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Board Bulletin for 9/19/2025

Board Bulletin for 9/19/2025
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The Fulton County Board of Education met on Thursday, September 18, 2025, 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 Update

During his report, Dr. Mike Looney noted that from September 15 to October 15, we proudly celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month – a time to honor the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. This month is an opportunity for our schools and communities to learn, reflect, and celebrate the diversity that strengthens Fulton County Schools.

Also, Dr. Looney encouraged everyone to see and hear the state’s most talented musicians at an upcoming school marching band competition. It is scheduled for Saturday, September 20, at Milton High School.

Board Policy Update

The Board of Education approved the following 10 policies and reviewed two regulation changes this month.

Policy BCAE: Public Hearings 

  • Defines hearings as structured opportunities for input only, without Board response. 
  • Establishes notice and logistical requirements.  
  • Outlines that public hearings will have 10 speaker slots, three minutes per speaker, a 30-minute total duration, and that speakers are heard on a first-come basis via sign-in; no advance sign-up is permitted. 
  • Clarifies speaker requirements: name, address, district connection (with private address option). 
  • Sets clear expectations for respectful conduct. 

Policy BCBI: Public Participation in Board Meetings 

  • Clarified the purpose of public comment. 
  • Adds students and parents/guardians to the list of stakeholders who may address the Board. 
  • Increases available slots (10 per meeting; 7 advance sign-ups) 
  • Introduces electronic sign-up using the Board Services website 
  • Reinforces respectful conduct; limits on personnel/student matters 

Policy IAA: Academic Freedom 

  • Updated to comply with Senate Bill 212. 
  • Clarifies that employees may not organize, direct, or facilitate student participation in campaigning or electioneering activities. 

Policy IDFA: Equity in Sports 

  • Updated to comply with the Georgia’s Riley Gaines Act of 2025. 
  • Moved Equity Compliance Coordinator contact information into policy. 
  • Adds reference to the FCS Athletic Handbook. 

Regulation DFA-R: Gender Equity in Sports (Rescind) 

  • Regulation IDFA was presented for rescission.  
  • Board Policy IDFA (above) will now cover these topics. 

Policy JAA: Equal Educational Opportunities 

  • Streamlined and aligned with the law. 
  • Refers stakeholders to the district’s Title IX website for up-to-date contact information. 

Policy JBC: School Admissions 

  • Updated to comply with HB 268 (House Safety Bill). 
  • Adds rules for provisional enrollment of transfer students (up to 10 days) while awaiting critical records. 
  • Defines “critical records” (transcripts, attendance, discipline, IEPs, etc.). 
  • Clarifies proof of residency if a home is owned outright. 

Policy JBCD: Transfer and Withdrawals 

  • Updated to comply with HB 268 (House Safety Bill). 
  • Requires transfer of student records within 3 business days. 
  • Includes that disciplinary/criminal history must be shared when transferring records. 
  • Parents must be notified when records are received and may request a copy within five business days.

Policy JGJA: Suicide Prevention 

  • Updated to comply with HB 268 (House Safety Bill). 
  • Makes existing suicide prevention practices explicit in policy. 
  • Requires by 2026-2027, at least one hour of explicit youth violence prevention training for grades 6-12. 

Policy JR: Student Records 

  • Updated to comply with House Bill 268 and Senate Bill 212. 
  • Records must be transferred within three business days. 
  • Prohibits disclosure of student directory information to candidates, campaigns, political action committees, or political organizations. 

Policy KCB: Community Involvement in Decision Making 

  • Updated to comply with HB 268 (House Safety Bill). 
  • Requires annual Board review of this policy. 

Regulation BRI-R: Professional Personnel Personal Leaves and Absences 

  • Clarified leave sequence for maternity, paternity, and adoption. Employees must first use Paid Parental Leave (if eligible) before applying accumulated sick/personal leave for related absences. 
  • Added provisions for organ donation leave in compliance with O.C.G.A. § 20-1-1 

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:    
 

  • Fulton County Schools’ Student Support Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Team Named 2025 Student Support Team Association for Georgia Educators (SSTAGE) STAR Award Recipient  
  • Fulton County Schools’ Contracting Department Honored with the 2025 Achievement of Excellence in Procurement (AEP) Award by the National Procurement Institute (NPI) 

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.

 

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