Board Bulletin for 8/21/2026
The Fulton County Board of Education met on Thursday, August 20, 2026, for its regularly scheduled School Board meeting at the South Learning Center. The full agenda is available via Simbli, a website that makes the 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 reported that the administration is evaluating opportunities related to underutilized district buildings in planning Region A (South of the City of Atlanta) and Region C (North of the Chattahoochee River). He indicated that he plans to seek Board permission to engage community stakeholders in discussions to explore potential future uses and partnerships for these facilities.
Tentative Approval of FY2027 Millage Rate
Dr. Looney recommended a tentative millage rate of 18.08 mills, an increase from the current 17.08. He emphasized that the recommendation comes after an extensive districtwide effort to identify savings and efficiencies through the GLIDE initiative, which has generated approximately $50 million in savings.
Dr. Looney also explained that the recommendation comes at a time of significant uncertainty surrounding the county’s property tax process. A difference between the Fulton County Tax Assessor and Tax Commissioner has required legal action through a Temporary Collection Order to force tax bills to be sent. A future delay would have created cash flow challenges for local governments, including FCS, that depend on a predictable property tax revenue stream. The county still does not have a certified tax digest, but the district must move forward with its financial planning and millage rate process.
Against that backdrop, Dr. Looney said the administration believes the proposed millage rate represents the best long-term financial option for the district. The recommendation is intended to protect Fulton County Schools from recurring budget deficits, maintain appropriate reserves, and provide greater financial stability as the district manages uncertainty related to revenues, enrollment, inflation, and other potential costs.
Chief Financial Officer Marvin Dereef provided the Board with the financial analysis supporting the recommendation. District projections show that the proposed rate would allow FCS to maintain reserve levels above the Board’s minimum policy requirement over the next five years. Lower millage rate options would cause reserves to fall below that threshold and require the district to increasingly use savings to cover ongoing operating expenses.
Mr. Dereef also presented the potential impact of the proposed millage rate on homeowners, providing examples based on different home values. To help homeowners better understand how the proposed rate could affect them, FCS has placed a calculator on its website that allows users to estimate the potential change in their school property taxes based on their home value and certain applicable exemptions. Tax Rate Calculator - Fulton County School System
The administration’s recommendation seeks to balance the impact on taxpayers with the need to protect the district’s long term financial stability and ensure FCS can continue supporting its educational programs, employees, and students.
Three public meetings will be held to provide the community with an opportunity to comment on the tentative millage rate before the Board takes final action.
The full presentation can be found here.
Board Policy Update
The following policies were approved this month:
- Board Policy IFBI Artificial Intelligence (AI): The policy sets expectations for using district-approved AI tools to support teaching, learning, and operations while protecting privacy, security, and academic integrity. It also requires human oversight, prohibits inappropriate or harmful uses of AI, and ensures staff remain responsible for decisions and work supported by AI.
- Board Policy IHF Graduation Requirements: The revision removes references to specific graduation cohorts so the policy reflects overarching graduation requirements for all current students. Historical cohort-specific regulations will be archived, reducing duplication and confusion without changing current graduation requirements.
- Board Policy ECG Equipment and Supplies Records: The policy is being rescinded because its content is now addressed in Board Policy DI Accounting and Reporting.
New Hires & Promotions
The following individual was approved for a new position at the Board meeting:
- Lauren Malekebu, Executive Director of Operational Planning
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 recognized at the meeting:
- MaryKay Berry was honored with the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL) Jim Puckett Outstanding Educator Award
- James Tharp was selected as the 2026-2027 National School Air Quality Fellow by the Center for Green Schools
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.
