Education Answer Book - 2025 by Appen Media Group

Education ANSWER BOOK 2025

Soaring high

Atlanta International School set to open new campus, marks 40th anniversary Pages 20-22

At Mill Springs Academy, we combine academics with practical skills development through project-based learning. Our approach builds critical thinking, executive functioning, and emotional intelligence skills— empowering students to be Real World Ready no matter what path they choose.

Serving neurodiverse students in grades K-12

Publisher Emeritus

Ray Appen

Publisher

Hans Appen

Editorial

Jim Bass

Sarah Coyne

Dean Hesse

Zoe Seiler

Hayden Sumlin

Jon Wilcox

Production

David Brown

Jacob Tomberlin

Dionna Williams

Advertising

Mike Dorman

Paul Flowers

Jade Garcia

Steve Neese

Ashley White

2025 Edition: The Education Answer Book is published at the beginning of each year. For information on inclusion in the 2026 edition email hans@appenmedia.com. If you have suggestions, corrections, or questions about this year’s edition, let us know!

Reproduction of the content of the Answer Book— including all maps and photos — is prohibited without expressed written permission. The Answer Book is a trademarked title. 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. Contact us at 770-442-3278 or email advertising@appenmedia.com

319 North Main Street, Alpharetta AppenMedia.com

Welcome to the 2025 Education Answer Book.

We’re glad you picked it up

HANS APPEN Publisher

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the 2025 Education Answer Book. We hope that you will continue to find this to be a trusted resource for navigating the diverse and dynamic educational landscape of North Metro Atlanta. At Appen Media Group, we understand that education is the foundation of our community’s future, and we remain committed to providing families, students, and educators with the insights they need to make informed decisions.

In this edition, you will find comprehensive coverage of local schools, academic programs, extracurricular opportunities, and expert advice on everything from early childhood education to college preparation. Whether you are exploring school options, seeking guidance on educational trends, or looking for ways to support lifelong learning, this guide is designed to be your go-to reference throughout the year.

Education continues to evolve, and so do the opportunities available to students in our region. We are excited to highlight innovative programs, inspiring educators, and the many resources that make North Metro Atlanta an exceptional place to learn and grow. Our team has worked diligently to compile the most up-to-date and relevant information to empower you in making the best choices for your family’s educational journey.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of this important conversation. We hope you find the Education Answer Book both informative and inspiring. Here’s to another year of learning, growth, and success!

Sincerely,

Hans Appen, Publisher Appen Media Group

10: Meet the Board of Education - Fulton 26: Meet the Board of Education - Dekalb 27: New DeKalb County School Board members sworn in 30: Meet the Board of Education - Forsyth

33: Principals blast paid online courses for creating unhealthy competition

On the Cover:

A student attends class at Atlanta International School. See story on pages 20-22

A place of hope, relationship, academic success and independence

Brought to you by – Alexsander Academy

Alexsander Academy is a small, academically focused school, catering to approximately 25 students with diverse learning profiles such as ADHD, learning disabilities, dyslexia, autism, and other learning differences. . Founded on the principles of care and dedication, Alexsander Academy offers a highly personalized approach tailored to each student’s unique needs, focusing equally on academic and social development within a supportive classroom environment. Students are met where they are within the standards for each academic segment of the day, with the goal of closing the academic gap as much as is possible.

We prioritize individual attention, ensuring that every student receives the necessary guidance to thrive academically and personally. Our ultimate goal is to equip our students with the skills needed for successfully graduating high school, empowering them to pursue further education or confidently enter the workforce. Class sizes average 6 to 8 students, with those needing more support considered on an individual basis.

Beyond academics, fostering meaningful connections among our students is paramount. This not only enhances their social development but also creates a supportive and inclusive community where they can thrive emotionally and academically. Recognizing the needs of working parents, aftercare services are offered. Summer school programs, year round tutoring, as well as assessment and home school support are offered to our students and the community at large to allow us to support as many children as possible to have continuous learning opportunities.

At Alexsander Academy, we are dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student, fostering a supportive environment where they can grow academically, socially, and personally, setting the stage for a successful future.

Helping children to learn at their pace. From the days our doors opened in 2008, Alexsander Academy has cultivated a learning environment that encourages, uplifts, educates and fosters independence for students who face learning and social challenges.

As a fully accredited and specialized school, we get to know each student’s academic and social needs while focusing on building their independent skills. A core belief at Alexsander Academy is “programs don’t teach children — people do.” With small classrooms, flexible teachers and personalized curriculum, teachers can meet your child where they are and help them grow into more independent students.

In addition to a regular school day program, Alexsander Academy offers to students and to the community a full summer academic session, year round tutoring, home school and curriculum support as well as academic assessment services.

Schedule a tour today to see how Alexsander Academy can help your child reach both educational and personal success.

Discover the services and benefits of the Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau

Brought to you by – Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is Alpharetta, Georgia’s official tourism resource, dedicated to positioning the city as a premier destination locally, nationally, and globally. Through high-quality programs and services, the CVB works to attract visitors and elevate Alpharetta as a top choice for travel and events.

How does the Alpharetta CVB serve North Atlanta’s community? The CVB provides valuable resources, including free visitor information at the Alpharetta Welcome Center with over 200 brochures and complimentary planning services for weddings, reunions, mitzvahs, meetings, and sports events.

When planning an event, the Alpharetta CVB offers:

• A dedicated event planning resource to guide your Alpharetta experience

• Expert recommendations on venues, meeting spaces, and sports facilities

• Assistance securing hotel rates and availability at Alpharetta hotels, with a comprehensive list tailored to your event’s needs

• Support with destination and hotel site inspections

• Complimentary welcome bags with visitor information for hotel guests

• Insider tips on dining, activities, and vendors for your event

• Custom itineraries crafted for your attendees

To start planning your event in Alpharetta, call us at 678-297-2811. Explore more at awesomealpharetta.com and subscribe to our newsletter for updates on events, promotions, and giveaways!

MEETINGS

Planning a WEDDING, REUNION, MITZVAH, MEETING or SPORTS EVENT?

Take advantage of the FREE event planning resources of the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau including FREE consultation on venues, fields and facilities, hotels and more. Alpharetta is designed for meetings and events of all sizes. The city has 31 upscale, modern hotels with meeting spaces that perfectly accommodate any size group from 10 to 2,500 attendees, including the Alpharetta Conference Center with 44,000 square feet of flexible event space.

With one call to the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau, room rates are collected from Alpharetta’s hotels and are provided to you as a comprehensive list of options. We also offer complimentary welcome bags for your Alpharetta hotel guests. See for yourself why Alpharetta was named one of 2024 South’s Best Cities by the readers of Southern Living®.

SCAN HERE to start planning your event at

SCAN HERE to start planning your event at awesomealpharetta.com.

