Education Answer Book - 2022

2022

An Appen Media Group Publication

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Publisher Emeritus Ray Appen Publisher Hans Appen Editorial Carl Appen Chamian Cruz Sydney Dangremond Jake Drukman Patrick Fox Candy Waylock Production David Brown Carmen Rivera Advertising Deborah Darnell Mike Dorman Paul Flowers Jim Hart June Michaels Steve Neese Kimberly Tyson 2022 Edition: The Education Answer Book is published at the beginning of each year. For information on inclusion in the 2022 edition email hans@ appenmediagroup.com. If you have suggestions, corrections, or questions about this year’s edition, let us know!

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All efforts have been made to verify content. Appen Media Group publishes the Education Answer Book, Community Answer Book, Medical Answer Book and Seniors Answer Book. Online versions are accessible on AppenMedia.com on the home page.

Welcome to the 2022 Education Answer Book.

We’re glad you picked it up Dear reader, Thank you for picking up a copy of this year’s edition of Education Answer Book. Every year since 2013, our team has worked diligently to make sure the North Atlanta community has an up to date, useful guide to educational resources and institutions in the community. We are blessed to have first rate schools, pre-school programs, after school programs and so much more that allow for HANS APPEN our children to get incredible educations and give them the tools Publisher hans@appenmedia.com they need to be successful in life. We believe that the more you know about what’s available to your children, the more they will be able to take advantage of these opportunities.

This year, we once again have provided our readers with the most recent academic calendar for Fulton County Schools (page 8) along with biographies of the school board members. They are generally accessible to parents with questions and we would encourage you to reach out to them with questions/concerns about how your tax dollars are being spent.

We detail graduation rates, new schools, employee highlights, and more that you can use to make the best education decisions for your kids.

The education world has been rocked in the last couple of years, along with everything else, but we can report that area kids are still in good hands, and receiving quality instruction that most areas of the country would trade for in a second. Our education system and the kids in it are a source of pride for our community, and I think you’ll see why on the pages of this edition.

As always, please feel free to reach out to me with suggestions on how we can improve this annual publication. It exists for you and your benefit.

Best, Hans Appen, Publisher hans@appenmedia.com

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4 | Education Answer Book 2022

On the Cover: “Miss Vickye” Monger waves to well-wishers Dec. 17, 2021, as she retires from nearly 30 years supervising the cafeteria at Alpharetta Elementary School. PHOTO BY CHAMIAN CRUZ

Meet the superintendent and the board of education Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney Mike Looney joined the Fulton County School System in 2019. He previously served as the superintendent of Williamson County Schools in Tennessee, where he was named 2015 Superintendent of the year by Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents.

Looney earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and master’s degree in education from Jacksonville State University in Alabama, followed by an educational specialist degree and doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Alabama.

He has served on several distinguished panels during his education career, including President George W. Bush’s National Reading Leadership Panel in Washington D.C. In addition to his tenure in Williamson County, Looney served as superintendent of the Butler County School District in Alabama, and assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction in the Montgomery (Ala.) Public Schools. An educator since 1994, he has also been a classroom teacher, assistant principal and principal.

Prior to his career in education, Looney served for seven years in the United States Marines and received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal among other honors. He is the father of four grown children.

North Fulton County Board of Education District 1 - Katha Stuart stuartk@fultonschools.org Board member since October 2015; term expires Dec. 31, 2024 A 26-year resident of District 1, Katha Stuart has been involved in Fulton County Schools since her children started kindergarten at Mountain Park Elementary. She served in various PTA and School Governance Council roles at Mountain Park Elementary, Crabapple Middle School and Roswell High School. Stuart was a member of the Superintendent’s Community Advisory Committee from 2009 through 2015. She also has served as a vice president of programs for the North Fulton Council PTA and as a committee member for the Georgia PTA. Stuart has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Georgia State University and was formerly a regional vice president for Berger Funds and Invesco Funds.

majored in marketing at the University of Kentucky and formerly worked as an advertising account executive Her three children are all graduates of Fulton County high schools.

District 3 - Gail Dean deang@fultonschools.org Board member since 2001; current term expires Dec. 31, 2024 Gail Dean represents Sandy Springs, College Park, East Point and Hapeville and served as board president from 2005-07. Dean’s background includes serving as president of the Atlanta Homebuilders Association-Inner Atlanta Chapter, owning a real estate brokerage and two construction firms, and consulting for financial institutions. She served on the boards of the Sandy Springs/North Fulton Clean and Beautiful, the Fulton County School Employees’ Charitable Fund and Fulton Education Foundation.

Dean has four children who all graduated from Fulton County Schools.

District 2 - Katie Reeves reevesk@fultonschools.org Board member since 1999; current term expires Dec. 31, 2022

District 5 - Linda McCain mccainl@fultonschools.org Board member since January 2011; current term expires Dec. 31, 2022

Reeves is the longest-serving member among the North Fulton board members and represents the Alpharetta and Milton areas. She was a Local School Advisory Committee member and PTA legislative chair at Lake Windward Elementary School and served as the school board president from 2003-05. Reeves has been an active participant in her community, serving on various entities including the Alpharetta Planning Commission, the Alpharetta Tree Commission, and Gov. Sonny Perdue’s Investing in Excellence Task Force. She

Linda McCain represents the Johns Creek and Alpharetta areas.

Before serving on the school board, she advocated for children and public education for more than 12 years as a member of local school advisory councils and PTAs in her children’s schools.

McCain was a member of the board of directors of the Fulton County Schools Employees’ Pension Fund and is a current board member of the Fulton Education Foundation. In December 2014, she was appointed to serve on Gov. Nathan Deal’s Education Advisory Board.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

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Five Fulton County high schools shine in state rankings

By JAKE DRUKMAN FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Five Fulton County’s high schools placed in the top 20 schools in the state in U.S. News and World Report’s 2021 high school rankings.

The schools include Northview High School, Chattahoochee High School, Alpharetta High School, Cambridge High School and Johns Creek High School.

The magazine ranked Northview High School as the top in the county, and eighth in the state.

The rankings are based on a variety of educational factors from graduation rate to student college readiness. The survey included 472 Georgia high schools.

Northview boasts a graduation rate of 97% and a college readiness score of 65.3. Out of around 1,780 students, 71% took at least one Advanced Placement exam and 63% passed at least one. Nationally, Northview ranked 280th.

Chattahoochee came up second in the county and ninth in the state, with a 98% graduation rate and 68.4 college readiness score. Overall, 72% of its students took at least one AP exam and 67% passed at least one. Chattahoochee ranked 327th nationally.

Third in the county was Alpharetta High School, ranked 13th in the state. It has a graduation rate of 93% and a college readiness score of 64.6. Cambridge High School was next, ranked 16th in the state with a 98% graduation rate and 62.7 college readiness score. Johns Creek High School ranked 19th in the state with a 96% graduation rate and college readiness score of 63.8.

Georgia’s top five high schools include the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology, Columbus High School, Davidson Magnet School, Walton High School and Savannah Arts Academy.

The top five high schools in the country include Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Virginia, Academic Magnet High School in South Carolina, the Davidson Academy of Nevada, Payton College Preparatory High School in Illinois and School for Advanced Studies in Florida.

U.S. News and World Report’s rankings include nearly 24,000 public high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Rankings include several types of high schools from traditional schools to charter schools, magnet schools and STEM-focused schools.

The magazine ranks high schools based on six factors: college readiness, math and readCONTINUED ON PAGE 34

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Meet the superintendent and the board of education CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 District 7 - Julia Bernath (board president) bernath@fultonschools.org Board member since 2000; current term expires Dec. 31, 2022 Julia Bernath represents Sandy Springs, parts of Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Roswell and is the current president of the school board. She is past vice chair of the Georgia Professional Standards Commission and has received numerous awards for her work in education and community-focused issues. Bernath is a past president of the Georgia School Boards Association and a graduate of Leadership GSBA. She is also on staff for the Center for Reform of School Systems and is a mentor for school board members statewide and nationally. Bernath is past chair of the Sandy Springs Education Force and serves on the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education’s Advisory Committee.

8 | Education Answer Book 2022

South Fulton County Board of Education Members Franchesca Warren • District 4 Warrenf2@fultonschools.org Board member since 2021; current term expires Dec. 31, 2024

Kimberly Dove • District 6 dovek@fultonschools.org Appointed to the Board in May 2017; current term expires Dec. 31, 2022

Fulton County School System Elementary Schools Abbotts Hill 470-254-2860 Principal Roytunda Stabler 5575 Abbotts Bridge Road Johns Creek 30097 Year Opened: 2000 Enrollment: 542 Board District 5/Learning Zone 6 http://school.fultonschools.org/ abbottshilles Alpharetta 470-254-7015 Principal Catherine Crawford 192 Mayfield Road Alpharetta 30009 Year opened: 1956 Enrollment: 528 Board District 2/Learning Zone 7 http://school.fultonschools.org/ alpharettaes Amana Academy Charter (K-5) (6-8) 678-624-0989 Principal Najla Abdul-Khaliq 285 South Main Street Alpharetta 30009 Year opened: 2005 Enrollment: 741 www.amanaacademy.org Barnwell 470-254-4960 Principal Martin Neuhaus 9425 Barnwell Road Johns Creek 30022 Year opened: 1986 Enrollment: 681 Board District 5,7/Learning Zone 6 http://school.fultonschools.org/ barnwelles Birmingham Falls 470- 254-2820 Principal Don Webb 14865 Birmingham Highway Milton 30004 Year opened: August 2009 Enrollment: 738 Board District 2/Learning Zone 7 http://school.fultonschools.org/ birminghamfallses Cogburn Woods 470-254-2845 Principal Lisa Garosi 13080 Cogburn Road Milton 30004 Year opened: 2004 Enrollment: 738

