Rep. Steven Sainz Applauds $500,000 in AFY 26 State Budget to Support Camden County Schools Bat Remediation

ATLANTA - State Representative Steven Sainz (R-St Marys), chairman of the House Interstate Cooperation Committee, today announced that $500,000 has been included in House Bill 973, the Amended Fiscal Year 2026 (AFY 2026) budget, to help offset costs associated with remediation efforts at St. Marys Elementary School in Camden County due to a widespread bat infestation. The AFY 2026 budget was officially signed into law today by Governor Brian Kemp.

"Getting dedicated funding for a local priority like this through Georgia's state budget is extraordinarily competitive," said Chairman Sainz. "We work with a lean, responsible budget, and every dollar is carefully evaluated. That makes the inclusion of this appropriation all the more meaningful - not only because it relieves our community from bearing the full cost, but because it underscores how effective collaboration between local leaders and the state can deliver real results."

Chairman Sainz highlights that earlier this year, a colony of more than 200 bats was discovered inside the St. Marys Elementary School building, prompting school officials to relocate students and staff to the College of Coastal Georgia while remediation and safety inspections continued. He adds that the multi-step process has included removal of bats, deep cleaning and sanitation of impacted areas, replacement of damaged materials and required air quality and health inspections before students could safely return.

"I'd like to thank my friend and colleague, Rep. Steven Sainz, for his diligence in securing this $500,000 appropriation to help offset the extraordinary expenses incurred at St. Marys Elementary," said State Senator Mike Hodges (R-Brunswick). "I was glad to work on the Senate side to ensure this funding stayed in the final budget. This was truly a team effort from your legislative delegation, and I always enjoy working with Steven."

Chairman Sainz emphasized that the allocation in the AFY 26 budget reflects Georgia's support for strong public schools that place students and instructional quality at the center of decision-making. He also notes that Camden County Schools' response - including coordinating temporary relocation, ensuring continuity of instruction and partnering with community resources - has demonstrated that commitment in action.

"We are deeply grateful that this state support will help ensure these unforeseen costs do not fall solely on Camden taxpayers," said Camden County School Board Chairman Jonathan Blount. "Our priority is - and always will be - the safety of our students while protecting instructional quality and classroom resources. I thank my fellow board members for their continued focus on students first, and I also appreciate Rep. Sainz, Senator Hodges, Chairman Matt Hatchett, Chairman Blake Tillery and Governor Kemp for recognizing how critical this assistance is."

"We are sincerely grateful to Representative Sainz and Senator Hodges for securing this funding to support bat remediation at our elementary school," said Camden County Schools Superintendent Dr. Tracolya Green. "This unforeseen situation, much like a natural disaster, required immediate action to protect the health and safety of our students and staff. We greatly appreciate their efforts and advocacy on behalf of Camden County Schools."

Chairman Sainz also thanked members of the General Assembly for their support, including House and Senate Appropriations leadership, and emphasized the importance of strong local school leadership in making this possible.

*Editor's note: Rep. Sainz has provided a photo included below.

Representative Steven Sainz represents the citizens of District 180, which includes Camden County, as well as a portion of Glynn County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves as Chairman of the Interstate Cooperation Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations, Appropriations Subcommittee on Human Resources, Defense & Veterans Affairs, Economic Development & Tourism, Governmental Affairs, Public Safety and Homeland Security and State Properties committees.

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