Greater Atlanta Christian School announces investment of over $30M to transform campus

Brought to you by – Greater Atlanta Christian School

Greater Atlanta Christian School (GAC) is proud to announce an investment of over $30 million in facilities and program improvements at GAC. This transformation will be made possible through the Light the Way Campaign, a visionary initiative designed to elevate the educational experience for generations of students. This transformative campaign will fund a dozen renovation and building projects that reflect GAC’s commitment to preparing students for success in an ever-changing world while deepening the school’s strong Christian foundation. Today, we are excited to share several key projects from the campaign.

At the heart of the campaign is the Jim & Julie Tidwell Commons, a dynamic hub for middle and high school students to gather, collaborate, and innovate. The Tidwell Commons will feature a new student-run coffee shop and bistro, the new Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program, a Creative Media Production Studio, and modern academic spaces, including an enhanced library and academic support areas. The space will also be home to Christian Life and Missions, providing a cornerstone for nurturing faith and spiritual growth within the GAC community.

"The Tidwell Commons will be more than a facility; it will serve as a hub where ideas come to life, equipping students with real-world skills in business, innovation, and creativity,” says Dr. Paul Cable, High School Principal.

Jim & Becky Combee Elementary Complex Redesign

The Jim & Becky Combee Elementary Complex will undergo a complete redesign to better support the needs of today’s students. Renovations will include flexible, modern classrooms, enhanced STEM and outdoor learning spaces, and a state-of-theart Engineering, Science, and Design Lab. “This renovation will not only modernize the Combee Elementary Complex but will also create an inspiring and secure environment where our younger learners can thrive and grow, reflecting our commitment to excellence in education and student wellbeing," says Rhonda Helms, Lower School Principal.

The campaign includes a new Athletic Field House to support GAC’s soccer, tennis, baseball, softball, and girls flag football programs. Featuring locker rooms, training and meeting spaces, and upgraded amenities, it will serve as a modern space for

game-day operations and practices. "This is a premier facility that will allow our athletes to compete at the highest level," shares Tim Hardy, Athletic Director.

In addition to the Field House, GAC is renovating and doubling the space in the Naik Athletic Training Center, further strengthening one of the top performance training programs in the state. “Our performance training program is among the best in Georgia, and these upgrades will align our facilities with the excellence of our programming,” Hardy said. The expanded training center will feature state-of-the-art performance training equipment, a dedicated speed and agility area, and a new recovery suite. “This space will give our athletes the tools they need to recover efficiently and perform at their peak,” Hardy added.

Additionally, the new Wood Family Treehouse and Canopy Walk, which was completed last month, will inspire and elevate our students’ outdoor learning experiences for years to come.

Designed as a versatile hub for group learning, hands-on activities, and afterschool programs, the Treehouse will become an exciting space for educational growth, exploration, and team-building. It’s a place where students can connect with nature, develop new skills, and deepen their love for the outdoors.

This campaign is about more than just buildings; each project focuses on today’s students and future generations, ensuring that GAC remains a beacon of excellence with a foundation of faith for years to come. Through the Light the Way Campaign, our students will benefit from improvements in academics, athletics, the arts, community, and Christian faith.

About Greater Atlanta Christian School:

Greater Atlanta Christian School (GAC) is one of Atlanta's largest Christian schools, serving over 1,800 PK-12th grade students. The walkable 90-acre campus is located in Norcross, Georgia, ½ mile off I-85 and Indian Trail Road. GAC provides an array of inperson, online, and hybrid options with over 65 STEM courses, 30 Advanced Placement (AP) courses, dual college credit courses, and personalized and project-based learning. In addition to forward-thinking innovation, GAC students benefit from caring, responsive teaching and small class sizes. GAC is a faith-infused, academically rich community, ranking at the top of the state for teaching quality, arts, and athletics.

For more information, please contact: Annie Wells, Director of Community Relations awells@GAC.org | 770-243-2258

GREATER ATLANTA CHRISTAN SCHOOL/PROVIDED

Fulton County

Meet the superintendent and the board of education

Superintendent Mike Looney, Ph.D.

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 the 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 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 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 - Sara Gillespie GillespieS1@fultonschools.org

Board member since 2024; term expires Dec. 31, 2028

As a resident of District 1, Sara Gillespie has been involved in Fulton County Schools as co-president of the Mountain Park Elementary School PTA and the school’s science lab coordinator, where she is active in her two children’s education. Gillespie represents parts an area that primarily serves Roswell and parts of Alpharetta, including the Centennial, Roswell and Milton high school clusters. She served as a board member of Roswell Youth Lacrosse and a volunteer with the Junior League of Atlanta. She has a career background in college admissions and the career placement field. Gillespie has a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Saint Mary’s College. s formerly a regional vice president for Berger Funds and Invesco Funds.

District 2 – Lillie Pozatek pozatekl@fultonschools.org

Board member since 2023; current term expires Dec. 31, 2026

A Milton resident, Pozatek represents the Alpharetta and Milton area. She studied special education at the University of Florida and worked as a high school teacher before she moved to a career in sales. Pozatek left the field when her youngest child joined school and transitioned into parent leadership. She was a parent representative to the School Governance Council and served on parent boards for 12 years. In 2021, she was chosen as a Court Appointed Special Advocate to work with children and families in foster care.

District 3 – Katie Gregory gregoryK1@fultonschools.org

Board member since 2023; current term expires Dec. 31, 2028

Katie Gregory represents Sandy Springs, College Park, East Point and Hapeville. She was appointed to fill the vacated District 3 seat in 2023. Gregory spent 14 years working in the public sector for the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. She was an environmental engineer in the air protection branch and a manger in the land protection branch. Before her appointment, Gregory was chair of the School Governance Council at Hapeville Elementary School and helped reinstate the school’s PTA. She lives in Hapeville and serves as vice president of McGuireWoods Consulting

in Atlanta. Before her appointment, Gregory was chair of the School Governance Council at Hapeville Elementary School and helped reinstate the school’s PTA. She lives in Hapeville and serves as vice president of McGuireWoods Consulting in Atlanta.

District 5 – Kristin McCabe (president) mccabek@fultonschools.org

Board member since 2023; current term expires Dec. 31, 2026

Kristin McCabe represents the Johns Creek and Alpharetta areas. She was a pediatric cardiac nurse for eight years and spent 10 years working in medical sales. After she left the medical field, she served as a parent volunteer. McCabe was president of the Findley Oaks Elementary School PTA and served as a parent representative for local school advisory committees. She also served on the Fulton County Schools Health Advisory Committee.

