The Fulton County Board of Education met for their monthly board meeting at 6 p.m. on Jan. 20, 2022.

• District 5 Board Member Linda McCain announces that River Trail Middle School is hosting a International Academic Competition. She also congratulated Johns Creek High School for getting 28 people into GMEA All-state, the most in the state.

• Alpharetta Highschool had 19 students selected.

• Board Vice President and District 6 Board Member Kimberly Dove reminds everyone to check out the textbooks on display in schools.

• Board President and District 7 Board Member Julia Bernath speaks on district wide spelling bee on Friday.

• Chief Communications Officer Brian Noyes plays a film on Sesquicentennial Anniversary recognizing the former members and history of the Fulton County Board of Education.

• Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney had conversations with the Department of Education with regards to attendance, virtual learning, and discipline. He says that parents should speak with their children to prevent student disruptions that impact the safety of students and staff members.

• Supt. Dr. Looney talks about the struggle of knowing how much funding FCS will receive and is able to spend.

• Supt. Dr. Looney says that the COVID-19 data is looking better. Masks will be optional next week. On Monday, parents will only need to report positive COVID-19 cases in the parent portal.

• Chief Financial Officer Marvin Dereef announces the governor’s budget proposal FY 2022-2023. He shows the new budget in a Powerpoint.

Graphics courtesy of Fulton County Schools

• Dereef reminds the general public that this is the governor's budget proposal not Fulton County’s budget proposal. Supt. Dr. Looney releases his budget proposal in April.

• Chief Financial Officer Marvin Dereef is unsure if bus drivers are included in this budget. FY 23 is the permanent budget while FY22 was temporary.

• Dr. Gyimah Whitaker and Dr. Emily Bell give their presentation on the FCS Bridge Plan and expanding SAFE centers.

Graphics courtesy of Fulton County Schools

• Board Vice President and District 6 Board Member Kimberly Dove asks how they can afford to expand this program. Supt. Dr. Looney says that they will use the remainder of the budget to expand this program.

• District 5 Board Member Linda McCain asks about the differences between the former centers and this design. Whitaker says that the Department of Education is adding quiet space for families within these centers.

• District 2 Board Member Katie Reeves questions the cost of a center and what kind of space requirements are there. She also asks comments about how working with others will help with sustainability in SAFE centers.

• District 3 Board Member Gail Dean talks on her passion for these centers and how hopeful she is on expansion.

• Board Vice President and District 6 Board Member Kimberly Dove emphasizes the strength of community partnerships with the SAFE centers.

• Dr. Emily Bell discusses LETRs program that was rolled out to K-5 teachers. More information was published on the FCS Bridge to Success website.

• District 2 Board Member Katie Reeves questions Supt. Dr. Looney on the budget. Supt Dr. Looney said he does not have an answer at this time due to confusion between the state and federal government.

• Angela R. Young speaks on Electrical Repair Services the board votes all in favor.

• Chief Financial Officer Marvin Dereef says that there are no Proposed Budget Adjustments for January 2022.

• The board unanimously approves the Banking Resolutions.

• The board unanimously approves the Employee Travel Report for January 2022. 

• The board discusses the City of East Point Tax Allocation District.

• District 3 Board Member Gail Dean thanks all of staff for their contributions if it passes.

• District 5 Board Member Linda McCain asks board to consider how the staff does not get paid additional money for the addition work that will come. She asks them to take money from the city instead of from their revenue.

• District 2 Board Member Katie Reeves speaks on how the staff is genuinely trying to help people and agrees with District 5 Board Member Linda McCain.

• Board Vice President and District 6 Board Member Kimberly Dove talks on how they reduced the tax from 100 percent to 50 percent.

• The Board unanimously approves the motion.

• The board unanimously approves the School Allotment Guidelines FY2023.

• The meeting is adjourned