Board District 2/Learning Zone 7 http://school.fultonschools.org/ cogburnwoodses Crabapple Crossing 470-254-7055 Principal Tresa Cheatham 12775 Birmingham Hwy Milton 30004 Year opened: 1992 Enrollment: 628 Board District 1,2/Learning Zone 7 http://school.fultonschools.org/ crabapplecrossinges Creek View 470-254-2932 Principal Monica In 3995 Webb Bridge Road Alpharetta 30005 Year opened: 2001 Enrollment: 926 Board District 2/Learning Zone 7 http://school.fultonschools.org/ creekviewes Dolvin 470-254-7020 Principal Karen Cooke 10495 Jones Bridge Road Johns Creek 30022 Year opened: 1979 Enrollment: 723 Board District 5/Learning Zone 6 http://school.fultonschools.org/ dolvines Esther Jackson 470-254-5290 Principal Nikol Boyd 1400 Martin Road Roswell 30076 Year opened: 1975 New building: 2016 Enrollment: 532 Board District 1,7/Learning Zone 5 http://school.fultonschools.org/ estherjacksones Findley Oaks 470-254-3800 Principal Camille Christopher 5880 Findley Chase Drive Johns Creek 30097 Year opened: 1994 Enrollment: 575 Board District 5/Learning Zone 6 http://school.fultonschools.org/ findleyoakses Fulton Academy of Science and Technology (FAST)

2022 SCHOOL PROFILES

(K-5) (6-8) 678-321-1100 Principal Stan Beiner 11365 Crabapple Road Roswell 30075 Year opened: 2016 Enrollment: 579 www.fastk8.org Hembree Springs 470-254-2902 Principal AJ Smith 815 Hembree Road Roswell 30076 Year opened: 2001 Enrollment: 500 Board District 1/Learning Zone 5 http://school.fultonschools.org/ hembreespringses Hillside 470-254-6362 Principal Hardray Dumas 9250 Scott Road Roswell 30076 Year opened: 2001 Enrollment: 543 Board District 7/Learning Zone 5 http://school.fultonschools.org/ hillsidees Lake Windward 470-254-7050 Principal Julie Morris 11770 East Fox Court Alpharetta 30005 Year opened: 1989 Enrollment: 737 Board District 2/Learning Zone 7 http://school.fultonschools.org/ lakewindwardes Manning Oaks 470-254-2912 Principal Nikkole Flowers 405 Cumming Street Alpharetta 30004 Year opened: 1998 Enrollment: 727 Board District 1,2/Learning Zone 7 http://school.fultonschools.org/ manningoakses Medlock Bridge 470-254-2980 Principal Matthew Vance 10215 Medlock Bridge Parkway Johns Creek 30022 Year opened: 1990 Enrollment: 591 Board District 5/Learning Zone 6 http://school.fultonschools.org/ medlockbridgees

Mimosa 470-254-4540 Principal Ariane Holcombe 1550 Warsaw Road Roswell 30076 Year opened: 1968 Enrollment: 710 Board District 1/Learning Zone 5 http://school.fultonschools.org/ mimosaes Mountain Park 470-254-4530 Principal Stacy Perlman 11895 Mountain Park Road Roswell 30075 Year opened: 1973 Enrollment: 786 Board District 1/Learning Zone 5 http://school.fultonschools.org/ mountainparkes New Prospect 470-254-2800 Principal Amy Lemons 3055 Kimball Bridge Road Alpharetta 30022 Year opened: 1994 Enrollment: 497 Board District 2/Learning Zone 7 http://school.fultonschools.org/ newprospectes Northwood 470-254-6390 Principal Ritu Ahuja 10200 Wooten Road Roswell 30076 Year opened: 1996 Enrollment: 623 Board District 5,7/Learning Zone 5 http://school.fultonschools.org/ northwoodes Ocee 470-254-2960 Principal Kerri-Anne Williams 4375 Kimball Bridge Road Johns Creek 30022 Year opened: 2000 Enrollment: 610 Board District 2,5/Learning Zone 6 http://school.fultonschools.org/ oceees River Eves 470-254-4550 Principal Matthew Donahoe 9000 Eves Road Roswell 30076 Year opened: 1996 Enrollment: 534 CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 Education Answer Book 2022 | 9

2022 SCHOOL PROFILES

Fulton County School System

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 Board District 7/Learning Zone 5 http://school.fultonschools.org/ rivereveses Roswell North 470-254-6320 Principal Lydia Conway 10525 Woodstock Road Roswell 30075 Year opened: 1960 Enrollment: 876 Board District 1/Learning Zone 5 http://school.fultonschools.org/ roswellnorthes Shakerag 470-254-3880 Principal Christine Lemerond 10885 Rogers Circle Johns Creek 30097 Year opened: 1997 Enrollment: 627 Board District 5/Learning Zone 6 http://school.fultonschools.org/ shakerages State Bridge Crossing 470-254-3850 Principal: Not announced 5530 State Bridge Road Johns Creek 30022 Year opened: 1996 Enrollment: 699 Board District 5/Learning Zone 6 http://school.fultonschools.org/ statebridgecrossinges Summit Hill 470-254-2830 Principal Lorrie Bearden 13855 Providence Road Milton 30004 Year opened: 1999 Enrollment: 698 Board District 1,2/Learning Zone 7 http://school.fultonschools.org/ summithilles Sweet Apple 470-254-3310 Principal Andy Allison 12025 Etris Road Roswell 30075 Year opened: 1997 Enrollment: 783 Board District 1/Learning Zone 5 http://school.fultonschools.org/ sweetapplees Vickery Mill

470-254-2400 Principal Susan Walker 1201 Alpharetta Street Roswell 30075 Year opened: 2015 Enrollment: 430 Board District 1/Learning Zone 5 http://school.fultonschools.org/ vickerymilles Wilson Creek 470-254-3811 Principal Stephanie Haga 6115 Wilson Road Johns Creek 30097 Year opened: 2004 Enrollment: 784 Board District 5/Learning Zone 6 http://school.fultonschools.org/ wilsoncreekes

Middle Schools Autrey Mill Middle 470-254-7622 Principal Trey Martin 4110 Old Alabama Road Johns Creek 30022 Year opened: 2003 Enrollment: 1249 Board District 5,7/Learning Zone 6 http://school.fultonschools.org/ autreymillms Crabapple 470-254-4520 Principal Rako Morrissey 10700 Crabapple Road Roswell 30075 Year opened: 1983 Enrollment: 869 Board District 1/Learning Zone 5 http://school.fultonschools.org/ crabapplems Elkins Pointe 470-254-2892 Principal Damian Bounds 11290 Elkins Road Roswell 30076 Year opened: 2001 Enrollment: 981 Board District 1/Learning Zone 5 http://school.fultonschools.org/ elkinspointems Haynes Bridge 470-254-7030 Principal Lauren Malekebu 10665 Haynes Bridge Road

Alpharetta 30022 Year opened: 1983 Enrollment: 609 Board District 1,5,7/Learning Zone 5 http://school.fultonschools.org/ haynesbridgems Holcomb Bridge 470-254-5280 Principal Jennifer Cassidy 2700 Holcomb Bridge Road Alpharetta 30022 Year opened: 1983 Enrollment: 659 Board District 1,7/Learning Zone 5 http://school.fultonschools.org/ holcombbridgems Hopewell 470-254-3240 Principal Michael LeMoyne 13060 Cogburn Road Milton 30004 Year opened: 2004 Enrollment: 1213 Board District 2/Learning Zone 7 http://school.fultonschools.org/ hopewellms Northwestern 470-254-2870 Principal Joel Peterson 12805 Birmingham Highway Milton 30004 Year opened: 1996 Enrollment: 1157 Board District 1,2/Learning Zone 7 http://school.fultonschools.org/ northwesternms River Trail 470-254-3860 Principal Neil Pinnock 10795 Rogers Circle Johns Creek 30097 Year opened: 2001 Enrollment: 1191 Board District 5/Learning Zone 6 http://school.fultonschools.org/ rivertrailms Taylor Road 470-254-7090 Principal Kelly Parker 5150 Taylor Road Johns Creek 30022 Year opened: 1990 Enrollment: 1236 Board District 2,5/Learning Zone 6

http://school.fultonschools.org/ taylorroadms Webb Bridge 470-254-2940 Principal Rebecca Williams 4455 Webb Bridge Road Alpharetta 30005 Year opened: 1996 Enrollment: 1155 Board District 2,5/Learning Zone 7 http://school.fultonschools.org/ webbbridgems

High Schools Alpharetta High School 470-254-7640 Principal Shannon Kersey 3595 Webb Bridge Rd. Alpharetta 30005 Year opened: 2004 Enrollment: 2193 2021 SAT Score: 1265 2021 ACT Score: 26.8 Board District 2,5/Learning Zone 7 http://school.fultonschools.org/ alpharettahs Cambridge 470-254-2883 Principal Ashley Agans 2845 Bethany Road Milton 30004 Year opened: 2012 Enrollment: 1824 2021 SAT Score: 1191 2021 ACT Score: 25.6 Board District 2/Learning Zone 7 http://school.fultonschools.org/ cambridgehs Centennial 470-254-4230 Principal Keynun Campbell 9310 Scott Road Roswell 30076 Year opened: 1997 Enrollment: 1781 2021 SAT Score: 1127 2021 ACT Score: 25.1 Board District 1,5,7/Learning Zone 5 http://school.fultonschools.org/ centennialhs Chattahoochee 470-254-7600 Principal Michael Todd 5230 Taylor Road CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

10 | Education Answer Book 2022

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Fulton County School System

2022 SCHOOL PROFILES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 Johns Creek 30022 Year opened: 1991 Enrollment: 1850 2021 SAT Score: 1249 2021 ACT Score: 26.6 Board District 2,5/Learning Zone 6 http://school.fultonschools.org/ chattahoocheehs Independence 470-254-7611 Principal Tabatha Taylor 791 Mimosa Road Roswell 30075 Year opened: 1991 Enrollment: 217 2021 SAT Score: 969 Board District 1/Learning Zone 4 http://school.fultonschools.org/ independencehs Innovation Academy 470-254-5365 Principal Tim Duncan 125 Milton Avenue Alpharetta 30009 Year opened: 2021 Enrollment:

https://www.fultonschools.org/ innovationacademy Johns Creek 470-254-2138 Principal Chris Shearer 5575 State Bridge Road Johns Creek 30022 Year opened: 2009 Enrollment: 1970 2021 SAT Score: 1241 2021 ACT Score: 27 Board District 5,7/Learning Zone 6 http://school.fultonschools.org/ johnscreekhs Milton 470-254-7000 Principal Brian Jones 13025 Birmingham Hwy. Milton 30004 Year opened: 1921 Current Location: 2005 Enrollment: 2146 2021 SAT Score: 1201 2021 ACT Score: 26.1 Board District 1,2/Learning Zone 7 http://school.fultonschools.org/

miltonhs

2021-22 Projected

Northview 470-254-3828 Principal Brian Downey 10625 Parsons Road Johns Creek 30097 Year opened: 2002 Enrollment: 1761 2021 SAT Score: 1301 2021 ACT Score: 28.5 Board District 5/Learning Zone 6 http://school.fultonschools.org/ northviewhs Roswell 470-254-4500 Principal Robert Shaw 11595 King Road Roswell 30075 Year opened: 1949 New Building: 1990 Enrollment: 2152 2021 SAT Score: 1141 2021 ACT Score: 25.2 Board District 1/Learning Zone 5 http://school.fultonschools.org/ roswellhs

Total enrollment PK Kindergarten First Second Seniors

94,400 1,886 5,125 5,982 6,131 7,250

Total K-3 =

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October 2019

Total enrollment PK Kindergarten First Second Seniors Total K-3 =

93,900 2,151 6,188 6,389 6,607 6,911 19,184

Nearly 2,000 in the lower grades

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16 | Education Answer Book 2022

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Education Answer Book 2022 | 17

Fulton County hits record-breaking graduation rate

By SYDNEY DANGREMOND FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Fulton County Schools’ graduation rate continues to trend upward with 2021 marking an all-time high for the district.

