The Fulton County Board of Education met on May 5 for its regular School Board meeting at the North Learning Center, where members discussed property plans, strategic initiatives, and budget matters.
The meeting addressed several important topics that impact students, staff, and the broader community. These included updates to the district’s strategic plan execution, progress in Zone 2 schools, upcoming capital investments through Capital Plan 2032, and public engagement opportunities regarding school policies and budgeting.
Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney recognized the Superintendent’s Advisory Council as an outstanding group of students “who are tenacious, intelligent, and talented,” emphasizing their advocacy for themselves and their peers. Looney also announced that a disposition of property plan will be presented in June to address buildings no longer needed by the district. Properties under consideration include former schools such as Conley Hills Elementary School and Independence High School. The plan will outline options like selling or repurposing these sites.
Dr. Joe Phillips, Chief Strategy and Technology Officer for the district, reported on efforts to align strategy with operations by integrating data systems, artificial intelligence tools, security enhancements, and infrastructure upgrades into a unified division focused on student performance. Phillips said improvements will simplify processes across the system: “Key changes include clearer distinctions between priorities, goals, and metrics… allowing teams to focus only where they have the greatest impact rather than forcing alignment.” The aim is to strengthen implementation while reducing complexity.
Zone 2 Superintendent Dr. Jason Stamper shared that despite economic challenges facing many families in Zone 2 schools, there has been steady growth in academics and attendance thanks to leadership collaboration across academics, arts programs such as STEM initiatives (science technology engineering mathematics), AVID pathways (Advancement Via Individual Determination), career technical education (CTAE), Promise Career Institute opportunities for real-world learning experiences—all contributing toward college- or career-readiness after graduation.
Chief Operations Officer Noel Maloof outlined safety measures within Capital Plan 2032 including surveillance systems upgrades; transportation plans involving new buses—including those equipped for special needs—and continued use of propane/clean diesel vehicles; plus equipment replacements supporting instruction throughout all campuses. Chief Financial Officer Marvin Dereef estimated costs at $1.27 billion—$713 million allocated for construction projects like school replacements/renovations; $300 million set aside for technology devices/networks/safety; $260 million reserved for textbooks/furniture/program reserves—with ESPLOST sales tax recommended as primary funding source over bonds or millage increases due to lower taxpayer impact.
The closure of Independence High School’s instructional facility was confirmed following earlier board approval tied to FY2027 budget planning—students will transition back to home schools next year under this decision made after two public hearings.
Public engagement remains a priority: residents can participate in upcoming budget hearings (the next scheduled May 12) or attend virtual Policy Open Hours about proposed policy changes covering accounting practices/elections/community involvement/out-of-district tuition rules.
Board recognitions during this session included student winners from Northview High School’s Cybersecurity Awareness Poster Contest; Johns Creek High CTAE finalists in Samsung’s Solve For Tomorrow competition; Fulton County Schools’ College & Career Academy winning Georgia’s Aviation Challenge three years running; Aurora Theatre Internship recipient Ava Kassebaum at Shuler Awards; Tri-Cities music teacher Tarik Rowland winning Best Music Direction award; FCS nutrition staff honored by Georgia School Nutrition Association.
