Board Bulletin for 5/7/2025

 

The Fulton County Board of Education met on Thursday, May 6, 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 BoardDocs, which makes the School Board agenda and all supporting documents available online. Meetings are streamed live on the FCS homepage, with recordings available within 48 hours.

Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Mike Looney acknowledged and extended his heartfelt appreciation for several celebrations being recognized this week. May 5-9 is Teacher Appreciation Week; May 7 is School Nurse's Day and May 9 is School Communicators Day.

Disposition of Vacant Properties

Chief Operations Officer Noel Maloof shared recommendations for the disposition of five Fulton County Schools (FCS) properties that will be vacant at the end of the school year. These properties are Bethune, Conley Hills, Parklane and Spalding Drive elementary schools, and the former Westlake High School. Among the examples Mr. Maloof gave for repurposing these buildings, the district is considering bringing the Teaching Museum and district archives - currently at two separate buildings - to a single more central location at Spalding Drive. Additionally, the Operations Division recommends that Parklane be used for regional administrative support such as special needs and homeless services. To see the full presentation click here.

Division Update: Information & Technology (IT)

Chief Technology Officer Dr. Joe Phillips presented the Information & Technology update for the 2024–2025 school year, emphasizing strategic priorities, key initiatives, and efforts to enhance digital learning environments, streamline operations, and support innovation across the district.

Dr. Phillips highlighted the implementation of platforms such as K-12 Insight and Infinite Campus Parent Portal, along with expanded use of Canvas. Key security initiatives include the deployment of Linewize Monitor for online activity monitoring and the establishment of robust safety protocols.

The division upgraded thousands of laptops for teachers, paraprofessionals, staff, and officers, and introduced virtual reality (VR) headsets, Verizon Innovation Labs, and CTAE lab enhancements. Integration of new instructional tools, development of custom applications aligned with district priorities, and provision of over 150 hours of Canvas training and support were also completed.

Dr. Phillips also acknowledged challenges such as cybersecurity threats, resource constraints, fragmented systems, change management processes, and evolving technologies. Strategic planning efforts include developing AI frameworks, enhancing device management, and expanding professional development to prepare teams for future advancements. See the full presentation here.

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 Policy IDD Special Programs: Schools Without Attendance Boundaries
• Board Policy BCBI Public Comment

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:

• Amana Academy student won first place at the 2025 K-12 InVenture Prize Competition
• Autrey Mill Middle School received Music Program of the Year award from the Georgia Music Educators Association
• Aviation Team from Fulton Schools College & Career Academy won first place in the Student Aviation Challenge and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Drone Competition
• Tri-Cities High School boys are the GHSA 5A state basketball 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.