Board Bulletin for 6/20/2025

The Fulton County Board of Education met Wednesday, June 18, 2025, for its regularly scheduled Board Meeting at the South 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

Long-Term Financial Overlook & Strategy (G.L.I.D.E.)

Over the past year, the School Board and district leaders have transparently discussed Fulton County Schools’ budgetary challenges resulting from rising operational costs, declining student enrollment, increased local tax exemptions, and required reductions in state funding through the local fair share formula. The recently approved FY2026 budget was balanced through a combination of measures, including the use of district reserves, reductions to central office budgets, the elimination of unfilled positions, the closure of two aging elementary schools, a modest increase in school meal prices, a review of contracts to eliminate redundancies and secure savings, and a continued evaluation of programs to ensure efficiency and value.

Looking ahead to future budget years that are likely to bring similar pressures, Chief Financial Officer Marvin Dereef presented a long-term financial outlook to the Board. Described as an early warning system, the outlook relies on current data and reasonable projections to identify financial risks before they become urgent. Mr. Dereef’s analysis focused on three areas of concern: a steadily declining beginning fund balance, a projected negative ending fund balance by FY2029, and a fund balance percentage that may drop below the preferred range of 15–20% by the end of FY2027. He emphasized that the outlook is not a prediction of what will happen, but a forecast of what could occur without proactive measures to address the trends. Without action, these conditions could result in future budget shortfalls that may affect staffing levels, classroom services, and core operations.

To help the district navigate these challenges, Mr. Dereef introduced the G.L.I.D.E. strategy, which stands for Growth Opportunities, Lean Operation, Invest in Innovation, Diversify Revenue, and Enhance Efficiency. This framework outlines a path for a cumulative fiscal adjustment of approximately $93 to $95 million over the next five years in order to maintain a healthy fund balance. The strategy is already in motion, with work under way to collect and analyze financial data that will inform the development of a range of potential solutions. Over the next four months, district leaders will refine options to both increase revenue and reduce costs, with a full set of recommendations and supporting materials expected by September 30. These materials will be designed to clearly explain the challenges ahead, the possible trade-offs, and the reasoning behind any proposed actions.

Dr. Looney and members of the Board expressed appreciation for the early financial forecast and voiced support for the G.L.I.D.E. strategy and its goal of reversing the current trends. Mr. Dereef’s full presentation can be viewed here.

Personal Device Use Policy Update 

The School Board adopted updates to Policy IFBGA: Electronic Communications to align with Georgia House Bill 340 (Distraction-Free Education Act) and to promote student well-being and consistent academic environments across all schools. The revised policy establishes clear guidelines for the appropriate use of personal electronic devices in schools, aiming to reduce distractions, improve academic outcomes, and encourage meaningful student interactions.

Effective with the 2025–2026 school year:

• Elementary and middle school students (grades K–8) are prohibited from accessing personal electronic devices during the school day.
• High school students (grades 9–12) are prohibited from accessing personal electronic devices during instructional time.

The revised policy also expands the definition of a personal electronic device to include any portable device that transmits, receives, or accesses communication, data, or media – such as smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops, and similar technologies.

Additionally, the update outlines consequences for misuse of electronic devices, including the recording or sharing of inappropriate content, bullying, or harassment. These consequences are aligned with the FCS Student Code of Conduct.

Dual Language Immersion (DLI) 

The Board voted to discontinue the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program at Lake Forest and Mimosa elementary schools due to ongoing challenges related to communication barriers, enrollment, staffing, and leadership.

Led by trained teachers certified in their content areas and in English learner instruction, Dual Language Immersion is designed to support academic success and bilingual development in English and a second language. While the program will be discontinued at Lake Forest and Mimosa elementary schools, it continues at Hapeville Elementary School and Elkins Pointe, Haynes Bridge, Paul D. West, and Ridgeview middle schools; however, the district will closely examine student performance data, enrollment patterns, and attrition trends to determine the long-term viability of the DLI program at those sites. A recommendation for the 2026–2027 school year will be brought forward at a later date.

Revision to Board Meeting Calendar 

Changes were made to the 2025-2026 School Board meeting calendar.

• The August Board Meeting was changed to Tuesday, August 19.
• The September Board Work Session was changed to Wednesday, September 10. 

Click here to see the revised 2025-2026 Board Meeting Calendar. 

New Hires & Promotions

The following individuals were approved for a new position at the Board meeting:

• Darrell Stephens | Principal, Langston Hughes High School
• Monica Roberts | Principal, Sandtown Middle School
• Laura Butler | Principal, Crabapple Crossing Elementary School
• Flandecia Richards-Boyles | Director, Technology Support

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:  

• North Springs High School’s Modern Music Masters (Tri-M) honor society has been named the 2024-2025 Tri-M National Chapter of the Year by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and the Music Honor Society Advisory Council.