Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has been elected chair of the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), a significant 16-state organization offering policy guidance to states across the South, from Delaware to Texas. Kemp's one-year term began with his election on Sunday and subsequent address to the board during its annual meeting in Atlanta on Monday.

In his address, Kemp emphasized the South's leading role in the "great American comeback" from the learning setbacks experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The SREB, known for its research on education issues, has a long history of contributing to educational advancements in the Southern region. Kemp succeeds West Virginia Governor Jim Justice, who chaired the board from 2022 to 2023.

A key priority for Kemp is aligning educational institutions with workforce demands, addressing what he considers the most significant hurdle in economic development: the current worker shortage. He stressed the importance of students' education for future economic success.

Among Kemp's other priorities are the implementation of a new Georgia law focused on enhancing early elementary reading instruction, navigating the impact of declining traditional college-age student populations on higher education, and bolstering the K-12 teacher workforce. He underscored the need for judicious resource allocation within Georgia's university and technical college systems to avoid wasteful competition for students, particularly in light of anticipated enrollment trends in the coming years.

Kemp also highlighted initiatives aimed at supporting teacher aides in becoming certified teachers and enabling retired educators to return to the classroom without jeopardizing their pensions. He emphasized that while teacher pay is important, expressing appreciation for the work teachers do is also crucial.