District 7 – Dr. Michelle Morancie Moranciem1@fultonschools.org

Board member since 2023; current term expires Dec. 31, 2026

Dr. Michelle Morancie represents Sandy Springs and parts of Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Roswell. A native New Yorker, Morancie spent 28 years as a school psychologist in New York City public schools. In New York, Morancie taught as an adjunct professor of psychology at various colleges. Once she moved to Georgia, Morancie worked briefly as a school psychologist in Fulton County Schools before establishing a private practice for therapeutic services for women. She volunteered as a NICU Baby Buddy at Children’s healthcare of Atlanta. Morancie also serves as a mentor with the Drake House in Sandy Springs.

South Fulton County Board of Education

Franchesca Warren • District 4 (vice president) Warrenf2@fultonschools.org

Board member since 2021; current term expires Dec. 31, 2028

Franchesca Warren represents areas in Chattahoochee Hills, College Park, Fairburn, Palmetto, Union City and portions of southwest Atlanta. For more than 18 years, as a teacher, instructional coach and literacy coordinator across the Southeast, Warren has advocated for equity in literacy resources for all students. Warren has presented at several national conferences including NCTE and GCTE, and was selected as the South Atlanta High School, School of Law and Social Justice Teacher of the Year for the 20122013 school year and a Difference Maker for the Atlanta Public School district. She has founded the parent advocacy think tank, South Fulton Parents for Education, where a group of parents demand equity for school’s south of the I-20 Corridor. Through their work they have been able to advance the work of several initiatives around literacy, STEAM and mental health.

Kimberly Dove • District 6 dovek@fultonschools.org

Appointed to the Board in May 2017; subsequently elected to the position in 2018. Current term expires December 31, 2026.

Kimberly Dove, a long-time resident of South Fulton, represents parts of College Park, East Point, South Fulton, and Union City. Dove has served as a school volunteer and as the president, vice president and parliamentarian of the Parent Teacher Student Association at Westlake High School. With 15 years as an IT expert, Dove specializes in mergers and acquisitions with systems integrations and network infrastructure. She has worked in her community as a past board member of Protecting Our Schools and Community and as a member of the education committee for The People’s Campaign. Dove is a proud parent of three children, one of whom graduated from Fulton County Schools.

We bring school to you!

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At GCA, we partner with families to provide a supportive learning environment where students receive real-time instruction and guidance.

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Georgia Cyber Academy is a 100% tuition-free, online, accredited, Georgia public charter school for students in grades K-12. Visit our website for more information. georgiacyber.org

40 years of growth and impact: Celebrating The Cottage School’s legacy

Brought to you by – The Cottage School

This month marks the 40th anniversary of The Cottage School, a place where compassion, innovation, and education come together to support students with learning differences. Since its founding in 1985, the school has been a community of hope for countless children and their families, offering individualized support, specialized programs, and a supportive environment where every student can thrive.

Over the past four decades, The Cottage School has grown from a 23-acre campus serving only high school students into a thriving community with two campuses across 28 acres, now educating students from K-12. Dr. Steve Palmer, Head of School, shared “the dedication of teachers and staff has been instrumental in shaping the lives of students as

they emerge into confident, productive, and independent adults”. As we celebrate this milestone, we honor the achievements of past and present students and recognize the unwavering commitment of parents, educators, and the entire TCS community. This anniversary reflects not only the success of the past but also a promise for the future 40 years of impact, inspiration, and opportunity. May the next 40 bring even greater success for all who walk through our doors!

WHERE LEARNING DIFFERENTLY is celebrated

Since 1985, The Cottage School has provided small-group instruction and specialized social and emotional programs to meet the needs of every student Our unique work-based/ incentive-based approach provides the behavioral supports and social culture enabling each student to achieve academic, social, and emotional success

For more information, please visit

Education solutions for every mind, every age

Brought to you by - Eaton Academy

Eaton Academy offers multiple programs, both in person and online, since a “one size fits all” approach to education is not effective in today’s world.

Academic Programs

The full-day K-12 school with its 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio allows instructors to address the individual learning styles of both neuro-typical and neurodiverse students. Through the use of STEAM-related activities and multisensory instruction, students of all abilities achieve academic and personal success. The college-prep curriculum is delivered in a safe, nurturing environment.

For students with more significant needs, the Pace Program customizes the curriculum to, not only meet their specific academic needs but also develop life skills and independent living strategies. This approach is perfect for students on the spectrum, those with developmental delays, and individuals with other scholastic challenges. Pace students follow the traditional school day and work to develop greater self-sufficiency and independence, on their way to earning a high school diploma.

businesses and life skill development in our model apartment.

The Independent Study Program (ISP) , tailored to students’ schedules and academic needs, permits individuals to work at their own pace. The tutorial setting enables students who need a more flexible approach, such as aspiring athletes and performers, to work toward graduation while following their dreams. Some students enroll in ISP to accelerate their scholastic work; others seek academic remediation. ISP arranges the one-to-one sessions on a schedule that accommodates the students’ needs for flexibility in time or delivery. Sessions can be in person or online.

Post-Graduate Programs

LEAP is designed to help individuals strengthen their life skills in order to achieve greater independence. Participants benefit from job readiness training at local

The LIFE program works with young adults living in their own apartments. Participants meet with a LIFE coach several times each week for support in areas such as meal-prep, budgeting, hygiene, roommate relations, and housekeeping.

Supported Employment prepares young adults for the workplace. Assistance is given with resume writing, applying for positions, and keeping a job. A personal job coach serves as a liaison between the participant and job sites.

College Exploratory offers individuals college level, non-credit courses so families can gauge students’ readiness for university life. Specific guidance and information are provided to prepare individuals for college.

Eaton Academy is the ideal place for families to discover education options and independent living solutions. Whatever students need, Eaton works to create the perfect education solution for them.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

EATON ACADEMY

•

• 5:1 Student: Teacher Ratio

• Independent Study Classes for Credit

Change lives, change the world

Brought to you by – Wesleyan School

Wesleyan School believes faith and intellect are great partners with each other. At Wesleyan, it’s not a matter of choosing faith or intellect, but rather using both to create the best possible education for your child. Our leadership and faculty work to provide students with an atmosphere that is challenging, reinforces the value of hard work, and emphasizes character and integrity above accomplishment. Wesleyan prepares students for each stage of life and provides them with the opportunity to

see all the possibilities that lie before them. Wesleyan’s school motto is JOY-Jesus, Others, Yourself, and every aspect of school life is oriented to reinforce this philosophy of putting Jesus first and others ahead of ourselves.

A college preparatory environment, students have access to a wide range of academic opportunities along with athletics, arts, service and other extracurricular activities. Wesleyan’s 85-acre campus provides state-of-the-art academic facilities along with on-campus practice space for athletics and arts.

Located just outside of I-285 in Peachtree Corners, Wesleyan enrolled 1,198 students in grades K-12 for the 2024-2025 school year. Wesleyan offers bus routes throughout the metro Atlanta area. Supervised care before school is included in the cost of tuition and after care is available (K-8) until 6 p.m. at an affordable rate.

