Friday, March 21, 2003

Board of Education hears petition for charter school, approves zones

The Fulton County Board of Education met for its pre-board work session on March 11 and board legislative meeting on March 13.

Highlights of information reports and Board-approved recommendations or actions are as follows:

Charter school petitions. The board denied the charter petition presented for the Academy of Fulton County and granted permission for Spalding Drive Elementary to convert to charter school status.

Attendance zones. The 2003-04 attendance zones for north Fulton middle schools were approved as presented. The zone lines are posted at www.fulton.k12.ga.us/redistricting.

High priority Schools. The board heard a progress report on two student achievement initiatives. School Within a School divided the Conley Hills Elementary student body into two smaller schools, PK-2 and 3-5, while the Quality Team provides support to three high priority schools.

After reviewing evaluations, recommendations are to continue the quality team next year but with clearer guidelines, roles and responsibilities. The evaluations show that while there is merit to the School Within a School concept, it might prove more successful if implemented in a new school, rather than an established facility.

Smaller Learning Communities. Tri-Cities and Banneker high schools are using a $805,000 three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education to implement Smaller Learning Communities. Each school is working on strategies such as freshman mentoring and transition, adult advocacy, academic teaming, and learning academies.

Name suggestions for new schools. Recommendations for names were presented for two new schools opening in August. For the Langford elementary school site, Hamilton E. Holmes Elementary, Utoy Creek Elementary, or Millennium Heights Elementary was presented. Autrey Ridge Middle, Mill Creek Middle, Autrey Mill Middle or Liberty Middle was presented for the Old Alabama middle school site.

The board will vote on the official school names next month.

Board calendar. The 2003-2004 meeting dates for the Board of Education were approved. The calendar continues alternating meetings between the Administrative Center and Dunwoody Springs Elementary, with start times of 4:30 p.m. for Pre-Board and 6:30 p.m. for Board.

Policies and procedures. The board received two policies and procedures for first reading: GADProfessional Development Opportunities and KJAdvertising in the Schools.

Employment. The board accepted the resignation of North Springs High School Principal Thomas Grandstaff, who resigned for personal reasons. Area Superintendent Bob Lynch is serving as interim principal. The board also approved an Interim Service Agreement with incoming Superintendent John Haro.