FCS Community Update for July 20, 2022

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July 19, 2022, Post-Meeting Update

The Fulton County School Board met on Tuesday, July 19, for a special called Board meeting at the South Learning Center. The following are highlights of some of the more highly discussed topics, with the full agenda available online. Other topics discussed or approved are available via BoardDocs. Summaries of Board actions can be found here and Board policy updates can be found here. Additionally, see new hires and promotions for July and a special offer for discounted Atlanta United tickets.

Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Mike Looney began his remarks by thanking the Board for giving him the authority to develop a plan to spend up to $6 million additional dollars on school safety. The district is reinforcing, clarifying and reviewing safety plans across the district and on all campuses to continue preparing for the new school year, while working in unison with local law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of our students.

As the new school year starts, Dr. Looney also reinforced that FCS is still hiring staff. Currently, there are significant vacancies for bus drivers. If you have a license to drive a car, pass a background check and complete an interview, the district will pay for your training to become a certified bus driver.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Looney stressed the direct correlation between attendance and academic achievement while emphasizing the importance of regular attendance.

Graduation Requirements Policy Changes

The Board approved a new policy for graduation requirements with minor adjustments for students entering 9th grade in 2022 and beyond. Please click here for more details.

Complaint Resolution Process

Fulton County Schools is committed to transparency with long-standing procedures for public access to the curriculum by stakeholders. The Board took action to update FCS policies required by several House bills that passed during the 2022 Legislative Session at the Georgia General Assembly. In 2020, the Board adopted a Bill of Rights for parents, students, and teachers which is included in the policy updates. The policy changes made at the board meeting reflect the specific requirements created by the new legislation, which also include a specific complaint resolution process from the Georgia Department of Education.

See the policy changes here:

Board Policy KD (1) Parent Expectations and Responsibilities

Board Policy KNB Protect Students First Act

Operating Guideline KNB Protect Students First Act

Substitute Salary Changes

The district continues to pay the maximum rate allowed for substitute teachers. On June 7, 2022, when the Board adopted the FY2023 salary schedules, the substitute salary schedule was set at $193 per day for substitute teachers and $220 per day for substitute teachers on long- term assignment. Since the vote, the Teacher Retirement Services (TRS) department was informed the rates exceeded the allowable rate for retirees seeking substitute roles. To stay in compliance with TRS rules, FCS is not allowed to differentiate the rate for active and retirees who do the same duties. Therefore, the district has amended the salary scale to reflect the FY2022 rate of $175 per day for substitutes and $190 per day for substitutes on long-term assignment.

Congratulations! New Hires & Promotions for July 2022

Martin Neuhaus | New Principal of Northview High School
Heather Rucker | New Principal of Northwood Elementary School

Atlanta United Tickets Special Offer

Fulton County Schools has secured discounted ATL UTD tickets for Saturday, August 6. All FCS employees, students, family, and friends can save up to 30% off tickets plus reduced fees. Five dollars from every ticket will also go back to support the Fulton Education Foundation. Click https://fevo.me/fcs22  and enter promo code FULTON22 to purchase. Offer expires August 1, or until tickets are sold out. For questions or interest in purchasing 10+ tickets, please contact Robert.Wofford@atlutd.com.