The Georgia Department of Education reported that while statewide graduation rates decreased slightly over the past year, rates for students in Fulton County Schools increased by 2.2%, moving the total to 87.7%.

Fulton County Schools students now have a graduation rate 4% higher than the state average with one of the highest rates among metro schools. The report echoes the upward trend of graduation rates the district has seen since 2012.

“Our amazing students, teachers and administrators remained dedicated and resilient throughout the challenges of the last few years,” Superintendent Mike Looney said. “The class of 2021 also increased in ACT and SAT scores while staying focused on the finish line – graduation. The district placed an emphasis on reducing dropouts, with efforts like extended summer programming, that produced systemic progress despite the pandemic’s impact. I am very proud of all of the effort that went into ensuring as many students as possible are career and college ready with a high school diploma in hand.”

In North Fulton, Northview and Chattahoochee High Schools claimed the system’s highest graduation rates, both topping 98% for the Class of 2021. Just behind were Cambridge at 97.5%, Johns Creek at 97.3%, Milton at 96.1%, Alpharetta at 93.2%, Roswell at 91.7% and Centennial at 91%.

Fulton Schools reported 12 schools with graduation rates above 90%, up from nine schools in that range last year.

“Last year, teachers, staff and students experienced one of the most daunting educational challenges in decades,” School Board President Julia Bernath said. “Despite this unprecedented pandemic, our teachers worked with parents and community members to ensure our students were able to stay focused on their future and together have achieved the highest FCS graduation rate since the since the state has been calculating this number.”

18 | Education Answer Book 2022

Graduation Trends in North Fulton School

2021 (%)

2017 (%) Change (%)

Alpharetta

93.2%

94.1%

-.9

Cambridge

97.5%

98.2%

-.7

Centennial

91%

92.3%

-1.3

Chattahoochee 98.2%

98.3%

-.1

Independence

26.1%

49.3%

-23.2

Johns Creek

97.3%

96.5%

+.8

Milton

96.1%

94.5%

+1.6

Northview

98.3%

96.8%

+1.5

Roswell

91.7%

90.7%

+1

North Fulton

87.7%

90.1%

-2.4

District

87.7%

86.8%

+.9

State

83.7%

80.6%

+3.1

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FSA offers a daily Social Emotional Learning program, which is facilitated by our Counseling Team and executed by classroom teachers. This curriculum teaches students how to develop the skills necessary for constructive and compassionate interaction with others, and the lessons are an integral part of every school day. Additionally, the high school program includes daily College Preparation Time helping the school achieve a 100% graduation rate and a 100% 4-year college-bound rate with students attending some of the nation’s top colleges every year.FSAPS has fostered a “yearn to learn” culture where students embrace an innovative, STEAM curriculum. The FSAPS student body is diverse and reflects award-winning academic teams, competitive athletes, personal entrepreneurs, and award-winning critical thinkers. Built upon the core values of character, excellence, and innovation, FSAPS has engineered a school of tomorrow, today.

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New Crabapple Middle School opens for students

By Candy Waylock Appen Media/September 2021 ROSWELL, Ga. — Local dignitaries gathered Aug. 31, 2021, at Crabapple Middle School in Roswell to officially cut the ribbon on the newest middle school in the Fulton County School System.

While the building on the 30-acre campus off Woodstock Road is brand new, the legacy of the school goes back nearly 40 years. The school originally opened in 1983 a few miles away off Crabapple Road.

District officials determined a new school in the new location was a better financial and logistical option than remodeling the old building to bring it up to current specifications. It also allowed construction to proceed without disruptions while students were in class.

District officials noted the new Crabapple Middle School is the most modern middle school concept in the system, with updated safety and aesthetic features.

CHAMIAN CRUZ/APPEN MEDIA

While the Crabapple Middle School building on the 30-acre campus off Woodstock Road is brand new, the legacy of the school goes back nearly 40 years. The school originally opened in 1983 a few miles away off Crabapple Road.

Contained within the 189,000 squarefoot school are 75 classrooms, art and science labs, flexible learning spaces and a multi-purpose amphitheater.

It also has plenty of room to grow if need-

ed. The school capacity is 1,200 students; the current enrollment is under 900 students.

The $49.3 million project was funded through the one-cent Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.

Education Answer Book 2022 | 21

Integrity.

Curiousity.

Advocacy.

Resiliency.

Empathy.

Serving Advanced and Gifted Students

22 | Education Answer Book 2022

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• Focus on gifted education by providing a challenging curriculum • Various opportunities for individualized education

• Intentional design for the use of 21st Century Skills

• Incorporation of college and career readiness into daily learning

2019

2020

2021

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24 | Education Answer Book 2022

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Fulton County School Board boosts superintendent’s salary

By CHAMIAN CRUZ FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Mike Looney continues to move closer to the top of the list of the most compensated school superintendents in Georgia.

At a Nov. 9, 2021 work session, the Fulton County Board of Education unanimously extended Looney’s contract through 2024, including compensation changes, but did not disclose details of those changes until the board’s attorneys had a chance to review them.

The Herald obtained a copy of the amended contract states that Looney’s annual salary of $335,580 will increase by 2.5% on July 1, plus the percentage increase approved for the teacher salary schedule.

Other amendments also allow the board to offer Looney a “discretionary bonus” following an annual evaluation and to make contributions to any tax-sheltered pension plans it has established including his 403(b) and 401(a) plans equal to 12.5% of his annual base salary.

This is the first time the school board has made changes to Looney’s initial contract since he was hired in 2019. However, district spokeswoman Anne Boatwright said Looney’s final salary amount has not been determined because the board has yet to approve a new budget for the next fiscal year.

That process will not take place until early June.

Looney was hired with a base salary of $329,000, plus the percentage increase approved for the teacher salary schedule and over $2,000 in monthly allowances to cover expenses and a vehicle. It also included a 10% contribution to his retirement plans.

Speaking at a Nov. 9 work session, School Board President Julia Bernath and other school board members praised Looney for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fulton County Schools is the fourth largest school district in the state. In mid-March 2020, it was also the first in Georgia to move to remote learning after a staff member tested positive for the coronavirus.

Under Looney’s leadership, school board members said the district has managed to increase ACT scores and graduation rates, create two new STEM schools and partner with Auburn University to offer all public high school students access to free or reduced-cost classes — all while juggling hot-button issues.

At the start of the 2021-22 school year, Looney received stiff criticism for requiring face masks. He was criticized again for reversing the rule, but this time by parents who support mandatory mask-wearing.

Board member Katie Reeves, who represents Alpharetta and Milton, said she can’t begin to imagine what it’s been like to sit in his seat over the past few years.

“I’m not going to say that everybody loves every decision that you’ve made, because that’s just not possible, but I think you provided really solid leadership,” Reeves said. “More importantly, I think that from what you have shown us, you and your team did not take your eye off the ball – instruction is key.

It’s not just recovering from what our students have been through.”

Board member Linda McCain, who represents Johns Creek and Alpharetta, said she admires Looney’s willingness to be “out front and take the heat for decisions that were not going to be popular.”

“We see in our own district, as it is around the country, people are pretty evenly split on their feelings about how this pandemic played out and what they thought the right moves were,” McCain said.

“And with the constant shifting messaging coming from [Washington,] D.C. or down at the Gold Dome, etc., you just stayed the course, and I appreciate your courage.”

McCain said Looney has the right characteristics to lead the district, and she thanked him for taking the “once in a lifetime opportunity to change the trajectory of teaching in Fulton County Schools” by using federal funds to chip away at some of the learning loss caused by the pandemic.

In 2021, the School Board decided to use more than half the funds it received from the American Rescue Plan to invest in a $90 million literacy program, “Every Child Reads.” The program includes tools to evaluate its results.

Over three years, the district plans to train thousands of employees on how best to teach reading and writing. It also plans to hire 59 literacy coaches for each of the district’s elementary schools to work with students and support teachers. A new literacy director will be tasked with overseeing the effort.

Board member Franchesca Warren, who represents areas of South Fulton County, thanked Looney for the initiative.

“I appreciate your focus on reading,” Warren said. “Reading is an equity issue, and I appreciate you being diligent enough to say we have to focus on this.”

After taking a moment to tell board members about his recent experience serving chicken fingers and broccoli at a local school, Looney said he doesn’t see himself as leading from the front.

“I see myself as walking with the troops,” Looney said. “… I am absolutely committed and resolute in making sure that all of our students – all of our students – have every opportunity to learn to their maximum potential. … We are blessed with having great students and team members and building leaders and board members and parents and community members, and we have our best days yet ahead of us.”

Education Answer Book 2022 | 25

COVER STORY

Beloved Alpharetta lunch manager

By CHAMIAN CRUZ Appen Media/December 2021 ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Much has changed in the 30 years since Vickye Monger was hired to run the kitchen at Alpharetta Elementary School.

Thousands of kids have gone through her lunch line, including the children and grandchildren of her former students, but her love for interacting with them remained throughout her career, which ended Friday, Dec. 17, 2021 when she left the kitchen for the last time.