The Wesleyan School 5405 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 770-448-7640

https://www.wesleyanschool.org/

Empowering the next generation

How Woodward Academy is leading the charge in AI education

Brought to you by – Woodward Academy

In today’s rapidly evolving world, artificial intelligence (AI) is more than a buzzword— it’s reshaping industries, education, and daily life. At Woodward Academy, we embrace the transformative potential of AI while remaining grounded in our mission: to provide a safe, inclusive, and forward-thinking educational environment. Through strategic innovation, Woodward has emerged as a leader in integrating AI into education, preparing students not just for today’s challenges but for tomorrow’s opportunities.

Why AI matters in education

AI is all around us, from the autocorrect on our phones to personalized playlists on Spotify. But at Woodward, we see AI as more than a convenience—it’s a powerful tool for learning. In fact, by 2022, AI usage in education had grown by over 45%, and industries worldwide increasingly value graduates who can navigate AI-driven environments.

Our students encounter AI in myriad ways, from adaptive learning platforms to creative tools like Canva and Adobe, which foster innovation and critical thinking. These technologies allow teachers to personalize instruction, streamline administrative tasks, and enrich classroom engagement, putting Woodward Academy ahead of other Atlanta private schools in terms of technological integration.

The Woodward Difference

Woodward’s AI journey began in earnest in early 2023, when we identified ChatGPT’s potential to revolutionize learning and launched our first faculty training sessions. Since then, our AI committee, comprising experts across disciplines, has developed a robust policy to guide ethical and effective AI use. Key components include:

• Age-Appropriate Integration: Students in grades 7-12 use AI tools such as Grammarly and Nearpod to enhance learning while adhering to strict privacy safeguards. For younger students, AI is embedded discreetly within approved software to maintain a focus on foundational skills.

• Transparency and Accountability: Our honor code emphasizes ethical AI use, requiring students to cite AIgenerated content. Violations, such as unpermitted AI use for assignments, are treated as serious infractions.

• Ongoing Innovation: Woodward has

conducted hundreds of workshops for faculty and students since 2023, and continues to refine its AI practices, ensuring we remain a leader among private schools in Georgia.

AI in action: Preparing future leaders Woodward's approach to AI education is rooted in practical applications and ethical considerations. Here are some of the ways we’re using AI to shape future-ready students:

• Personalized Learning: Adaptive platforms adjust to individual learning paces, providing tailored interventions and challenges. For example, tools like Go Formative and Quizlet leverage AI to enhance engagement and comprehension.

• Creative Empowerment: Students use AI-enhanced tools to design multimedia projects, bridging technical skills with artistic expression. Programs like Canva and Adobe Creative Cloud help bring their visions to life.

• Holistic Development: Our curriculum mapping software integrates academic and personal growth goals, ensuring students graduate as well-rounded leaders ready to excel in an AI-driven workforce.

Responsible AI use: a priority Woodward Academy’s AI policy

ensures that tools meet safety and privacy regulations, such as COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act) and FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). This focus safeguards student data and emphasizes ethical AI use. Additionally, our faculty stress the importance of “productive struggle,” encouraging students to engage deeply with material and avoid over-reliance on AI for answers.

What sets Woodward Academy apart Woodward isn’t just keeping up with AI— it’s shaping its role in education. Our efforts have received national recognition, including presentations at conferences like SAIS and ATLAS, showcasing our expertise in AI integration. In October 2023, Woodward updated its AI policy to address emerging technologies like deepfake tools, ensuring our students are prepared to navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape responsibly.

By embracing AI thoughtfully and responsibly, we’re setting a new standard for private education, ensuring our students are equipped to lead in a world defined by rapid technological change. Ready to see the Woodward difference? Visit woodward. edu to schedule a campus visit to discover how we prepare students to thrive in the future while staying true to our rich legacy of academic excellence and character development.

Atlanta International School soars to its new Sandy Springs campus

By HAYDEN SUMLIN Appen Media

As Atlanta International School approaches its 40th anniversary as an alternative to private education, plans for a fall opening of its Sandy Springs campus are coming together.

The founders set out to offer a uniquely different private school in Atlanta, opening the doors to its Buckhead campus in 1985. With a mission to develop leaders who shape their world for the better, Atlanta International School focuses its curriculum on understanding cultures, learning languages and embracing differences.

The International Baccalaureate curriculum, covering a broad range of subjects like math, science and

literature, is the foundation for the school’s programming. Successful IB candidates can receive advanced placement credit at top universities. It’s like Advanced Placement courses, but with a more comprehensive curriculum focused on developing a global perspective.

All AIS students study languages, taking advantage of the world class immersion programs, in Chinese, French, German and Spanish, and the opportunities to study many other languages such as Hindi, Korean, Portuguese, Arabic and Dutch.

With 1,340 students in grades pre-K-12, the school’s community of families and educators represents 90 nationalities, speaking more than 60 languages.

Head of School Kevin Glass said the school’s

Continued on page 21

Atlanta International School’s new Sandy Springs campus is welcoming daytime and boarding students in grades seven through 12 this fall. The 25-acre campus abutting the Chattahoochee River is slated to offer boarding, daytime classes and its hybrid program for student athletes.

inclusive environment gives it a special kind of energy.

“This culture of discovery and global awareness unites families from around the world and the local community,” Glass said. “And they share one common aspiration, to develop young people who will become courageous leaders, ready to shape their worlds for the better.”

The school is one of only four in the United States to offer all four IB programs: Primary Years, Middle Years, Diploma and Careers-related.

Academic rigor applies to every facet of AIS. The award-winning Innovation Department creates options for every student to develop proficiency in STEM subjects with excellent connections to industry and scientific bodies such as Google, NASA and Georgia Tech.

The school strives for an intercultural and inclusive environment where all students and their families can thrive, innovate and belong.

“This culture of discovery and global awareness unites families from around the world and the local community. And they share one common aspiration, to develop young people who will become courageous leaders, ready to shape their worlds for the better.

Continued on page 22

KEVIN GLASS Head of School

PHOTOS BY: ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL/PROVIDED

Atlanta International School’s Buckhead campus sits in the Morningside neighborhood off North Fulton Drive. This fall, Atlanta International School will celebrate 40 years offering a unique private school experience centered on language learning and cultural understanding.

Continued from page 21

Jadon, an 11th grade student, said he likes how everyone is open-minded and kind.

“I really like the different units that we’re learning, and that we don’t just learn about North America but all over the world!” he said.

The school prioritizes the interests and passions of each student, allowing them to develop agency over their learning. School leaders say there is no typical AIS graduate, each student is encouraged to discover and pursue their own passions.

Board member Scott Britton is a parent of three AIS graduates.

“Our students never cease to amaze me with their thoughtfulness, ingenuity and focus — on their own now, and as architects for society’s future,” Britton said.

