Board Bulletin for 4/17/2026

 

The Fulton County Board of Education met on Thursday, April 23, 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

Dr. Mike Looney recognized Administrative Professionals Day, which was on April 22, expressing his appreciation for the dedicated support staff across our district. He noted that the district is grateful for the essential role they play in supporting students, educators, and leaders, and thanked them for all they do to keep Fulton County Schools running smoothly.

FY2027 General Fund Budget Presentation

Chief Financial Officer Marvin Dereef presented the Superintendent’s FY2027 Budget, developed through extensive collaboration and guided by the district’s values of teamwork, integrity, and accountability. The budget responds to rising benefit costs, enrollment declines, increased special education needs, and federal funding uncertainty, which together initially created a projected $90–$95 million budget gap.

However, due to the G.L.I.D.E. efforts initiated and implemented over the past nine months that have created savings and reduced costs, the recommended budget is anticipated to only need $58.7 million from the fund balance, leaving a 15% balance that maintains strong reserves.  The total budget will be approximately $1.85 billion in revenue and $2.31 billion in expenditures.

Focusing on instruction, approximately 79% of General Fund resources are allocated directly to schools.

While state funding remains relatively flat and local revenue projections show a slight decline, Mr. Dereef reported the budget includes conservative assumptions that will be refined as more accurate data becomes available.

Overall, the proposed budget reflects a disciplined approach that maintains financial stability today while preserving flexibility for future investment. The proposed budget will remain tentative until the final expected vote by the Board in June.

Chief Human Resources Officer Dr. Gonzalo La Cava then presented the FY2027 compensation recommendations, saying that over the past five years, the district has implemented repeated salary increases, step advancements, and targeted one-time payments, resulting in a cumulative salary increase of more than 19%.

These investments have contributed to strong workforce outcomes, including high retention and vacancy fill rates, with strength in late-career salary steps that support the retention of experienced educators. The district’s workforce remains stable and experienced, with more than half of teachers on the master’s scale and many in mid-career steps.

Dr. La Cava concluded with recommendations to maintain current salary schedules, provide a mid-year step increase, continue the Level Up Fulton initiative at a reduced cost, and implement a one-day furlough to balance continued investment with fiscal responsibility.

FCS remains competitive in the metro market and has made consistent, meaningful investments in its workforce while entering a period requiring strategic restraint. The FY2027 plan supports workforce stability, continues to reward employee experience, and preserves financial sustainability while positioning the district for future investment opportunities. See the full presentation here. Please visit the district’s Budget Services website for comprehensive budget information and to review presentations made throughout the year.

Naming Elementary School Recommendations

The Board is requested to consider renaming the replacement school for S. L. Lewis Elementary. A Naming Committee, established in accordance with Board Policy FDC-Naming of Facilities, met on February 5 and February 12, 2026, to review and recommend options. The committee recommends Ella Baker Elementary School for Board consideration.

2026-27 Closure of Independence High School Instructional Facility

On December 18, 2025, the Board approved the 2026–27 School Allotment Guidelines, which include the elimination of the Independence High School program as part of the district’s G.L.I.D.E. strategy and FY2027 budget planning. As a result, Independence High School will close for instructional purposes at the end of the current school year, with students transitioning to their home schools for 2026–27. The Board held the first of two required public hearings at this meeting, with the second scheduled for May 5, 2026.

Board Policy Update

The following policies were approved by the Board:

Board Policy IC Curriculum Development

This policy ensures all students have access to a consistent, high-quality, district-adopted curriculum and clearly outlines how instructional and supplemental materials are selected, approved, and used in schools. It also increases transparency by requiring district-approved curriculum resources, approved supplemental materials, and textbooks to be publicly listed on the district website.

Board Policy ICFA Curriculum Guides and Course Outlines

The policy clarifies curriculum-related terms, aligns with Policy IC, and outlines when and how curriculum guides and course maps will be shared with families. It also ensures that course syllabi are available to parents and students in grades 6–12.

The following policies were also rescinded since they are now covered in other policies

• Board Policy IFAB Supplemental Materials Selection and Adoption
• Board Policy IKB Controversial Issues
• Board Policy IFC Community Instructional Resources
• Board Policy KI Free Materials Distribution in Schools

In addition, seven different exhibits will be added to Simbli to help stakeholders understand some of the more complex policies.

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:    

• Chattahoochee High School Beta Club has been selected as a 2025-2026 recipient of the John W. Harris Leadership Award.

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.