Friday, July 19, 2002

Chamber looks to play a bigger role in schools

By JOHN THOMPSON
jthompson@TheCitizenNews.com

The South Fulton Chamber of Commerce is urging their members to get more involved with the Fulton County school System.

Education committee chairman Jim Price has been working with the school system's Tracy Gilbert to help make it easier for Chamber members to get involved with local schools.

Gilbert created a flyer that was sent out to members this week showing the different levels of involvement.

Gilbert said businesses should:

Identify a nearby school

Make contact with the school's partner and volunteer coordinator.

Find out the school's need areas.

Share the resources you provide and your expectations of the desired outcomes.

Gilbert said the school system represents a huge operation in the county.

"The Fulton County School System reflects big business, with more than 75 schools, 72,000 students, 8,000 employees, and a half-billion dollar budget. We manage the business of educating children by using a performance measurement tool called The Balanced Scorecard. The Balanced Scorecard helps schools organize their volunteer activities to measure progress. Fulton believes every stakeholder can play a role in raising the bar in student achievement," she said.

The school system is constantly looking for help in several areas ranging from mentoring to fund raising.

To volunteer, contact the Partners & Volunteers Office, at 786 Cleveland Ave. in Atlanta.