“It’s been a blessing,” Monger said. “... [The students] always made me feel like I was a part of their family. That was the best feeling. … When I don’t come back Jan. 3, I’m really going to miss the kids. They made the job worthwhile.”

Alpharetta Elementary celebrated her retirement Dec. 15 by naming it Miss Vickye Day. During lunchtime, the students showered her with handmade letters thanking her for her friendship, and at the end of the day, Principal Cathy Crawford surprised her with a drive-by event.

“You will always have a home here,” Crawford said. “We love you so much.”

Teachers, staff, parents, and current and former students dropped by to bid her farewell. Others, shared messages of how she impacted them, saying that when former students reminisce about their time at Alpharetta Elementary, her name always comes up.

“I’m always going to remember this,” Monger said. “Dec. 15, that is the day that I had here in Alpharetta. … It does not seem like time flew by that fast. It’s just amazing, and I’m so appreciative of everything because I’m just me. I just worked in the cafeteria. You never think that you make an impression on the kids, but I guess in some kind of way we formed a bond.”

For nearly three decades, Monger, 63, served as the school’s cafeteria manager. She was responsible for everything from maintaining milk temperatures to managing the staff’s timesheets. In the past 20 years, she said proudly, her kitchen also earned perfect scores during the health inspections twice a year.

She is both excited and sad about retiring. The funny thing, she said, is she never set out to work in a school. When she moved to Alpharetta from Memphis, Tennessee, 32 years ago, she simply decided she wanted to do something in addition to being a mom to her

26 | Education Answer Book 2022

two children, who are now 41 and 37.

Her mom suggested she apply as a cashier at a local school. From there, Monger worked at several schools in the area before settling on Alpharetta Elementary, and the more she worked in the kitchen, the more she wanted to do it. She said the kids kept the job exciting.

“I remember the day I came in,” Monger said. “I was scared. I was like oh my gosh, now I have to do this, but I did it and then I implemented different things like having an annual cookout, which we have not been able to do for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Monger said the cookout was a fun way to get the school together. But, perhaps what she is most well-known for, are the famous cinnamon rolls she used to make from scratch. Although it was a standardized school recipe, everyone seemed to love them, especially their size.

Due to revised nutritional guidelines, the school had to stop making them, and Monger said she doesn’t remember the recipe, but those who were lucky enough to taste them continue to ask her to bake them at least one more time.

Monger said she is retiring because her lupus symptoms have gotten more intense over time, and she can no longer keep up with the demands of the job. Lupus is a long-term autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation and pain in any part of the body. Monger never let it affect her job, except that now she said she would like some time to herself.

Her strong work ethic, she said, comes from her mom and being family-oriented, which she passed on to her own kids. Growing up, she said she told them that if they took a job, they had to make sure they did it the best they could. Monger said she never missed a day from work, despite her days often lasting from around 4:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monger said the piece of advice she would share with her students as they went through the lunch line was to “always go forward, reach your goals and never stop.”

Upon retiring, she said plans to sleep in for the first couple of weeks. Then, she is looking forward to enjoying her five grandkids who range in age from 5 to 18 years old.

Monger said she hopes she is remembered for always caring about her students and for being a fun-loving person who was just trying to improve some part of their day.

“That’s it,” Monger said. “And just being Miss Vickye.”

COVER STORY

‘Miss Vickye’ retires after 30 years

PHOTOS BY CHAMIAN CRUZ/APPEN MEDIA

Education Answer Book 2022 | 27

Innovation Academy welcomes students to new Alpharetta campus

By CANDY WAYLOCK Appen Media/September 2021 ALPHARETTA, Ga. — After nearly a decade, five superintendents, a recession and a pandemic, Fulton County’s first STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) high school opened its doors to students in August 2021.

Fulton County Schools’ Innovation Academy hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony Aug. 31 attended by local dignitaries and school officials who gathered at the campus in downtown Alpharetta.

The magnet high school, completed with a $69.3 million budget, opened with a full enrollment of 900 students in grades 9 through 11, selected by a lottery from students across the North Fulton region. This fall, the school will have all four grades. A similar STEM high school also opened in August serving students in the South Fulton region.

Fulton Schools’ Innovation Academy is located on the site of the original Milton High School, which stood for nearly 80 years. Only the athletic fields remain from the original campus after it was rebuilt in 2005 on a new site in Milton.

Principal Tim Duncan said the process from drawing board to opening bell was worth the wait for the new school.

“Based on the feedback, our pre-work and research paid off as the students all showed up and had an amazing first week,” Duncan said. “Beyond just entering a new environment with new concepts, our students had to adjust to all new friends.”

He noted the transition during the first week was made easier with many collaborative activities, such as a design-thinking potable water project and the first IA Olympics that helped accelerate the bonding process of students.

Closer bonding may have to wait a little while, as the school opened in the midst of a resurging COVID-19 pandemic.

Duncan said the school had a very low rate of positive COVID cases in the first month. He attributed that to good adherence to safety 28 | Education Answer Book 2022

SPECIAL/FULTON COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM

Cutting the ribbon at the Aug. 31, 2021 grand opening of the Fulton County Innovation Academy in downtown Alpharetta are, from left, Fulton County School Board member Linda McCain, Fulton County Commissioner Liz Hausmann, School Board member Katie Reeves, Principal Tim Duncan, School Board members Kimberly Dove and Katha Stuart, Alpharetta Mayor Jimmy Gilvin, School Superintendent Mike Looney and State Rep. Chuck Martin.

protocols like washing hands and wearing face coverings.

“Every day I say, ‘stay apart to stay together,’” Duncan said. “They seem to all really want to be at school, so they are willing to make these small sacrifices to be with their friends in face-to-face learning.

He said he wants to focus energy on relationship building and establishing routines, as students see increasing rigor in the classroom.

“We are constantly looking at how to add additional supports,” Duncan said. “We are excited to announce our mascot, school colors, and launch our clubs this month.”

Fulton Schools’ Innovation Academy provides another learn-

ing option for students outside a traditional high school. The curriculum focuses on building “creators and problem solvers,” Duncan said, with students on career paths of healthcare sciences, engineering or informational technology.

The school is supported by a long list of community partners including WellStar and Emory health systems, Children’s Hospital, Georgia Tech and Georgia State universities, Southern Company, AT&T and Microsoft.

Mentors from all sectors of area business and civic organizations will also lend their expertise and guidance to students.

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Milton High School centennial celebration reunites past with present SYDNEY DANGREMOND Appen Media/October 2021 MILTON, Ga. — Dozens gathered on the front lawn of Milton High School Oct. 23, 2021 to kick off a full-day of festivities marking the school’s centennial anniversary.

Students, alumni, faculty, family and community members heard remarks from school Principal Brian Jones and Milton City Councilman Peyton Jamison to kick off the day.

Jamison, who later in the year was elected the city’s new mayor, spoke of the school’s legacy and its future.

“Every student who goes through Milton High has a chance to nurture their minds, to expand their horizons, to find their loves and talents and to develop into their best possible selves. That’s what a great school does, and no place has done it better over the years than Milton High,” Jamison said. “Congratulations on an extraordinary 100 years and cheers that Milton High’s next 100 years will just be as impressive and impactful as it is on the city today.”

After the remarks, the school’s choir and wind ensemble — accompanied by some alumni — performed an updated arrangement of the Milton High School alma mater anthem.

Class of 2010 alum and composer Nathan Hudson was tasked with making the song unique to the school.

“As I was thinking about how to reimagine the alma mater, it’s not like I had to write a new one, ’cause it doesn’t need that, but it needed a reimagining,” Hudson said. “Because the world demands a reimagining and Milton is rising to do that. We are preparing students in new and fresh ways to be modern, active members of our society and it’s really special.”

Following performances by the school’s drumline and cheerleading squad, the crowd dispersed to tour the campus, register for raffles, speak to former classmates, interact with Eddie the Eagle and play cornhole.

Later in the morning was a ribbon cutting ceremony on the “100th Anniversary Stadium Wall” just outside the football stadium.

Forming part of the wall are the original Milton High School cornerstones from 1921. The school’s first campus was constructed in 1921 and located near downtown Alpharetta. MHS moved to its current home on Birmingham Highway in 2005.

Former principal, assistant principal, teacher and 50-year supporter of the high school Phil Thomas gave remarks about the wall, its story and its significance.

“Today we’re also celebrating that merger of the two schools,” Thomas said. “Milton is carrying forward since 2005 in this location, but you’ll notice that on each corner of this wall, the booster club was willing to put these two cornerstones. You may recognize them.

They are the original cornerstones of the building built by the Milton County Board of Education in 1921. So, carrying forth the legacy of 30 | Education Answer Book 2022

PHOTOS BY SYDNEY DANGREMOND/APPEN MEDIA

Milton High School, and that’s what we’re celebrating here today.”

The Milton High School Centennial Anniversary Committee was formed over the cornerstones back in 2017. Thomas and Committee Chairwoman Jackie Angel visited the old school after the site was chosen as the new location for Fulton County Schools’ Innovation Academy.

Before the original structure was demolished, Angel and Thomas requested the cornerstones be preserved. That day in 2017 and the memories Angel and Thomas shared, Angel said, led them to launch the Centennial Anniversary Committee.

While walking the old campus that day, Angel and Thomas also came upon a plaque which had dedicated the football field to former Milton High School teacher, counselor and coach Sonny Hawkins in 1992.

Hawkins had also served as the press box announcer at football games for 25 years.

“Mr. Hawkins, he was known as the voice of the Eagles,” Angel said.

After receiving permission from Hawkins’ daughters to keep the plaque and use it to memorialize Hawkins and share the school’s history, Angel said the school’s Touchdown Club will install the plaque on the opposite side of the wall for passersby to read for years to come.

“So, we have a little bit of the old original Milton that’s coming over here,” Angel said.

Many of the attendees for the dedication had not yet set foot on the school’s new campus, including class of 1963 graduate and Milton resident Jim Thompson.

Back in high school, Thompson was a unique participant in the CONTINUED ON PAGE 31

COVID-19 impacts SAT testing, participation in Fulton County

By CANDY WAYLOCK Appen Media/September 2021 ATLANTA — Participation rates dropped, but scores increased, on the Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) taken by the class of 2021 in the Fulton County School System and across the state.