In August 2025, Atlanta International School is set to open its new campus off Brandon Hall Drive for students starting in the seventh grade. The school’s Buckhead campus will continue to host its early childhood programs, which allow three-year-olds to begin the International Baccalaureate curriculum’s Primary Years Program.

The 25-acre campus is situated in the Rivergate neighborhood 11 miles north of Atlanta in a wooded area near the banks of the Chattahoochee River.

At the new campus, AIS is introducing its boarding program for the first time and places for an additional cohort of daytime students.

The AIS Sandy Springs campus will also boast the first Mouratoglou Tennis Academy in Georgia with on-site professional

coaching available to students enrolled at the school.

Talented tennis players can opt for a flexible AISx academic schedule, balancing athletic and academic success for high schoolers.

While academics are the foundation of every student’s experience, the curriculum is enhanced by exceptional arts, extracurricular activities and state championship level athletics.

To learn more about Atlanta International School and its new Sandy Springs campus, visit www.aischool.org.

It includes the addition of an athletic field, four tennis courts, an innovation center, two music classrooms, a field house with a weight room, an observatory, extra parking spaces, and an additional exit to improve traffic flow during peak times.

Upon completion of this project, a planned fourth phase will introduce a state-of-the-art performing arts center with a 600-seat auditorium, two floors of car parking, three visual arts studios, a pottery classroom, a dance studio, four music classrooms, a digital art and broadcasting studio, and a multi-purpose hall. Sener remains hopeful for these enhancements while encouraging those seeking a higher education for their children to learn more about the academy’s available opportunities.

“FSA has fostered a ‘yearn to learn’ culture where students embrace an innovative STEM curriculum,” he said. “We consistently hear from our graduates that Fulton Science Academy was quite challenging, preparing them well for their college studies, where they are now thriving without difficulty.”

Fulton Science Academy is at 3035 Fanfare Way in Alpharetta. To learn more about their academic program and how to enroll, visit fultonscienceacademy.org or call 678-366-2555.

Two primary students at Atlanta International School are all smiles during a Jan. 29 parade to celebrate the 2025 Lunar New Year.

PHOTOS BY: ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL/PROVIDED A player on the Atlanta International School girls basketball team takes foul shots against Mt. Bethel Christian Academy. Banners recognizing accomplishments in a variety of girls and boys sports cover the walls of the school gymnasium.

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At FSA, our motto, “Empowering Minds, Inspiring Leaders,” reflects our commitment to nurturing future innovators and ethical leaders. Through a STEAM based, real-world learning approach, students think critically, innovate boldly, and lead with purpose. They gain resilience, adaptability, and creativity; essential tools for solving tomorrow’s challenges. Our stateof-the-art facilities, including an Innovation Lab, Observatory, and cutting-edge research opportunities,

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Gwinnett Technical College, with campuses in Lawrenceville and Alpharetta, serves over 11,000 students annually. The college offers over 160 associate degrees, diplomas, certificate programs, and hundreds of seminars, workshops, and specialized training courses. Gwinnett Tech provides career training in high-demand healthcare, business, engineering, and computer science fields. Many graduates secure positions at top companies even before graduation, thanks to the college’s hands-on training and classroom instruction that align with industry demands, contributing to a 100% job placement rate.

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Dekalb County

Meet the superintendent and the board of education

Superintendent Devon Horton, Ed.D. Supt@dekalbschoolsga.org

Superintendent since July 2023; contract expires June 30, 2027

Devon Horton joined the DeKalb County School District in July 2023, taking over for Interim Superintendent Vasanne Tinsley. As superintendent, he manages the day-to-day operations of a diverse educational system with more than 92,000 students, 14,500 employees and a budget of $2.6 billion. Horton is the district’s ninth leader since 2010.

Before beginning his role, Horton served as the superintendent of Evanston/Skokie School District 65, a pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade school district just north of Chicago.

Before accepting that role in 2020, he was the chief of schools for Jefferson County Public Schools in Kentucky with over 100,000 students.

As an Illinois superintendent, Horton implemented programs to support academic growth for Black and Latino students. He was named superintendent of the year by the National Alliance of Black School Educators in 2022.

The DeKalb County Board of Education approved a two-year extension for Horton in April 2024. Board members also exercised a three-year option in his contract, with a 6-0 vote, extending his tenure through June 30, 2027.

Horton created and lives by the motto, “Students do not fail; it’s the systems that we create as adults that fail our students!”

DeKalb County Board of Education members

District 1 – Andrew Ziffer

Andrew_B_Ziffer@dekalbschoolsga.org

Board member since January 2025; term expires Dec. 31, 2028

Andrew Ziffer, one of the new DeKalb County Board of Education members, won the District 1 seat last year after Anna Hill declined to seek reelection.

He represents parts of Brookhaven, Chamblee, Doraville and Dunwoody.

Ziffer is an accomplished real estate investor, entrepreneur, business owner and technology professional with a career spanning over 30 years across multiple industries. He currently serves as managing partner at Greenleaf Capital, overseeing the acquisition, disposition and management of commercial real estate assets.

Ziffer has been involved in local DeKalb County schools for more than 13 years, helping open ketchup packets in the lunchroom when his son was in elementary school, chairing the technology committee at Dunwoody Elementary, sitting on the Peachtree Middle School foundation board and being a Principal Advisory Council member at multiple schools.

Ziffer has a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Florida’s College of Engineering.

He has been married for over 20 years and is the proud father of a college-aged son, a DeKalb County school system graduate.

District 2 – Whitney McGinniss

Whitney_McGinniss@dekalbschoolsga.org

Board member since January 2023; term expires Dec. 31, 2026

Whitney McGinniss took over the system’s District 2 seat Jan. 2, 2023, following the retirement of board member Marshall Orson.

McGinniss, a Decatur resident, is a longtime public servant with 20 years of experience in government and nonprofit sectors. Prior to serving on the school board, she was a member of the Principal Advisory Council for Druid Hills Middle School.

McGinniss received her bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of South Florida and her master’s degree in public policy from Georgia State University. She also serves on the board of the Laurel Ridge Shamrock Civic Association.

Prior to serving on the DeKalb County School Board, she was a member of the Principal Advisory Council for Druid Hills Middle School.

McGinniss also serves on the board of the Laurel Ridge Shamrock Civic Association, helps conduct the City of Atlanta’s annual homeless count and participates in “get out the vote” efforts each election cycle.

She enjoys gardening, arts and crafts, home improvement, thrifting and current events.

District 3 - Deirdre Pierce (Chair)

Deirdre_Pierce@dekalbschoolsga.org

Board member since 2021; Term expires Dec. 31, 2028

A native of Chicago, Deirdre Pierce has been a south DeKalb County resident for more than 46 years and has served as a board member representing District 3 since 2021. She ran for reelection and won last year.

