Board Bulletin for 10/8/2025

 

The Fulton County Board of Education met on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, for its regularly scheduled School Board meeting at the North Learning Center. The full agenda is available online via Simbli, a website that makes the Board agenda and all supporting documents available online. Meetings are streamed live on the FCS homepage, with recordings available within 48 hours.

Superintendent’s Report

After thanking the Board and district employees for their enthusiasm and meaningful engagement as they continuously demonstrate a deep commitment and positive impact on Fulton County Schools (FCS) students, Dr. Mike Looney yielded the floor to Chief Academic Officer Brannon Gaskins for an exciting announcement about graduation rates and SAT performances.

The district continues to celebrate strong academic outcomes. The district-wide graduation rate has reached 91.9%, with 16 high schools achieving rates above 90%, including Global Impact Academy at 100% and FCS Innovation Academy at 99.8%.

SAT performance also shows positive momentum. The district’s average SAT score for 2025 is 1076, with participation increasing to 5,135 students, up from 3,573 in 2020. Several schools demonstrated notable score improvements, including Centennial (+45), Chattahoochee (+39), and Alpharetta (+22).

These results reflect the district’s commitment to expanding access and driving achievement for all students. See the full presentation here.

Strategic Plan Update: Accountability

Gaskins provided a strategic plan update focused on the value of accountability as a part of the Board management oversight process, advising that FCS continues to advance academic excellence. The graduation rate has reached 91.9%, and the average SAT score is now 1076. Reading proficiency is up, discipline referrals are down, and 67 schools earned Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) recognition. Three Title I schools were honored for outstanding performance.

To support consistent instructional quality, the district has implemented standard operating procedures (SOP) across key academic areas including literacy, mathematics, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), intervention services, magnets, and data analysis.

The FCS Walkthrough Tool is now in use at 15 early adopter schools to monitor high-quality instructional practices. This tool is grounded in research from The New Teacher Project and helps ensure alignment with district standards.

In Career Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE), more than 4,300 students completed career pathways, with a 98.3% graduation rate among CTAE completers.

Instructional technology and AI initiatives are expanding, with thousands of educators trained and a new AI curriculum introduced.

Student support systems are also evolving. The Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS) framework is now used in every school, providing real-time data and customizable reports to ensure effective interventions.

The district remains committed to accountability and student success. Together, we are shaping a future where every student can reach their full potential. See the full presentation here.

Strategic Plan Update: Deepen Community Connections

Chief Communications Officer Brian Noyes provided a strategic plan update focused on the goal to deepen community connections as a part of the Board management oversight process. Fulton has recently introduced FCSInvestED, a district-wide initiative designed to strengthen partnerships and foster a culture of investment in student success. More than a fundraising strategy, FCSInvestED aims to align community support with district priorities through time, talents, and resources.

The initiative supports a wide range of programs, including employee recognition, student vision care, literacy, career and technical education, and more. It also enhances engagement with faith leaders, families, and non-profit organizations.

A cross-functional team has been established to identify funding needs, develop outreach strategies, ensure equitable access, and streamline partnership processes. District leaders and the Board play a key role in championing the initiative and amplifying its impact across the community.

FCSInvestED reflects the district’s commitment to teamwork, integrity, and accountability, bringing together one unified Fulton voice to invest in the future of education. See the full presentation here.

Board Policy IFBG: Internet Acceptable Use

The Board approved policy IFBG: Internet Acceptable Use with the following measures:

Aligned to the new requirements from SB 351

• Updated parameters surrounding the use of the district’s enterprise network
• Establishes the requirements for employees, students, and guests using the network, and outlines what is considered unacceptable use
• Outlines monitoring tools to which any device connected to the network is subject
• Notes protections used to block electronic access to material harmful to minors
• Provides a framework for digital citizenship curriculum in compliance with GA Code § 20-2-149
• Outlines the process for stakeholders to report suspected violations of the acceptable use policy, as well as make requests to provide access to non-prohibited material that has been blocked

Pre-Work Session

Fulton County Schools’ pre-work session is a public meeting that takes place before each monthly work session. It is an opportunity for the Board to receive policy drafts, provide feedback, give presentations, or focus on topics of interest. Audio recordings of the pre-work session are available within 48 hours. Topics discussed at this week’s session include:

• Board Policy DFK: Gifts and Bequests

Board Recognitions

Each month, the Board recognizes outstanding students, staff, and schools honored at the state, national, or international level. Honorees must have placed first at the regional or state level or be among the top finishers at the national or international level. The following teams and individuals were honored at the meeting:  

• Northview High School student, Minakshi Chilagani won the National School Bus Safety poster contest
• Northview High School Quiz Bowl Team won second place in the National Academic Quiz Tournaments (NAQT)
• Dr. Shalun Matthews was named the 2025 Toyota Family Teacher of the Year by the National Center for Families Learning (NCFL)

2025-26 Community Meetings with Board Members

Each member of the Fulton County Board of Education sponsors a monthly meeting open to all community members. The sessions provide an opportunity for direct contact with community members and give Board members a chance to listen to local issues and concerns. Click here to see the meeting schedules of all Board members.