Board Bulletin for 12/19/2025

 

The Fulton County Board of Education met on Thursday, December 18, 2025, for its regularly scheduled School Board meeting at the South 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

Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney reported that he had the opportunity to visit five Fulton County schools on Thursday and was encouraged by the excellent work taking place in each building. The positive learning environments are a direct result of our outstanding students, dedicated employees, and strong leadership at every level. He also extended his sincere appreciation to school leaders and support staff for their continued commitment and hard work.

2026-2027 School Allotment Guidelines Approved

Chief Financial Officer Marvin Dereef presented the proposed adjustments to the School Allotment Guidelines (SAG), which were first introduced in November with an updated recommendation provided at the Board’s December 9 work session. These guidelines provide the framework for developing school level budgets and play a critical role in aligning resources with student needs as the district prepares for Fiscal Year 2027.

Mr. Dereef walked the Board through each recommended adjustment, providing context tied to current economic conditions, enrollment trends, and the district’s responsibility to use taxpayer dollars wisely. Board members engaged in a thoughtful discussion, raising questions, and sharing concerns about the recommendations. Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney and district staff responded with additional information and clarification during the discussion. The Board then voted to approve the final recommendation.

The approved guidelines reflect a continued focus on transparency, strategic alignment, and responsible stewardship, while maintaining the district’s priority on supporting students and classrooms during a challenging budget environment.

Click here to see the approved School Allotment Guidelines.

With Board approval complete, school principals and leaders will now begin developing their budgets for the next school year, including staffing and program decisions. At the same time, the district will formally begin its budget development process in January. This process will include public hearings, financial updates, and additional opportunities for community engagement throughout the spring. Final adoption of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget is anticipated in June 2026.

We encourage employees and community members to follow the process and share feedback along the way.

2027-2028 Instructional Calendar

The Board approved the 2027-2028 student instructional calendar, which aims to honor the instructional calendar parameters voted on by the Board in October 2025. This calendar displays the days students in school receive instruction and the days they are off school during the 2026-2027 school year. The following list highlights the instructional calendar:

• 180 Total Instructional Days (S1:88, S2:92) 
• 86% Full Week of Uninterrupted Instruction 
• First Day for Students is Monday, August 2, 2027 
• Full Fall Break for Students in September  
• Full Two-Week December Break 
• Full Week Break in February  
• Full Week Spring Break in April
• Last Day for Students is May 25, 2028 

Click here to see the instructional calendar.

2026-27 Closure of Mary M. Bethune Elementary Instructional Facility

After the first of two public hearings, the Board accepted the district’s recommendation for first read to discontinue the usage of Mary M. Bethune Elementary School for educational purposes and transition students to the new S.L. Lewis Elementary replacement school at the start of the 2026–27 school year. A second public hearing is scheduled for January 13, 2026, to provide the community with an opportunity to share input and comments regarding the proposed closure of the school.  The Board is expected to take final action in January after the public hearings.

Policy Update

The following policy was approved at the Board meeting with the changes listed below:

Board Policy IHF: Graduation Requirements

• Expanded the definitions section for clarity and consistency
• Updated titles of diploma types and associated seals to reflect official state naming conventions
• Includes a new section to define and describe the four recognized graduation pathways:
  • Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) Pathway
  • Academic Pathway
  • Advanced Academic Pathway
  • Academic Career Pathway
• Set guidelines for virtual enrollment, limiting students to three courses per semester, prioritizing Fulton Virtual options, and requiring grades to be included on transcripts

Annual Comprehensive Financial Report

The Board accepted the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, the Annual Financial Report of the Fulton County Employees’ Pension Trust Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, and the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) 8 Performance Audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. Click here to see the report, which includes artwork from several talented Fulton County students.

New Hires & Promotions

The following individual was approved for a new position at the Board meeting:

• Marcquez Haley | Principal, Woodland Elementary School

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 School Nutrition department team received the Healthy Meals Incentive (HMI) Recognition Award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for their Innovation in the Preparation of School Meals. The department was also honored with the Georgia Farm to School Award for 2024-2025. 

2026-27 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.