District officials noted the participation rate in Fulton County’s 16 traditional high schools was nearly 30 percent lower than in 2020, primarily due to COVID-19 disruptions.

“We [went from] 5,114 students taking the exam in 2020 to 3,573 taking it in 2021,” Deputy Chief Academic Officer Gyimah Whitaker said.

Lower participation rates were also seen across Georgia and the country last year as pandemic-related issues shuttered testing locations and paused test registrations. About 700,000 fewer students nationally took the SAT in 2021 than did in 2020.

Officials with the Georgia Department of Education said 38 percent of students in Georgia’s class of 2021 took the SAT. They also continued to outperform their peers across the country for the fourth year in a row.

“Despite the fact that part of their high-school education took place against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, Georgia’s students did an outstanding job on the SAT — both increasing scores and outperforming their counterparts in the nation’s public schools,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said.

The SAT is a college entrance exam administered by The College Board. The test has two sections – critical reading/writing and mathematics – each worth 800 points. A score of 1600 is the highest

possible score.

District-wide on the 2021 SAT, Fulton County Schools had an average score of 1128 among its 16 traditional high schools, up 50 points from the previous year.

Among the 181 school systems across Georgia, Fulton County Schools posted the fourth highest SAT average for the class of 2021.

The state’s top scoring district was Forsyth County Schools (1193 average), followed by Cobb County Schools (1150) and Gwinnett County Schools (1132).

Among individual schools in Fulton County Schools, Northview High School led all district high schools with an average score of 1301. That was also the second highest score in the state, behind only perennial leader Gwinnett School of Math and Science with an average of 1378.

The two high-performing schools were the only public schools to report scores above 1300. Statewide, 472 high schools reported scores on the 2021 SATs. In North Fulton, only two of the eight traditional high schools, Cambridge and Roswell, reported lower scores than in 2020. Participation also dropped by 623 students total across the eight schools.

Whitaker said Fulton County Schools understands the importance of the SAT in both college admissions and college readiness, especially during COVID. “We have provided schools with study guides, lesson plans, parent communication and test prep,” she said. “Even in a pandemic, we will not distract from the hard work and dedication of our students.”

Milton High School CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30 MHS basketball program. Instead of playing on the boys’ team, Thompson served as coach and bus driver for the ladies’ team.

Thompson had moved away in 2000 to Daytona Beach, Florida, but he and his wife returned to Milton last year.

Since then, Thompson said he’s regularly met up with former classmates and was excited to see them all at the centennial celebration. He also said he was proud to be a part of Milton’s century-long legacy.

Today, the school has no student coaches for sports, but one of the newest members of the Milton High School community was also happy to be present Saturday morning.

Reef, the school’s therapy dog, came to MHS two years ago. He spends most of his time with 22-year Milton High School faculty member, Deb Schaefer.

Students sometimes pet him for good luck, Schaefer said, especially before last year’s Advanced Placement exams.

Reef is a companion most often for students in English as a second language courses and for students with disabilities. Demand for Reef’s seemingly infinite pool of love is growing, Schaefer said. She has begun working with the counseling department to provide more students the opportunity to come and sit with Reef during the school day whenever they need a furry friend.

Attendees also received tours of the school’s campus, enjoyed food trucks and games, won raffles, saw student performances and witnessed the premiere of the Milton High School history documenta-

ry, among other festivities.

Four years in the making, Saturday’s all-day celebration recounted MHS’ storied past and set the community up for a fruitful start to their second century.

Education Answer Book 2022 | 31

2022

College Fair

Interested in attending a school that isn’t too far from home? We’ve narrowed down the schools within 30 or so miles of Atlanta and give you the details on each institution.

Kennesaw State University Located 25 miles from Atlanta, Kennesaw State University offers 13 colleges and more than 170 degree undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs. It has two campuses, one in Kennesaw and another in Marietta, and is one of the largest universities in the state Programs: Bagwell College of Education, Coles College of Business, College of Architecture and Construction Management, College of Computing and Software Engineering, College of Professional Education, Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, College of the Arts, Graduate College, KSU Journey Honors College, Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering & Engineering Technology, Wellstar College of Health and Human Services Online classes? Yes Fall 2021 enrollment: 39,000 undergraduate and 4,000 graduate students Semesters or quarters? Semesters Student organizations: Over 400, including student governance and media, athletics, Greek life, community service and advocacy.

Website: www.kennesaw.edu Georgia State University Located in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia State is an urban public research university and national model for student success.

One of the largest universities in the state and the nation, Georgia State provides more than 53,000 students with unsurpassed access to opportunities in one of America’s great global cities.

Programs: Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions, College of Arts & Sciences, College of Education & Human Development, College of Law, College of the Arts, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Robinson College of Business, School of Public Health Online classes? Yes Fall 2021 enrollment: 53,000 Semesters or quarters? Semesters Student organizations: Over 400 organizations covering leadership, activism, arts, politics, academics, religion, recreation and more.

Website: www.gsu.edu University of Georgia — Gwinnett Campus Located 30 miles from Atlanta, the University of Georgia Gwinnett Campus serves the needs of busy working professionals. It offers graduate-level programs with accommodating schedules, including night and Saturday classes, to help students maintain a balance with their careers and families. Non-credit professional development courses are also available.

Programs: Education, public health, industrial/organizational psychology, public administration, social work, therapy, organization and transformational coaching Online classes? Yes Fall 2020 enrollment: 500 Semesters or quarters? Semesters Student organizations: Opportunities for networking and 32 | Education Answer Book 2022

exploring arts and culture Website: www.gwinnett.uga.edu University of North Georgia Formed through the consolidation of North Georgia College & State University and Gainesville State College in 2013, the University of North Georgia has five campuses in Blue Ridge, Cumming, Dahlonega, Gainesville and Oconee.

Programs: College of Arts & Letters, Mike Cottrell College of Business, College of Education, College of Health Sciences & Professions, College of Science & Mathematics, University College and more Fall 2021 enrollment: 19,000 Online classes? Yes Student organizations: Various organizations on each campus including social, athletics, honors, service and advocacy groups.

Website: www.ung.edu Life University Life University is in Marietta, just 20 miles away from Atlanta. It has 16 accredited degree programs for undergraduate and graduate students that focus on health and wellness.

Online classes? Yes 2022 enrollment: 2,800 Semesters or quarters? Quarters Student organizations: 90 organizations including academic and student governance Website: www.life.edu Lanier Technical College Lanier Technical College has campuses in Gainesville, Cumming, Winder, Dawsonville and Commerce. It provides career-centric technical education programs with customized business and industry training.

Programs: Automotive and transportation, building, electrical & manufacturing, business, cyber & computer, engineering, healthcare, personal & public service and public safety.

Online classes? Yes Fall 2021 enrollment: 5,000 Semesters or quarters? Semesters Website: www.laniertech.edu Gwinnett Technical College Gwinnett Technical College offers more than 140 associate degree, diploma and certificate programs, with campuses in Lawrenceville and Alpharetta. It also offers online and weekend classes for busy professionals.

Programs: Engineering, construction, manufacturing & design, business sciences, computer sciences, nursing sciences, public and professional services, health sciences and more.

Online classes? Yes Semesters or quarters? Semesters Student organizations: More than 25, including honors, science, sustainability and student government organizations.

Website: www.gwinnetttech.edu

Voters approve 1 percent sales tax for Fulton County Schools

By CANDY WAYLOCK Appen Media/November 2021 ATLANTA, Ga. — Voters in Fulton County overwhelmingly approved a five-year extension of the education sales tax through June 2027, continuing the funding mechanism used by school districts since 1997.

The education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax adds a 1 percent tax to every purchase made in Fulton County. Proceeds from the e-SPLOST are divided between the Fulton County School System and Atlanta City Schools based on enrollment.

“We want to thank the voters in Fulton County for their continued support of our schools,” Fulton School Board President Julia Bernath said. “Through solid financial stewardship of past e-SPLOSTs, our board has been able to invest in both buildings and technology, stay committed to the lowest millage rate in the metro area, and pay off all long-term capital debt.”

Prior to the state approval of e-SPLOST in 1997, school districts primarily funded new school construction and other capital projects through millage rate increases or bonds.

Over the next five-year cycle for e-SPLOST beginning in July 2022, Fulton County Schools is expected to receive nearly $1.2 billion in sales tax

revenues. The money will fund a long list of projects, with most going directly into school buildings for facility improvements and maintenance.

Other line items include technology, transportation, and safety and security projects. Only projects presented and approved by voters as part of the e-SPLOST referendum can be funded in the current cycle.

By state law, e-SPLOST “sunsets” after five years and can only be continued by voter approval. The Nov. 2 election was the sixth time the e-SPLOST has appeared on the ballot.

The current e-SPLOST, known as e-SPLOST5, will “sunset” on June 30, 2022, after raising nearly $980 million for the Fulton County School System over the past five years.

Notable projects completed through e-SPLOST5 include the newly opened Fulton Innovation Academy in downtown Alpharetta, enhanced safety and security measures at every school and the payoff of the final construction bond held by the district.

The 70 percent approval rate for e-SPLOST6 was down significantly from the last initiative in 2016 when nearly 80 percent of voters supported the measure.

“Our school community has been through so much during the pandemic,” Bernath said. “We are grateful for their commitment to the future capital needs of our students and staff.”

Five Fulton County high schools shine in state rankings CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 50 states and the District of Columbia. Rankings include several types of high schools from traditional schools to charter schools, magnet schools and STEM-focused schools.

The magazine ranks high schools based on six factors: college readiness, math and reading proficiency, math and reading performance, underserved student performance, college curriculum breadth and graduation rate.

College readiness makes up 30% of the score, analyzing the proportion of 12th graders who had taken and earned a qualifying score on at least one AP or International Baccalaureate exam. Earning a qualifying score was worth three times more than just taking the exam.

Math and reading proficiency makes up the next 20% of the score, analyzing aggregated scores on state assessments that students may be required to pass for graduation. Math and reading performance makes up another 20%, analyzing how aggregated 34 | Education Answer Book 2022

assessment scores compare with the magazine’s expectations given the proportion of students who are Black, Hispanic and from low-income households.

The next three factors each make up 10% of the scores. Underserved student performance analyzed aggregated test scores just among Black, Hispanic and low-income students, compared with what is typical in the state for non-underserved students.

