Superintendent’s Report
November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month. Dr. Mike Looney noted that Fulton County Schools (FCS) currently has 1,248 students who are identified as being in housing transition. He noted that these students and their families are supported by FCS school-based liaisons and school social workers.
FCS Math and Literacy Leaders
Chief Academic Officer Brannon Gaskins shared two celebrations of academic achievement beginning with the district schools being recognized as both literacy and math leaders. The distinction was bestowed upon the district by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE), which recognized 26 schools as Literacy Leader schools and 30 schools as Math Leader schools. Fulton County had the third most schools identified as Math Leaders in the state. Eight schools have been identified as having the distinction of being both Math and Literacy Leaders. Click here to see the full report and which schools were recognized.
SAT/ACT Results
Mr. Gaskins also proudly highlighted that FCS students have exceeded the state and national ACT composite scores for the eighth year. The average composite score on the ACT for Fulton students in the class of 2024 was 21.9. The average composite score for Georgia is 21.2 while the average composite score for all students in the nation is 19.4. Fulton County not only led the state in ACT scores but also had the highest number of test takers, with 3,891 students participating. This represents 15.6% of the total number of test takers in Georgia, emphasizing the district’s commitment to academic excellence and college readiness.
Additionally, FCS students have consistently outperformed their peers on the SAT, surpassing both state and national averages for the eighth consecutive year. The mean score for FCS students stood at 1063, which is 33 points above the state average and 68 points higher than the national average. FCS also saw an increase in SAT participation. Click here for more detailed information.
Property Tax Referendum Update
Chief Communications Officer Brian Noyes and Chief Financial Officer Marvin Dereef provided the Board an update on the recent passage of Georgia Amendment 1, a referendum that introduced a statewide "Local Option Homestead Property Tax Exemption," effective January 1, 2025. This new exemption, approved by voters on November 5, 2024, could impact property tax calculations for school districts and local municipalities across Georgia.
Fulton County taxpayers have already benefited from a 3% cap on property tax increases since 2016, positioning Fulton County Schools differently compared to neighboring districts that did not previously have a similar tax cap.
Mr. Dereef detailed how this amendment could affect district revenues, highlighting both the advantages and potential revenue deficits FCS could face, noting the district is already operating under revenue constraints. Mr. Dereef also addressed how variable assessment by the tax commissioner could introduce uncertainty, potentially leading to protested tax bills, delayed payments, and cash-flow concerns. A more comprehensive cost analysis will be provided in the coming months.
Mr. Noyes concluded the presentation by outlining the process for opting out of the tax cap if the Board should choose to do so. Each local jurisdiction has only one opportunity to take this action and must follow a process involving three public hearings and a formal vote, with a deadline for submitting a resolution to the state by March 1, 2025.
Superintendent's Contract Amendment
The Board voted unanimously to extend Dr. Mike Looney’s contract for another year through 2027.
Division Update: Human Resources
In a detailed presentation, Chief Human Relations Officer Dr. Gonzalo LaCava brought forth the annual plan for the Human Resources Division, noting throughout how the division exceptionally meets the goals of the district’s Strategic Plan.
He began by reviewing data from the Balanced Scorecard, which shows that FCS continues to hire employees at a very high rate, explaining that for the last two years, the district has averaged 98% filled vacancies. One data point of which FCS is particularly proud is its retention rate, which currently sits at 87%. This rate is above the industry standard of 84%. Another area where the division has made huge strides is around its priority schools. Two years ago, the fill rate was in the low 80s and today that fill rate is at 97%.
Furthermore, the amount of time to hire staff continues to be 10 days or less, which has improved dramatically from 37 days. This has been important in making sure that all students are assigned a teacher at the beginning of the year. Finally, Dr. LaCava is particularly proud of the division’s 78% customer service rate, which has improved from the low 50s, further illustrating how customer service is at the forefront of the division. A recent assessment provided Human Resources with a powerful roadmap toward performance excellence, finding that the division excels in two areas of strength --visionary leadership and valuing people.
Continuing the presentation, Executive Director of Recruitment, Retention, and Strategy Liz Young discussed enhancing student performance by recruiting and developing high-quality talent, sharing the significant strides made in recruitment and retention efforts over the past year. This includes shifting recruitment efforts online to increase candidate reach and allowing schools to hire earlier. These combined efforts have resulted in a 99% staff instructional fill rate at the start of the school year for the second consecutive year.
Next, Executive Director of Professional Learning and Leadership Development (PLLD) Dr. Brian Keefer provided insight into strengthening employee engagement through diverse, high-quality learning experiences that support career growth via Level Up Fulton. This unique program is a three-tiered, optional, incentive-based program designed to demonstrate the district’s dedication to the professional growth of all employees and increase recruitment and retention efforts.
Finally, Deputy Chief of Human Resources Officer Dr. Eric Hollinhead discussed the effect of ensuring impactful programming by establishing a Leadership Academy to shape the future of public education. The Fulton County Leadership Academy, consisting of all leadership development programs for current and aspiring leaders, is led by the PLLD department. In addition to Level Up Fulton, programs include the New Principals Program, the Aspiring Principals Program, New Assistant Principals Program, Aspiring Assistant Principals Program, and Aspiring Instructional Coaches Program. Click here to see the full presentation.
Pre-Work Session
The Fulton County School System's pre-work session is a public meeting that takes place before each monthly work session. The session is an opportunity for the board to receive policy drafts, provide feedback, and 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 pre-work session include:
New Hires & Promotions
The following individual was approved for a new position at the Board meeting:
- Jill Osmerg | Principal, Abbotts Hill Elementary School
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.
- Thomas Bussey, a fifth-grade English/Language Arts teacher at Hapeville Elementary School, was recognized as a Curriculum Associates Extraordinary Educator by the Georgia Department of Education.
- Scottie McKinzie, a foreman for Bus Transportation North, was selected as a 2024 Garage Star by School Transportation News (STN). This prestigious recognition honors fleet management professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership skills in their bus garages and the local community.
2024-25 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.