Pierce earned her bachelor’s degree in english from Spelman College and worked for Delta Air Lines for more than 33 years, serving as a substitute teacher in DeKalb County on many of her off days.

Pierce also served on the East Lake Family YMCA Board of Directors, Georgia PTA Board, local School Councils and PTAs, Junior League of DeKalb County, Inc. Community Advisory, and President of the DeKalb County Council of PTAs.

Due to Pierce’s many years of community service, she was selected as one of twelve PTA community advocates from across the country, to be recognized as a White House Champion of Change by the Obama Administration.

District 4 - Allyson Gevertz (Vice Chair)

allyson_gevertz@dekalbschoolsga.org

Board member since 2018; term expires Dec. 31, 2026

A native of Oklahoma, Allyson Gevertz has served as the DeKalb County Board of Education District 4 representative since 2018. After high school, she moved to Atlanta to attend Emory University. She graduated magna cum laude, then attended Tufts University in Massachusetts for her master’s and specialist degrees in school psychology.

Gevertz served for several years as a school psychologist for Gwinnett County Public Schools and has recently worked as a community advocate in DeKalb County, focusing on sexual assault prevention.

In 2016, she chaired the Education-SPLOST campaign. The initiative passed by 71 percent and is providing over $500 million for improvements to DeKalb Schools.

After sending her two children to DeKalb County schools, Gevertz has spent years focused on public education advocacy. She has served in various positions on local school PTAs and School Councils, eventually chairing the regional Emory LaVista Parent Council and DeKalb Chamber’s eduKALB.

She served as president of the Junior League of DeKalb County and is currently on the Board of Directors for Leadership DeKalb.

District 5 – Tiffany Hogan, Ph.D tiffany_e_hogan@dekalbschoolsga.org

Tiffany Hogan was elected to the DeKalb County Board of Education in 2024. She brings more than 30 years of experience in K-12 public education and a deep commitment to advancing educational equity.

New DeKalb County School Board members sworn in

By DEAN HESSE

Appen Media / January 2025

The DeKalb County Board of Education swore in Jan. 7 three newly elected members: Andrew Ziffer (District 1), Dr. Tiffany Tate-Hogan (District 5) and Awet Eyasu (District 7) and re-elected Board Vice Chair Deirdre Pierce (District 3).

The school district held the Oath of Office Ceremony at the DeKalb County School District’s Administrative and Instructional Complex auditorium in Stone Mountain.

Awet Eyasu stepped down from Clarkston City Council to run for District 7 on the DeKalb School Board.

“I am the father of four kids,” he said. “All my kids started at DeKalb schools and I’m also a first-generation immigrant. I came here to the U.S. with no understanding of the school system. I learned that there are a lot of challenges. The biggest thing is I realized there is a gap in terms of representation because a lot of our immigrant community have not had a voice on the board.”

Before being sworn in by DeKalb County State Court Judge Mike Jacobs, DeKalb County School Board member-elect (District 1) Andrew Ziffer said, “I ran for school board to make

DeKalb County Board of Education members-elect from left, Awet Eyasu (District 7), Dr. Tiffany Tate-Hogan (District 5) and Andrew Ziffer (District 1) wait to be sworn in during an Oath of Office Ceremony at the DeKalb County School District Administrative and Instructional Complex auditorium in Stone Mountain on Tuesday, Jan.7, 2025.

an impact in our community. I think that the schools are the foundation of everything we do in our local community, state and country.”

Ziffer says his priorities include, “making sure our finances are in order, we have clean audits, our facilities conditions are improving, and our students and our teachers are going to schools and facilities they are proud of.”

Tate-Hogan said she’s a “product of DeKalb County Schools” and called the opportunity to

Hogan, a proud DeKalb County Schools and Spelman College graduate, earned her doctorate in educational policy studies from Georgia State University. Her career in education began as a science teacher in DeKalb County Schools, where she contributed to the educational success of students at Redan High School, Lithonia High School and Martin Luther King Jr. High School.

Hogan lives in south DeKalb, a community she has called home for more than four decades.

As a former teacher and school administrator, Hogan is committed to supporting the needs of schools as they directly support the needs of students. Her work in higher education has also allowed her to coach many school-based leaders within Metro Atlanta.

Hogan is committed to giving back to the community she loves. She dedicates her time to volunteering at her church and supporting others in need. She remains focused on ensuring that all students in DeKalb County Schools have access to the opportunities and support needed for their academic success.

District 6 - Diijon DaCosta diijon_dacosta@dekalbschoolsga.org

Board member since 2018; term expires Dec. 31, 2026

Diijon DaCosta has served the DeKalb County Board of Education representing District 6 since 2018.

A DeKalb County resident and graduate of Redan High School, DaCosta joined the DeKalb County School District as an educator in 2014 before moving on to serve in the school system’s Human Resources Department. DaCosta founded the nonprofit organization DeKalb Kids Project, which focuses on emphasizing the importance of academic success and leadership among the county’s youth.

serve on the board “an honor and a pleasure.”

“I’m a former teacher at DeKalb County Schools, I taught at Redan, Lithonia High School, MLK-I helped open it,” she said. “The person that is standing before you today is because of DeKalb County Schools. As a teacher, as a student, as a community member, I am here to support you. Our kids are important and everything that I do. Every decision that I make will be for the students.”

Throughout his career, DaCosta has received several awards, including the 2015 Community Leadership Award and the 2016 Building on A Legacy Award.

DaCosta graduated from Kennesaw State University with a bachelor’s degree in sociology.

District 7 – Awet Eyasu awet_eyasu@dekalbschoolsga.org

Board member since January 2025; term expires Dec. 31, 2028

Awet Eyasu, another new member of the DeKalb County Board of Education, served on the Clarkston City Council from 2015 to 2023. He also served as vice mayor for five consecutive years.

Eyasu was born and raised in Keren, Eritrea in east Africa. After graduating high school, he moved to America to attend the University of California, Los Angeles, where he earned a master’s degree in African Area Studies in 2002.

After college, he relocated to DeKalb County, where he has lived for over 22 years with his wife and four children. He has been an active member of the Eritrean community, and after obtaining his U.S. citizenship, he became involved in Clarkston and DeKalb County.

After eight-plus years of public service in Clarkston, he recognized a lack of a voice for the immigrant community, particularly within the DeKalb County Board of Education, and decided to run for the open District 7 seat.

As a father of four children, he has a deep passion for the well-being and development of children, recognizing that academic success and emotional growth are crucial to their future.

Georgia’s involvement in Section 504 lawsuit sparks outrage from parents

By JIM BASS

Appen Media / February 2025

Georgia, along with 16 other states, joined Texas in a September 2024 lawsuit titled Texas v. Becerra, which challenges Section 504 and has sparked concern from parents in the DeKalb County community.

Many parents are concerned the lawsuit seeks to have Section 504 deemed unconstitutional, but Georgia's attorney general says the lawsuit would not end 504 protection for students.