College curriculum breadth analyzes the proportion of 12th graders who took AP or IB exams in multiple areas. Graduation rate analyzes the proportion of entering 9th graders who graduated four academic years later.

The magazine collects data from the U.S. Department of Education’s Common Core of Data database, statewide math and reading level assessment tests and high school graduation rates, The College Board and International Baccalaureate. Much of the data used in 2021 rankings was from the 2018-2019 school year.

Teach every individual; serve every business Brought to you by – Gwinnett Technical College Gwinnett Technical College serves more than 10,000 students annually. Located in Lawrenceville and Alpharetta, Gwinnett Tech offers more than 140 associate degrees, diplomas, certificate programs, and hundreds of seminars, workshops, and courses providing specialized training to the community.

Gwinnett Tech offers career training in many high-demand industries, such as healthcare, business, engineering, computer sciences, and more. Many of our graduates are hired at top companies in the area and have positions before they graduate. Our hands-on training and classroom instruction align with business and industry demands and is a primary reason we have a 97% job placement rate. Transfer credits are accepted, and we offer many options to assist with paying for college. Students can change their life in two years or less with little to no debt. Flexible class schedules are available with day, evening, online, in-person, or hybrid options at our two campuses.

Through our dual enrollment program, high school juniors and seniors have the option to participate in the state-funded program offered at Gwinnett Tech. In addition, dual enrollment students earn the early college essentials certificate, which gives high school students a head start on their college education while finishing their high school diploma. This certificate is offered only to students in the dual enrollment program, and it provides a pathway to completion of a college certificate, an associate degree program, and/or transfer to a

four-year college.

In 2023 Gwinnett Tech will open their new 82,200+ square foot Computer Information Systems, Cybersecurity, and Emerging Technologies Building on its Lawrenceville campus. This new addition will support computer sciences students and feature a cybersecurity war room and gaming technologies room, multiple flex use rooms, the addition of a new quad, 29 classrooms, a networking lab with a dedicated data center, and an eSports lab.

With its strong community partnerships, Gwinnett Tech also meets the needs of the businesses and industries in North Fulton.

Through these partnerships and conversations, the need for endoscope reprocessing technicians came to light, and Gwinnett Tech created the endoscope reprocessing technician certificate to fill this community need. This certificate trains central processing students to sterilize and reprocess highly specialized pieces of

equipment within hospitals and outpatient settings.

In addition, Gwinnett Tech created certificates for Amazon Web Services Cloud Solutions Specialist, iOS App Development in Swift, and Driverless and Driver Assist Systems to support local businesses and the growing technology sector in North Fulton.

These programs use curriculum and hands-on training to provide students with the skills and competencies they need to prepare for a successful career in these growing industries.

Gwinnett Technical College is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the associate degree. In addition to its regional accreditation, Gwinnett Tech has several programs accredited by discipline-specific accrediting bodies.

For more information, please visit GwinnettTech.edu

Education Answer Book 2022 | 35

How to make use of Georgia’s tuition scholarship programs

By JAKE DRUKMAN For many, it feels like higher education has become increasingly impossible to pay for. Tuition costs have skyrocketed over the past few decades, and though the University System of Georgia has kept tuition rates the same since 2020, economic hardships brought on by the pandemic may leave some feeling overwhelmed by the costs.

Luckily, there is help available.

Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship — Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally — provides significant financial assistance for Georgia students who attend in-state colleges and universities. HOPE has provided more than $10 billion in financial assistance since Gov. Zell Miller launched the program in 1993.

The HOPE program has several grants and scholarships under its umbrella, each with its own educational qualification requirements.

Eligibility rigor requirements for the main HOPE Scholarship increased in the 2017-2018 school year.

Students are required to earn at least four credits from the following courses: Advanced mathematics, such as advanced algebra, pre-calculus, trigonometry or equivalent or higher course taken for degree-level credit at an eligible postsecondary institution.

Advanced science, such as chemistry, physics, biology II or equivalent or higher course taken for degree-level credit at an eligible postsecondary institution.

Advanced Placement courses in core subjects.

International Baccalaureate courses in core subjects.

Courses taken at a unit of the University System of Georgia in core subjects (non-remedial).

Advanced foreign language courses.

To qualify for the HOPE Scholarship, students must: • Meet ONE of the following criteria: • Graduate from an eligible accredited high school with a minimum 3.0 HOPE grade point average and meet academic rigor requirements.

• Complete an accredited home study program with a minimum 3.0 HOPE grade point average and meet academic rigor requirements.

• Graduate from an ineligible high school, complete an unaccredited home study program or receive a GED from the Technical College System of Georgia AND score in or above the 75th percentile in the ACT or SAT prior to graduating high school, completing a home study program or earning a GED. • Earn eligibility while in college by earning a minimum 3.0 grade point average after attempting 30, 60 or 90 semester hours or 45, 90 or 135 quarter hours of study.

• Be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at a HOPE eligible college or university in Georgia.

• Meet general program eligibility requirements: • Meet U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen requirements; • Meet the postsecondary institution’s Georgia residency requirements; • Be in compliance with Selective Service registration requirements; • Meet academic achievement standards; • Be in good standing on all student loans or other financial aid programs; • Be in compliance with the Georgia Drug-Free Postsecondary Education Act of 1990; • Not have exceeded the maximum award limits for any HOPE program.

Award amounts • A portal to determine HOPE award amounts can be found at gafutures.org. Students that meet all eligibility requirements and are attending an eligible public college or university receive a HOPE Scholarship award amount, to be applied toward standard undergraduate tuition, up to a maximum of 15 hours, for the specific number of hours enrolled, whether full or part time.

• Students that meet all eligibility requirements and are attending an eligible private college or university receive a HOPE scholarship award amount, to be applied toward standard undergraduate tuition, up to a maximum of 12 hours, based on a half-time or full-time enrollment status.

Award limits The HOPE and Zell Miller scholarships have limits to how long students can receive scholarship payments. A college degree-seeking student is ineligible for the HOPE Scholarship if any of the following occurs: • Student has received payment for 127 semester hours or 190 quarter hours. This includes any payments from HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarship, HOPE and Zell Miller Grant, and Accel Program.

• Student has attempted 127 semester or 190 quarter hours of college degree credit, regardless of whether HOPE or Zell Miller Scholarship funds were received while attempting the hours.

• Student has earned a baccalaureate (four-year) degree, regardless of whether HOPE or Zell Miller • •Scholarship funds were received while pursing the degree.

• Student has surpassed the 10-year or 7-year eligibility limit, depending on the date of their high school graduation. These eligibility limits do not apply to HOPE and Zell Miller Scholars who received their first HOPE or Zell Miller Scholarship payment before summer 2011.

How to apply • Students have two options when applying for the HOPE Scholarship: • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or • Complete the online Georgia Student Finance Application (GSFAPP).

• The FAFSA must be completed each year. The GSFAPP remains valid for 10 years.

Application deadline The application deadline for the HOPE Scholarship is the last day of the school term of a student’s withdrawal date, whichever occurs first. It is recommended that you submit the annual FAFSA or the GSFAPP as early as possible. The earlier you apply, the earlier your college can determine your eligibility and awards.

Additional college-specific application and deadline requirements may be required. Check with your postsecondary institution.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38 36 | Education Answer Book 2022

Meet the superintendent and the board of education Superintendent Dr. Jeff Bearden jbearden@forsyth.k12.ga.us Jeff Bearden joined Forsyth County Schools as superintendent in 2014, following a career in education that has spanned more than 25 years.

Bearden spent the first part of his educational career in Maine as a social studies and language arts teacher, eventually rising to become superintendent of the Maine School Administrative District No. 35 and the Limestone School Department. Along the way, Bearden also served as an assistant superintendent, assistant principal, district athletic director and varsity basketball coach.

Prior to joining Forsyth County Schools, he was superintendent of Rome City Schools and Fayette County Schools in Georgia.

A Georgia native, Bearden holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from the University of Maine, and a doctorate from Nova Southeastern University. He is also a third-generation veteran of the U.S Air Force.

Bearden is a member of Georgia School Superintendents Association, which selected him as a finalist for Superintendent of the Year in 2020, the American Association of School Administrators, and served on the Governor’s Education Advisory Board under former Gov. Nathan Deal.

In the fall of 2020, Bearden was among a select group of educators from across the country invited to the White House to share insights on how to safely reopen schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bearden and his wife, Lisa, who is an elementary school teacher, have three children.

Forsyth County Board of Education

The Forsyth County Board of Education is the governing board of the district and is composed of five members, elected by district, to staggered, four-year terms. The primary role of the School Board is the legislation of school system policies, which are executed under the direction of the school superintendent. The School Board meets monthly at the Forsyth County Board of Education and Professional Development Center, 1120 Dahlonega Highway in Cumming. Meetings may be viewed on YouTube or TV Forsyth Live.

Meet the School Board

District 1 – Wes McCall (chairman) WMcCall@forsyth.k12.ga.us Elected in 2018; current term expires in 2022 Wesley McCall has been a resident of Forsyth County since 2002. He has been an active parent in the Forsyth County School System serving as a student mentor, classroom volunteer and member of the PTA Board and Local School councils.

McCall’s involvement in the community includes student development through his church youth group, founding the Emerging Leaders Program through North Fulton Leadership, working with the Georgia Department of Education to develop career path curriculum for the public safety industry, volunteering as a Boy Scout leader and serving on several educational boards.

McCall holds an undergraduate degree from Grand Canyon University in Christian Leadership and a graduate degree from Columbus State in public administration. He and his family attend Browns Bridge Church.

District 2 – Kristin Morrissey (vice chairwoman) kmorrissey@forsyth.k12.ga.us Elected in 2011; current term ends in 2022 Kristin Morrissey studied microelectronic engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology and received her degree in computer science from State University of New York.

She worked in corporate training at Eastman Kodak and later retired from the Rochester Public Library and Monroe County Library System after 16 years of service.

Morrissey is a 2009 graduate of Leadership Forsyth and the Georgia Academy for Economic Development, Regional Economic and Leadership Development. She is an active community member serving on several boards, including the Forsyth County Library, Peachtree Parkway Improvement District and Forsyth County Parks Foundation.

She and her husband, Joe, have two daughters, one at Georgia Tech and the younger at Lambert High School.

