Education

In recent years, failing schools, teacher pay and school security loomed large, but so far this year no education issue has risen to the top of the legislative agenda.

Kemp’s campaign pledge to raise teacher pay by $5,000 was a dominant issue in the last legislative session. He made a $3,000 down payment on that promise, but he hasn’t committed to fulfilling the remainder this year, as falling revenue has triggered budget cuts.

That doesn’t mean education will be a tame topic. Lawmakers may renew the debate around private school voucher-like Education Scholarship Accounts, which proved controversial last year. Kemp and state school Superintendent Richard Woods have said they want to roll back standardized testing. And there will likely be a push to curb vaping, a growing problem for schools.

■ Key players: Kemp; Duncan; Ralston, Senate Education and Youth Committee Chairman P.K. Martin, R-Lawrenceville; House Education Committee Chairman Rick Jasperse, R-Jasper; Cooper.

■ Prospects: Backing from the governor and legislative leaders could push Education Scholarship Accounts across the finish line after a narrow defeat last year, though teacher and school board advocacy groups remain staunchly opposed. A rollback of test requirements could be easier to achieve given test fatigue, particularly among teachers. Curbs on vaping have proved controversial, but the industry is facing a backlash nationally.