Section 504 originated from the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It granted basic civil rights to individuals with disabilities, broadly prohibiting discrimination toward disabilities from any program or activity receiving federal assistance.

A wide range of disabilities are protected through Section 504, including visual and hearing impairments, diabetes, cancer, epilepsy, ADHD, anxiety, and depression, among many

others.

The 48-page lawsuit against former Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra primarily focused on a new rule added by former President Joe Biden’s administration in May 2024 that expanded Section 504’s definition to recognize gender dysphoria as a “mental or physical impairment” that would be protected.

While the lawsuit argues against the new amendment, called the “Final Rule,” for most of its case, it pivots on pages 37-40 to deeming Section 504 “unconstitutional” and appears to argue for its elimination. That part of the lawsuit has recently gained the attention of many concerned parents across Georgia.

As news of the lawsuit spread across social media and publications, including Forbes, parents began to email and call Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr’s office to voice their concerns against Georgia’s participation. With the recent wave of calls from the community, Carr’s

office responded with a formal statement on Thursday, reaffirming Section 504’s importance for Georgia students:

The lawsuit being referenced in no way, shape, or form would affect Georgia’s existing 504 disability program. The lawsuit would not end 504 protections for Georgia students.

“In May 2024, the Biden administration issued a rule attempting to unconstitutionally expand the definition of “disability” under Section 504 to include “gender dysphoria.” Our legal challenge was solely about this rule which, if implemented, would have stripped existing 504 resources away from students who deserve them and need them most.

Thankfully, the case is stayed at this time, and the rule is not currently in effect. We expect the new administration will reverse Biden’s actions that put funding for children at risk in the first place.

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Forsyth County

Meet the superintendent and the board of education

Superintendent Mitch Young myoung@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Superintendent since July 2024

James Mitchell “Mitch” Young joined Forsyth County Schools as a teacher in 2007. Since that time, he served as a teacher, an assistant principal and a high school principal. On June 1, 2021, he began serving as the FCS deputy superintendent. Young has been an educator for over 20 years. Prior to his arrival in Forsyth County, he was a social studies teacher and varsity basketball coach in the Gwinnett County School System.

Between completing college and moving to Georgia, Young worked in men’s basketball at the collegiate level, serving as a graduate assistant at Florida State University, the director of basketball operations at DePaul University and as an assistant coach at Saint Francis University. A native of Pennsylvania, Young has spent most of his adult life in the South. He completed his bachelor’s degree at Florida State University and holds a master’s degree from the University of Georgia. In his time in Forsyth County, he has served on the board of directors at the United Way of Forsyth, as well as Leadership Forsyth. Since 2014, he has been a member of the Rotary Club of Forsyth County.

Young has two children, both graduates of Forsyth County Schools, with his wife, Nashlee, a native of Valdosta.

Meet the School Board

District 1 Wes McCall

WMcCall@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Board member since 2018; current term expires 2026

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, PTA board member and on 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 Trisha Hoyes

f34821@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Board member since 2024; term expires 2028

Trisha Hoyes has always been deeply invested in public education. Her undergraduate degree is in both elementary and special education, and she has a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. After graduating from college, she became an elementary classroom teacher. She continued to learn and grow as an educator and received a reading endorsement and became a National Board Certified Teacher. Hoyes was passionate about continuously improving her craft and reaching her students to make an impact. She was an educator for 15 years, and the last two of those were in Forsyth County.

She and her husband, Scotty, have lived in Forsyth County for 11 years. A few years after having their first son, Hoyes made the decision to step out of the classroom to offer more flexibility and time with her family. She then began a career in real estate. This new profession has given her the flexibility and time she wanted, but also, it gave her the opportunity to become a business partner with her son’s elementary school and serve on the LSC as both a parent and stakeholder. She continues her career as a Realtor in Forsyth County.

District 3 Dorian Usherwood

f45826@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Board member since 2024; term expires 2028

Dorian Usherwood is an accomplished leader with 29 years of professional experience, excelling in consulting, big data, fintech, agency operations, creative strategy, brand

development, and technology. His career includes roles at Accenture, Equifax, IBM, Synchrony, and The Home Depot, as well as in pharmaceutical marketing, government and the nonprofit sector. Usherwood also founded and led a boutique business consulting firm.

In 2008, Usherwood and his family moved to Forsyth County, drawn by the community’s reputation as a great place to live and its exceptional educational opportunities. After relocating in 2016, they decided to return in 2021, confident that Forsyth County was the ideal environment for their children to thrive.

Coming from a family of educators, he has taught Sunday school for over 10 years, focusing on middle and high school students. He has also served on an international school and athletic board, driving initiatives to support youth development and academic excellence.

District 4 Chris Grimes

f26101@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Board member since 2024, term expires 2028

Chris Grimes has called Forsyth County home since moving from Kentucky in 2000, and it’s where he and his wife Lezlie, a North Forsyth High School graduate, are raising their four children. Two of their children are currently students in Forsyth County Schools. He graduated from South Forsyth High School.

Grimes earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of North Georgia and a Master’s Degree in Public Safety Administration from Columbus State University. He’s a proud graduate of Leadership Forsyth and even participated in Youth Leadership Forsyth as a high school student.

With over 15 years of experience in public safety, GRimes has worked as a deputy sheriff, Forsyth County EMA director, and 911 director. From 2007 to 2013, he served as the school safety manager for Forsyth County Schools, a role that sparked his passion for creating safe learning environments for students and staff.

District 5 Mike Valdes mvaldes@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Board member since 2022, term expires in 2026

Mike Valdes and his wife Florencia relocated to Forsyth County in 2012. They served as leaders and deacons in youth ministry at Alpha and Omega Church in Miami, where Valdes focused on troubled youth, substance abuse and gang outreach ministries for more than 10 years.

Valdes has served on various PTOS, local school councils, volunteer task forces, and he has volunteered as a coach for recreational leagues.

Valdes is passionate about fine arts, STEM and business leadership, and he helped to develop the district’s strategic plan as a member of community task forces.

Valdes earned degrees in civil engineering and construction management from Miami Dade College and Florida International University. He has 22 years of experience in the field. Valdes and his wife have three children in the Denmark cluster of Forsyth County Schools.

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Any information to the contrary is false, fraudulent and a deliberate misrepresentation of the central argument of the case, and it’s being spread nationally by partisan, political groups out of California. It’s reprehensible that a political organization would cherry-pick language from the lawsuit and take it out of context to deliberately scare families with children receiving 504 program benefits.”

- Source: Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr's Office

While Carr’s office defends Section 504’s standing in Georgia in the statement, the statement does not address the lawsuit’s section deeming Section 504 “unconstitutional.” Along with this statement, the lawsuit has many parents with children on 504 plans who are concerned and unsure of the potential impact.