District 3 - Tom Cleveland TCleveland@forsyth.k12.ga.us Elected in 2005; current term ends in 2024 Tom Cleveland served as the co-chair of the district’s Vision 2010 steering committee and was a member of the Teacher of the Year Selection Committee, Health Education Committee and various

CONTINUED ON PAGE 41 Education Answer Book 2022 | 37

Voters approve sales tax extension for Forsyth County Schools

By CANDY WAYLOCK Appen Media/November 2021 CUMMING, Ga. — Voters in Forsyth County easily approved a five-year extension to the education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax in November 2021.

The 1 percent sales tax added to all purchases will continue for another five-year cycle through March 2027, or when the school system has collected $300 million.

This is the sixth e-SPLOST approved by voters since the funding mechanism for local school districts was approved by the state Legislature in 1996.

The current e-SPLOST in Forsyth County which began in March 2017 expires in March 2022 after having raised $195 million over the past five years. The approval of e-SPLOST6 on Nov. 2 will continue the tax collection without interruption.

Forsyth County School Board Chairwoman Kristin Morrissey said the approval of the measure by nearly 70 percent of voters confirmed the county’s continued support for the school system.

She noted the approval rate in the Nov. 2 election was higher than in previous bond referendums or e-SPLOSTs. “As a board we believe moving to a ‘pay-as-you-go’ model

for the next five years is a win for the system and local property owners,” Morrissey said. She said the district has previously relied heavily on bond referendums to fund needed projects in the fast-growing school district.

With the approval of e-SPLOST6, Forsyth County Schools does not anticipate the need for another bond in the next five years.

“We plan to use the SPLOST6 revenues to fund our capital needs for both life cycle needs like air conditioning, heating, roofing and upgrades throughout the system,” Morrissey said. “The district can also purchase new buses, safety and security cameras, computers and do improvements [in school-based programs] without incurring additional debt.”

With eight new schools built over the past decade, the district’s focus is moving away from new construction to increased maintenance and support in the next five-year capital program.

Only one new school – the replacement of Midway Elementary – is planned in e-SPLOST6. The $38 million school will be built adjacent to Denmark High School.

Voters also approved extending education sales taxes in Cherokee County, Cobb County, and Fulton County and Atlanta school systems.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36 Where to go for help If you need help filling out an application or have other questions relating to the HOPE Scholarship, contact the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend, talk with your high school counselor or contact the Georgia Student Finance Commission.

To find contact details for the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend, find your school through the search engine via the list of Georgia colleges and universities. Visit gafutures.org to access and explore information and websites regarding Georgia colleges and universities.

You can contact the Georgia Student Finance Commission at 800-505-4732.

Administrative reviews and exceptions If a student believes their eligible college or university incorrectly determined their HOPE Scholarship or Zell Miller Scholarship eligibility may submit a request to GSFC for an Administrative Review. Upon request of an Administrative Review, the Program Administration Office will review a student’s eligibility determination and decide if the program laws, regulations, policies and rules were applied correctly to a student’s specific case.

Students must submit a written letter requesting an Administrative Review and any pertinent and supporting documentation within 45 days of receiving notice of denial of HOPE Scholarship or Zell Miller Scholarship eligibility. GSFC will review and decide a case based solely upon the documentation provided by the student, rather than a personal presentation.

To submit a written request for an Administrative Review or for additional assistance/any questions email: programAdmin@gsfc.org, After a review of the student’s record and request, the Program Administration Office will respond to the student by email within 2 weeks.

In very limited extenuating circumstances, HOPE or Zell Miller Scholarship recipients who meet specific criteria and had to withdraw from college for a term due to a serious illness or injury or a death 38 | Education Answer Book 2022

in their immediately family may be eligible for an Exception in which the withdrawn hours are forgiven. Exception criteria can be found at gafutures.org.

Other state aid programs Zell Miller Scholarship — The Zell Miller Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship that provides full tuition at a public postsecondary institution and tuition assistance at an eligible private postsecondary institution. A student must graduate from an eligible high school as valedictorian or salutatorian (meeting the requirements of the HOPE Scholarship) or graduate with a minimum calculated HOPE GPA of 3.7 along with a minimum combined score of 1200 on the SAT or a composite score of 26 on the ACT and meet specific rigor course requirements.

REACH Georgia — REACH Georgia is a needs-based mentoring and scholarship program providing promising students the support to graduate from high school and achieve postsecondary success. REACH scholars will be paired with a mentor who models positive behavior and provides the student with knowledge, advice, guidance and support related to education and beyond. Qualifying REACH Scholars will be awarded a financial scholarship upon graduating from high school.

HERO Scholarship — The Georgia HERO Scholarship program provides educational scholarship assistance to members of the Georgia National Guard and U.S. Military Reservists who served in combat zones, and the children and the spouses of such members of the Georgia National Guard and U.S. Military Reserves.

Public Safety Memorial Grant — The Georgia Public Safety Memorial (GPSM) Grant provides grant funds to the dependent children of Georgia Public Safety Officers who were permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty. Funds may be used towards the cost of attendance at eligible colleges, universities or technical colleges in Georgia.

Move On When Ready — MOWR is for students at eligible high schools who wish to take college level coursework for credit toward both high school and college graduation requirements.

A letter to students Brought to you by - Woodward Academy 1. You are awesome. Be confident in who you are. I promise you’ll meet people who are smarter than you, and that’s OK. You don’t have to be the smartest person—oddly enough, sometimes being the smartest person is difficult. I also promise that you will be smarter than most. Enjoy that, while being smart isn’t everything, it is definitely something.

Be confident in your intelligence, but not arrogant. I’ve found that, most of the time, being arrogant backfires on you.

That leads into point two…

2. Sometimes it takes more courage and intelligence to be silent than to speak. It took me a long time to understand and respect silence. I’m still learning that it’s a mark of maturity and, most of the time, intelligence. Also, respect everyone’s differences and challenge yourself to learn about them.

3. Never stop learning. I don’t mean that in a teacher way, I mean it in a learning life sort of way. You are constantly growing, maturing, and developing, so enjoy it. Life is a condition to which no one is immune.

We learn something every day.

Our taste in music, food, TV, and the people we surround ourselves with evolves. It’s natural for these preferences to change. I wasted a lot of time trying to be someone I wasn’t because I thought I was supposed to be someone else.

To complete number three, you need to invest in number four…

4. Spend time with yourself. Since you’ve been in my class, I’ve learned how amazing you are, each in your own way. If you sit and spend time with you, I think you’ll feel the same way. I’m such a people person, but sometimes the best thing is time alone with great music, a book, TV, or whatever. As cheesy as this sounds, be your own best friend. The sooner you learn that all your faults and idiosyncrasies are what make you awesome, the sooner you will be a better person and enjoy life so much more. That leads to number five…

5. Everyone has faults. With the advent of social media, I sometimes find myself comparing my faults with everyone else’s highlights. Scrolling through your Twitter feed (or Snapchat or TikTok), you see people lauding their accomplishments, great times, and great friends. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with this, as long as you understand that what you see on social media is an incomplete picture. If you compare all your faults to those highlights, you may feel a bit inadequate. Everyone has faults, so embrace yours.

Grow from them and know that they add to what makes you, you.

And remember, you’re awesome.

6. Surround yourself with people who love you and think you’re great (but also who know and accept your faults). You need this. If someone won’t accept you for who you are, ask yourself if you really need that relationship (be it friends or more).

7. Smile. Every day. I’m not getting into the psychology of it all, but it could possibly make you happier and healthier. It works. Trust me.

8. Don’t trust people just because they say, “trust me.” Still...

9. Trust people. It’s endearing. I know this is very contradictory, but it’s true. Even though “trust me” should raise flags, trusting people means you are human and we all need people we can trust.

10. I’ve saved one of the most important tips for last: Be happy.

Genuinely happy.

Choose a profession that pays the bills and makes you want to go to work most days. You won’t be happy every day. You will have bad days, weeks and maybe even months, but you’ll be generally happy. Money

will not, in the end, make you happy.

One of the greatest pieces of advice my dad ever gave me was to make great memories. Good and bad, and all kinds in between, they are all part of our life.

So, make them good ones and remember that you are part of other’s memories so make sure they are positive, too.

I have to end this the way my mother ended most of our conversations when I was in high school and college. Make good choices. (I repeat this often to my own kids.)

Lori Fenzl, Upper School social studies teacher Education Answer Book 2022 | 39

Five things to do before renovating your home Brought to you by– BILL RAWLINGS, Senior Vice President & Managing Broker, North Atlanta Office Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty RAWLINGS

Are you looking to renovate your home in 2022? Maybe you want to give your kitchen a makeover or add on a new home office, but you are unsure where to start. Well, you’re not alone.

Many homeowners dive into the renovation process with no clue what to expect. It’s only after they suffer through renovation mishaps that they regret not having a plan.

Without preparation, the home renovation process can be full of disappointments because, unlike building a new house, you aren’t starting with a blank slate. So, before you go down the twists and turns of the renovation path, here are five things to do before remodeling.

1. Make a List Every grand adventure begins with motivation and a map. Grab a pen and paper, go room by room and write down things you love about your current space. At the same time, also note what you do not like, and feel are missing.

40 | Education Answer Book 2022

2. Know Your End Goal Before you decide how significantly to renovate, you need to know what your end goal is for your home. Are you renovating to raise the resale value, or will you be staying put for years to come? Consider the condition of your neighborhood before you begin, and know which renovations are a good return on investment and which will be considered overdoing it for the area.

Having a specific plan for your future will help you decide how deep to go with your project.

3. List Your Priorities With your why nailed down, ask what your priorities are. If grandma is coming to live with you, a zero-entry shower could be non-negotiable. A dedicated home office area could be necessary if you are now working from home permanently. Maybe you need more space, or a second bathroom would make things a lot easier during those busy mornings. Once you know what you can’t live without, you’ll have a better idea of where the wiggle room is in the budget.

4. Look For Inspiration Start looking at pictures in magazines and search the Internet. You’ll want to narrow down your design preferences before meeting with an interior designer. Get inspiration from browsing home decorating

magazines, interior decorating websites and design shows. Getting a handle on a design direction will help you avoid being talked into a designer’s personal ideas, which might differ from your vision for the renovation.

