Board Bulletin for 12/20/2024

 

The Fulton County Board of Education met on Thursday, December 19, 2024, for its regularly scheduled work session at the South Learning Center. The full agenda is available online via BoardDocs. Meetings are streamed live on the FCS homepage, with recordings available within 48 hours.

Dr. Looney Named Georgia Superintendent of the Year

Board President Kimberly Dove announced during her comments that Dr. Mike Looney has been named Superintendent of the Year by the Georgia School Boards Association and the Georgia School Superintendents Association. This prestigious recognition is a testament to his unwavering commitment, vision, and leadership within our district. Dr. Looney thanked the Board for nominating him for the honor, saying it is a ‘team award,’ and congratulating all the team members who make Fulton County Schools so special for students.

Swearing In Ceremony

The Hon. Eric Dunaway of Fulton County Superior Court officiated the swearing-in of Katie Gregory, who has represented District 3 since 2022, to serve a four-year term on the Board beginning on January 1, 2025. The Hon. Njeri B. Maldonado of Atlanta Immigration Court officiated the swearing-in of Franchesca Warren, who has represented District 4 since 2021, to serve a four-year term beginning on January 1, 2025.

Legislative Update

Chief Communications Officer Brian Noyes presented information about the upcoming 2025 Georgia General Assembly. He began by recapping the 2024 legislative priorities established by the Board and key bills passed last year. He then reviewed topics being considered as potential priorities for the upcoming legislative session, including school safety, mental health, funding, local control, and literacy. See the full presentation here.

School Allotment Guidelines (SAG)

Each fiscal year as directed by the Board, FCS develops allotment formulas and guidelines for all schools within the district. School-based budget outputs are based on these allotment guidelines, which are developed with principal input. The Board approved the proposed school allotments and guidelines as presented, while deferring allocations to schools for IB, 3DE, and magnet programs until the Board finalizes and approves a revised magnet formula at the January 2025 Board meeting. See the school allotment guidelines for fiscal year 2026 here.

Instructional Calendar for 2026-2027 Approved

At the meeting, the Board approved the 2026-2027 instructional calendar.  This calendar was developed in partnership with staff and members of the calendar committee. Features of this calendar include the following: 

• 179 Total Instructional Days (S1: 88, S2: 91) 

• Pre-Planning begins on July 27, 2026 

• First day for students is Monday, August 3, 2026 

• Full Fall Break for students and Mid-Break for staff in September 

• Full Winter Break for students and Mid-Break for staff in February 

• 11 Professional Development and Teacher Workdays (includes pre-and post-planning) 

• Last say for students is May 27, 2027 

Click here to see the calendar. 

FY2026 Budget Parameters

The Board approved the following budget parameters for fiscal year 2025-2026, providing essential guidance to finance staff in crafting the proposed annual budget. Along with the approval of the School Allotment Guidelines, this marks the official kickoff of the multi-month budget development process, culminating in final board approval in June. 

• Seek alternative funding sources 

• Continue to maximize revenue from State QBE via improving FTE count coding 

• Allocate at least 75% of the General Fund to schools 

• Identify opportunities for cost efficiencies 

• Maintain a competitive compensation structure 

• To the extent possible, remain revenue neutral as defined by the tax rollback form 

• Maintain at least two months of fund balance 

• Continue with a transparent Modified Zero-based budgeting process 

• Continue to demonstrate sustainability related to budget recommendations 

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, and 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 pre-work session include: 

• Program evaluation update: PEAK 

• Board Policy JBFB Work-Based Programs 

• Board Policy JQK Foreign Exchange Students 

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.     

• Congratulations to the Fulton County Schools budget and grant services department for receiving the Meritorious Budget Award (MBA) for fiscal year 2024-2025 from the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO). 

2024-25 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.