Laura Tate, a local parent with a child directly affected by the 504 plan, is among the parents who have contacted Carr’s office looking for answers. After receiving Carr’s statement over the phone, Tate remained upset and felt that the statement contradicted the lawsuit’s initial text, asking a court to deem Section 504

unconstitutional.

“This is a topic of conversation that is fiery,” Tate said. “It’s intense. It’s upsetting. It’s frustrating. It’s all the things that make you get on social media and talk to people and try to figure out what is going on.”

Sarah Rauers, another parent with a child who is on a 504 plan, received Carr’s statement regarding 504 and felt that it was “argumentative response.” Rauers was not concerned at first, until she read the lawsuit itself, prompting her to contact Carr.

“My initial reaction is not typically not to panic, because these are complex legal proceedings,” Rauers said. “There’s a lot of nuance sometimes, but I did look at the case, and there is a count explicitly that says section 504 is unconstitutional.”

Rauers said that parents in Facebook groups have been stating that they felt “gaslit” by Carr's response, which has left many feeling unclear if all of Section 504 is at stake or solely the amendment added by HHS last year.

"It's disappointing because for my kid, the accommodations that we've asked for, that we have in place, don't actually cost the state anything,” Rauers said. "It's frustrating to think that our kids' 504 protections could be stripped.”

Georgia Rep. Long Tran and other Georgia Democratic Legislators held a

press conference on Feb. 17 to discuss the lawsuit to “make sure that voices are heard.”

“Everyone’s concerned. Everyone's scared, so I hope that the press conference gave them a little bit more ease that people are actually listening and paying attention,” Rep. Tran said. “I think the Attorney General [Carr] is paying more attention. He's been very clear that he did this to address Biden's executive order on gender equality."

Tran said Carr told him that he will not support declaring 504 unconstitutional.

"[Carr] voiced to me this morning that should things continue to progress and procedural motions are made towards declaring 504 unconstitutional...," Tran said. “[Carr] would most likely not support the lawsuit going forward at that point.”

Rep. Tran encourages families to continue to voice their opinions and “continue to pressure” Carr and the Texas attorney general to amend the lawsuit. The lawsuit is currently stayed until Feb. 25; however, if nothing is changed or amended by that date, it will move forward.

“If their intent was not to remove 504, but just to remove the executive order, then we need to make sure it never gets to a point of summary judgment in which the judge could make that decision,” Rep. Tran said.

Principals blast paid online courses for creating unhealthy competition

By JON WILCOX

Appen Media / November 2024

Two Forsyth County principals told school board members late last year the district’s policy for paid coursework is toxically competitive and provides little advantage for college admissions.

Self-paid courses, offered by third-party educators, have gained popularity in recent years.

The district has no limit on the number of self-paid courses high school students may take on top of their normal course loads, said Aaron Archambeau, principal of West Forsyth High School.

The policy has pushed students to work themselves to exhaustion, increased academic dishonesty and undermined mental health, said Amanda Thrower, principal of Lambert High School. The principals recommended limiting paid courses to one per semester.

“We know that students can't achieve, grow or authentically engage in learning if they are overextended, piling on classes and maxing out their schedules with no healthy boundaries,” Thrower said. “We have many students who are taking full loads … face to face during the school day, then going home to upwards of five additional online (courses).”

Students are limited to taking seven district-provided courses each day, but they may opt to take as many more if their families pay for them through third-party educators.

Paid courses can also count toward a student’s academic record.

Students choose which paid courses to count toward their GPAs, which determine class rank.

Some students are paying thousands of dollars to take the extra online courses, and administrators have no way of validating the curricula of many of the classes, the principals said.

In Cobb County, credits from outside the district are mainly limited to electives and require a thorough approval process. In Fulton and Cherokee counties, credits earned outside school hours are limited to one per semester.

As early as 2017, a high school improvement committee began researching the district’s approach to course credits, class sequences and quality points. Thrower met with students and parents to research how paid course work is

JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA Principals Aaron Archambeau and Amanda Thrower present a report about paid courses and the harm they may be causing students at a Nov. 19 board meeting. The principals recommended limiting paid courses to one per semester.

affecting education. She also spoke with officials at Georgia Tech and UGA to determine how the courses were considered in the college admission processes there.

Thrower said the universities told her that self-paid credits have little significance when applications are considered. Admissions officers are looking less at grade point averages and class ranks and more at students’ soft skills and contributions to their schools and communities, she said.

Thrower said she wanted to get the universities to weigh in because she wanted to ensure her recommendations created no disadvantage for college-bound Forsyth County students.

“They immediately know that they're from Forsyth, and they mentioned that a lot of the coursework and the abundance of these credits do not contribute to the overall application,” Thrower said.

One of the meetings prompted David Graves, director of Undergraduate Admissions for UGA, to write a blog post, “When is Enough Enough.”

“We want to make sure (students) are taking care of themselves personally,” Graves said in his blog. “What we don’t want students to do is get into a spiral of overwhelming themselves in a chase for class rank, taking … courses with the only goal being to add to their advanced placement course numbers or extending themselves to the point of exhaustion.”

In conversations with district officials, the principals said students and parents expressed a desire to change the paid course policy.

In focus groups at some Forsyth County schools, participants said the race for GPAs and class ranks is creating a “toxic” and “suffocating” learning environment, Thrower said.

Pressure is a constant, she said. Last year, Forsyth County students were cited for 412 academic dishonesty infractions, she said.

One high school reported 11 long-term hospitalizations for depression last year.

Thrower said she is not saying the mental health statistics are necessarily the result of the self-paid course policy. But she said there is a correlation between the pressure to compete and depression and anxiety.

School Board members said they were alarmed by the principals’ presentation, and their highlighting the harm on students’ mental health and lack of equity the policy may have created.

Board member Mike Valdes questioned the fairness of allowing a student to boost their grade point by paying thousands of dollars when another, equally capable student cannot afford the cost.

“It’s not really giving them an advantage,” Valdes said. “It’s just making them pay thousands of dollars.”

Superintendent Mitch Young said restrictions on paid courses would allow students to compete, but in a healthier way. By limiting the number of classes, students would be encouraged to channel their energy better.

“I think this actually frees up rigor to be even more competitive and more rigorous at the school level because it's going to be done authentically,” Young said. “It's going to be real learning, as opposed to checking the box so that I can get my 14 classes after school.”

School Board members also urged Thrower and Archambeau to map out strategies to implement solutions as quickly as possible. The principals said they had considered implementing changes after four years to allow college admission offices to adapt, but School Board members said that might be too long.

Board member Darla Light said she wants district officials to immediately work with universities to allow the changes.

“In football, they implemented the protocol for concussions, and they didn't say, ‘Well, we're going to wait till somebody dies from it,’” Light said. “I have a junior. I would love for the game to change for her right now.”

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