5. Consider the Costs Imagine having your roof ready for shingles and running out of money. Not a good place to be when a storm brews on the horizon. It is always good to have a budget in mind ahead of time. So, before you get too attached to those marble countertops or spendy light fixtures, head down the aisles of your local design center to start pricing materials and labor. Designers and builders can adapt to most budgets, but it is helpful to have an idea or ballpark about what you are willing to spend. Just a warning: Most jobs will cost more and take longer than you expect, so always add 20 percent to what you think a project will total when budgeting.

If you need assistance renovating your home or have any other real estate needs, please contact Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty at 770.442.7300.

We would be happy to assist you!

Compiled and edited by Dana Daniels, Marketing Coordinator

Top 40 teachers selected for Forsyth County schools CUMMING, Ga. — Schools across the Forsyth County School System have announced their “Teacher of the Year” selections who are now in contention for their district’s overall top teacher for the 2021-22 school year.

The 40 teachers, chosen by the district’s selection committee, represent 22 elementary, 11 middle, six high schools and one academy.

District spokeswoman Hannah Samples said the candidates will be pared down to 19 semi-finalists, then five finalists before the overall Teacher of the Year is announced in March.

Samples said individual schools selected their top teacher from all teaching staff, including special education, physical education, and art and music teachers. Criteria for selection focused on teachers who are dedicated to education and inspire their students to learn.

“They play an active role in the community as well as in the classroom,” Samples said. “And have the respect and admiration of not only the students, but parents and colleagues.”

—Candy Waylock

Forsyth County School System “Teachers of the Year” Elementary Schools

Big Creek: Debbie Stair Brandywine: Kaylie Scott Brookwood: Sarah Leonard Chattahoochee: Belinda Bator-Pienaar Chestatee: Kristin Gomez Coal Mountain: Bethany Sterritt Cumming: Susan Bennett Daves Creek: Shona Morris Haw Creek: Julie Kelley Johns Creek: Liia Barone Kelly Mill: Chelsea Daher Mashburn: Patti Phillips Matt: Taylor Chamlee Midway: Katrina Staton Poole’s Mill: Bethany McClurkan

Sawnee: Leslie Hohenberger Settles Bridge: Tracey Foxx Sharon: Tammy Bevis Shiloh Point: Jessica Rogers Silver City: Katie Vaughan Vickery Creek: Lisa Landis Whitlow: Taylor Rodden

Middle Schools

DeSana: Lizzette Nixon Kelly Mill: Chelsea Daher Lakeside: Quinten Foster Liberty: Brooke Hollingsworth Little Mill: Morgan Adams North Forsyth: Amy Bales

Otwell: Barb Turner Piney Grove: Angie Smith Riverwatch: Christy McGinley South Forsyth: Catherine Swartz Vickery Creek: Michael Cheek

High Schools

Denmark: Vina Jumper Forsyth Central: Paul Mallalieu Lambert: Mary Nicholetti North Forsyth: Charlotte Stevens South Forsyth: Katie Urbanovitch West Forsyth: Bo Brison Alliance Academy for Innovation: Janice Kochevar

Meet the superintendent and the board of education CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37 other roles within the school system.

He currently serves as a judge at FIRST Robotics competitions, a CERT (Citizen Emergency Response Team) member, graduate of Citizen Law Enforcement Academy, a member of the Amateur Radio Emergency Services group within the county, and member of the Forsyth County Drug Awareness Council.

Raised in DeKalb County, Cleveland moved his family to Forsyth County in 1995 where his two sons attended Forsyth County schools. He works in the technology sector.

District 4 - Darla Light dlight@forsyth.k12.ga.us Elected in 2009; current term ends in 2024 Raised in Forsyth County, Darla Light graduated from Forsyth County High School and attended the University of Georgia where she majored in special education. She and her husband David, a former educator, have three children who are all North Forsyth HS graduates.

Light served as an elementary PTSO officer for three years, a middle school PTSO officer for two years and coached middle school basketball. She is a member of FCS 2400 Challenge

Committee and is active in the North Forsyth 400 Rotary Club. A small business owner, Light owns Browns Bridge Boat and Mini Storage in Cumming.

District 5 – Lindsey Adams LiAdams@forsyth.k.12.ga.us Elected in 2020; current term ends in 2024 A resident of Forsyth County since 2012, Lindsey Adams is the newest member of the Board of Education. She has four children who attend Forsyth County schools and has been a class parent, a member of the Local School Council at Haw Creek Elementary and served on the Superintendent’s Parent and Community Advisory committee.

Adams also volunteers in several community organizations, including Keep Forsyth Beautiful, the Cumming Women’s Center, Special Olympics Georgia and the Task Force for Child Survival and Development.

She earned degrees in both English and in Education with Moderate Special Needs from Boston College. Adams taught 6th grade at Shamrock Middle School in Dekalb County, and has also worked in the insurance industry.

Education Answer Book 2022 | 41

Emergency + Community ORGANIZATION

PURPOSE

PHONE #

WEBSITE

To find help

211 or 404-527-7200

unitedwayatlanta.org

CHARITIES United Way North Fulton Community Charities

Help in Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton

770-640-0399

nfcchelp.org

Community Assistance Center

Help in Sandy Springs/Dunwoody

770-552-4015

ourcac.org

DFCS

Food Stamps/TANF/Medicaid

404-657-3433

dfcs.georgia.org

FACAA/LIHEAP

Energy Assistance

404-320-0166

facaa.org

St. Vincent de Paul

Financial Assistance

678-892-6163

svdpatl.org

HOUSING & HOMELESS Housing Authority of Fulton Co.

Section 8 and Public Housing

404-588-495

hafc.org

Homestretch/Housing Initiative

Transitional Housing

770-642-9185

homestretch.org

Roswell Public Housing

Public Housing

770-993-6226

roswellhousing.org

The Drake House

Emergency housing women with children

770-587-4712

thedrakehouse.org

Metro Fair Housing

Housing Discrimination

404-524-0000

metrofairhousing.com

Salvation Army

General Assistance

404-486-2900

salvationarmyatlanta.org

Gateway Center

Emergency Shelter

404-215-6600

gatewayctr.org

Travelers Aid/Hope Atlanta

Homeless prevention, newcomers

404-817-7070

hopeatlanta.org/

EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Com)

Employment Discrimination

800-669-4000

eeoc.gov/field/atlanta

Department of Labor

Unemployment Office

404-232-4700

dol.georgia.gov

404-657-3433

dfcs.georgia.org

EMPLOYMENT

FAMILY & CHILDREN’S SERVICES Child Abuse and Neglect

To report abuse

GA Council on Child Abuse

Info, resources

800-244-5373

preventchildabusega.org

Child Support Assistance

Child Support Enforcement

844-694-2347

childsupport.georgia.gov

Families First

Counseling

404-853-2844

familiesfirst.org

Fulton County Schools

General Information

470-254-3600

fultonschools.org

Fulton Co. School Social Workers

Information

470-254-2447

fultonschools.org/socialwork

G.E.D.

Enrollment Opportunities at NFCC

770-640-0399

nfcchelp.org/education

Georgia Head Start

3-4 Year Olds

404-458-6224

georgiaheadstart.org

Child Dev. Center North Fulton

Child Care

770-992-4006

cdakids.org

Family Haven (NF & Forsyth)

24 Hour Hotline-Domestic Violence

770-844-0842

forsythcountyfamilyhaven.info

PADV (Partnership Against Domestic Violence)

24 Hour Hotline-Domestic Violence

404-873-1766

padv.org/

Jewish Family and Career Services Family and Career Counseling

770-677-9300

jcfsatl.org

Senior Services North Fulton

770-993-1906

ssnorthfulton.org

42 | Education Answer Book 2022

Meals on Wheels, Transportation

Resource Table ORGANIZATION

PURPOSE

PHONE #

WEBSITE

CREDIT COUNSELING/ LEGAL/ POLICE HOPE

Foreclosure assistance

888-995-4673

995hope.org

Atlanta Legal Aid

Legal Assistance

404-524-5811

atlantalegalaid.org

Anonymous Police Tip Hotline

Roswell – Crime/Drugs

770-641-3959

roswellgov.com

City of Alpharetta - Police

Tip Hotline

678-297-6307

alpharetta.ga.us

City of Johns Creek - Police

Tip Hotline

678-474-1610

johnscreekga.gov/residents/police

City of Milton - Police

Tip Hotline

678-242-2570

cityofmiltonga.us

Grady Rape Crisis Center

Crisis line

404-616-4861

gnesa.org/content/grady-rape-crisis-center

Social Security

Social Security, Disability, SSI

800-772-1213

ssa.gov

Tags/Titles

Fulton County Office

404-730-6100

dor.georgia.gov

GOVERNMENT

Veterans Administration

VA Health, Housing, Benefits

800-698-2411

va.gov

Fulton County Housing & Human Services

Info on County programs

404-612-4000

fultoncountyga.gov/services/human-services

MARTA

bus, rail schedules, fares

404-848-5000

itsmarta.com

24 hour -mental health, addiction & crisis service

800-715-4225

georgiacollaborative.com

HEALTH Georgia Crisis & Access Line North Fulton Regional Health Center

Public Health (in Alpharetta)

404-612-1958

fultoncountyga.gov

North Fulton Health Center Grady

Primary Care clinic in NF (Sandy Springs)

404-612-2273

gradyhealthsystem.org/

Northside Behavioral Health

Mental Health

404-851-8960

northside.com/behavioralhealth]

Children’s at NorthPoint (Mansell Rd)

pediatric primary care

404-785-5437

choa.org/locations/childrens-at-north-point

Good Samaritan Atlanta

primary care clinic downtown

404-523-6571

goodsamatlanta.org/

North Fulton Hospital

Hospital - Roswell

770-751-2500

nfultonhospital.com

Grady Memorial Hospital

Hospital

404-616-1000

gradyhealth.org/

Scottish Rite (Childrens Hospital)

Pediatric Hospital

404-785-5252

choa.org/

Emory Johns Creek

Hospital - Johns Creek

678-474-7000

emoryhealthcare.org

Northside Hospital

Hospital - Sandy Springs or Forsyth

770-844-3200

northside.com/

Gwinnett Medical Center Duluth

Hospital

678-312-5000

northside.com

Education Answer Book 2022 | 43