed to the state’s full funding of public education and an increase in teacher salaries. “Our teachers are now the highest paid in the Southeast,” he said. Salaries for Georgia’s pre-kindergarten teachers are also being raised to help attract and retain top educators as the state expands early learning access.

Clark said early literacy remains a top priority. “It’s critical that students learn to read by third grade so they can transition from learning to read to reading to learn,” he said.

To support this, the state has added literacy specialists in schools, implemented the Science of Reading in instructional practices and expanded early screenings for processing disorders such as dyslexia.

Clark also noted a new statewide law that will ban cellphone use in classrooms through eighth grade, starting in the 2026-27 school year. The measure, he said, is designed to minimize distractions and has been widely supported by parents and educators. Schools are already preparing for the transition.

The state is also continuing its focus on student safety through ongoing school security grants and new mental health initiatives. Every public school will receive funding to implement or upgrade security features, and the state will continue to support school resource officers.

To address root causes of school violence, lawmakers have expanded access to mental health services and approved measures to ensure that critical behavioral health information follows students when they transfer between schools or districts. Clark said the goal is to ensure students receive consistent care while protecting the broader school community.

“As your state representative, I’m committed to ensuring our children have every advantage and opportunity in a safe learning environment,” Clark said. “If you have any questions or ideas, I’d welcome your call.”

Clark closed with best wishes to all families for a successful 2025-26 school year.