Board Bulletin for 1/14/2026
The Fulton County Board of Education met on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 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. Meetings are streamed live on the FCS homepage, with recordings available within 48 hours.
Superintendent’s Report
As we begin the new year and step into the second semester, we have reached the midpoint of our school year, which is a perfect time to refocus and move forward with purpose. During his report, Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney encouraged students and staff to lean in, work together, and make these next months our strongest yet.
Election of Board Vice President
The school board holds elections for Board officers each January. At the meeting, District 3 Board member Katie Gregory was unanimously elected as board vice president. The position is a one-year term. Board President Kristin McCabe will continue serving in the second year of her two-year term.
State of Independent Charters
Andrea Cooper Gatewood, the district’s director of charter schools, provided an update on the independent charter schools as part of the Board management oversight process. Fulton County Schools’ (FCS) charter sector serves approximately 3,925 students across seven schools, representing about 5% of district enrollment. These schools offer a range of innovative instructional models, from project-based learning to career and technical education and continue to play an important role in expanding educational options for families.
The district’s charter sector offers families innovative educational options across seven schools, each with a unique approach to learning. From Amana Academy’s project-based EL Education model and Chattahoochee Hills’ focus on arts, agriculture, and environmental education, to Fulton Academy of Science and Technology’s (FAST) STEM emphasis and The Main Street Academy’s STEAM-driven instruction, these schools provide diverse pathways for student success. KIPP South Fulton Academy supports underserved communities with strong growth programs and alumni support, while Hapeville Charter Career Academy prepares students for college and careers through career-focused pathways. Skyview High School serves high-needs students with a mission centered on re-engagement and credit recovery, ensuring every graduation represents a life-changing achievement. Together, these schools reflect a commitment to innovation, accountability, and excellence in education.
The charter sector continues to deliver innovative programs for Fulton County families. Renewal discussions for FAST and Chattahoochee Hills will prioritize strategies for academic growth and sustain financial and operational excellence, ensuring these schools remain vital contributors to the district’s educational landscape.
2026–27 Closure of Mary M. Bethune Elementary Instructional Facility
Following two public hearings, the Board approved the closure of Mary M. Bethune Elementary School for instructional purposes at the end of the 2025–26 school year. Students will transition to a replacement facility built on the site of the former S.L. Lewis Elementary School beginning in August 2026.
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 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:
- The Westlake High School Marching Lions were crowned the ESPN Red Lobster High School Band of the Year
- Creekside High School are Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Sports Class 4A State Football Champions
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.
