FCBOE Discusses Future Action
At 1:30 p.m. on April 16, the Fulton County Board of Education met to discuss future action during the coronavirus pandemic.
After setting the agenda, Superintendent Mike Looney gives the Superintendent’s report. He notes that as of this morning, there are almost 2,000 cases of COVID-19 in Fulton County and 63 deaths.
Chief Academic Officer Cliff Jones shares the results of a community survey about remote learning. The survey covers the academic experience, what parents needed, and general feedback.
The number one issue reported was confusion and frustration with navigating multiple apps and platforms for online learning. Parents were also concerned that students were being overwhelmed with ‘busywork’.
To remedy the biggest complaints, Fulton County is planning to reroute all communications through Classlink, so everything is in one place and able to be regulated.
Jones notes that what distinguishes remote learning from homeschooling or classroom learning is face-to-face involvement. Parents are often not in a position to help their children. However, parents are doing their best to check in on their children’s work.
Fortunately, need for Internet access or a digital device was not a top concern.
88% of students reported being satisfied with the level of information and assistance their teacher provides.
Preparing to address graduation, Superintendent Mike Looney tells seniors that he wants to do whatever he can to help them without promising something that he can’t deliver.
All Fulton County schools will host a virtual graduation in May. All graduations at external locations/venues will be cancelled and refunded (attempted). After the school year is over, schools may work with separate community organizations to host a type of ceremony.
As previously announced, meal service will change as of April 15.
Updates and highlights on technology distribution were mentioned. More specific information on the slideshow below. A remote service hotline is available for those who may need help requesting devices. New devices have been purchased and are being prepared to be deployed. Hotspots for summer school are being looked for. Devices from students who are leaving will hopefully be collected by graduation.
Collection of end-of-year items (uniforms, textbooks, devices) and distribution of yearbooks and other items are being considered. Plans will be released soon.
Construction projects will continue this summer.
Board members review a draft of the FCS Recovery Planning Guide. Fulton County has started planning for the reopening of schools. A 12-page road map is being considered for guiding the county back into some sort of normalcy.
The meeting comes to an end with discussion on topics in need of action from board members.
