Board Bulletin for 2/12/2025
Board Bulletin for 2/12/2025
The Fulton County Board of Education met on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, for its regularly scheduled work session at the North Learning Center. The full agenda is available online via Simbli, a website replacing the district's former Boardocs, which makes the School Board agenda and all supporting documents available online. Meetings are streamed live on the school district’s homepage, with recordings available within 48 hours.
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Mike Looney shared information about the Georgia School Climate Survey and new K-9 officers joining the Fulton County Schools Police Department.
Georgia School Climate Survey. Conducted annually by the Georgia Department of Education, the Georgia School Climate Survey assesses the overall climate and safety of schools across the state. A positive school climate is linked to better academic achievement and lower dropout rates.
The survey gathers feedback from students, parents, and school staff on various aspects of the school environment while also providing input for school improvement plans. It gives respondents a direct way to provide feedback on their school experience.
Dr. Looney encouraged parents and employees to take the survey through the school-specific link each principal will share with their community. Participation is anonymous, and responses help ensure schools are safe, welcoming, and effective learning environments. The survey closes March 31.
Fulton County Schools Police K-9 Units. School Police Chief Mark Sulborski introduced the three newest members of the department and their handlers, adding that the 18-month-old labrador retrievers are well trained in firearms detection. The K-9s will soon begin visiting schools, enhancing safety measures while also teaching students how police dogs protect and help others.
We look forward to seeing Officer Broderick Cleveland and K-9 Delilah, Officer Jerry Robinson and K-9 Ducky, and Sergeant Sean Hanse and K-9 Ernie in our schools.
Division Update: Financial Services
Chief Financial Officer Marvin Dereef provided an update on the Financial Services Division, emphasizing its commitment to fiscal integrity, student success, and transparent financial management.
Aligned with the district’s mission, the division supports students through mentorship programs, scholarships, and internships while strategically increasing grant funding and reducing costs.
The presentation also highlighted how the division supports all staff, schools, and community.
Mr. Dereef discussed how key revenue funding of the General Fund budget comes from state and local sources. Additionally, the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST), approved by Fulton County voters, remains a major contributor to Capital Plan funding.
Notable financial achievements include funding the Fulton County Schools Employee Pension Plan at 95.1% and earning awards for excellence in financial reporting, budgeting, and contracting. Click here to see the full presentation. Click here to view the financial reports mentioned in the update.
School Closure/Consolidation/Redistricting
The School Board held public hearings to receive input on the proposed closure of Parklane Elementary School in East Point, Spalding Drive Elementary School in Sandy Springs, and the current Conley Hills Elementary School building in East Point. Parklane and Spalding Drive face closure due to low enrollment and aging facility conditions while Conley Hills’ existing building must be legally decommissioned/closed to open its replacement building. A second series of public hearings will be held February 20 at the South Learning Center beginning at 6 p.m. Afterward, the School Board will decide whether to close the schools and implement the redistricting plan that reassigns students to nearby schools.
Pre-Work Session
The Fulton County Board of Education’s pre-work session is a public meeting that takes place before each monthly work session. It is an opportunity for the School Board to receive policy drafts, provide feedback, review 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 Recognitions
Each month, the School 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:
- Milton High School Football Team Wins the State Football Championship
- Sandtown Middle School Beta Club Students Win First Place at the Georgia Junior Beta Club State Convention
New Hires & Promotions
The following individuals were approved for a new position at the Board meeting:
- Dea Kunovac | Director, CTAE
- Jacqueline Smith | Director, Human Resources
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.
