Ronald Applin

This joint community meeting for District 1 and District 3 served to share updates, hear community perspectives, and introduce the format for the Superintendent's first 100-day reflections. Key discussion points included the rescheduling of engagement sessions for resetting the community engagement plan goals, updates on the development of the 2026 budget, and the implementation of zero-based budgeting affecting school budgets. Board updates highlighted the appointment of Tolan Pace as the District Six representative and Audrey Sofianos as the cluster superintendent for Jackson and Midtown. Discussions also covered the challenging decisions around recent snow days and the development of an Open APS website for greater transparency. Furthermore, progress in closing subgroup gaps, recognized achievements of specific schools, updates on bike buses, and community input stages for the Lakewood Heights Elementary School building plan were reviewed.

The meeting included student recognitions, notably naming 2024 Georgia Scholars and finalists for the Georgia Governor Honors Program. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, totaling $1.79 billion across all funds. Key budget priorities included an $11.8 million investment for the 'readers or leaders' literacy initiative and a $58.9 million investment for teacher salary increases (averaging 11%) and non-teacher cost of living adjustments (averaging 3-5%). The budget also commits $15.4 million to bringing the nutrition program in-house. Public commentary highlighted concerns over budget cuts, particularly concerning charter school funding equity compared to traditional schools, potential service gaps from central office cost reductions, and the impact of proposed cuts on essential staff like transportation and nutrition personnel. Speakers also addressed issues like school overcrowding in certain clusters (e.g., Washington and Midtown) and requested reconsideration of specific personnel adjustments.

The document captures segments of a public meeting following an executive session. Key discussions included recognizing David White for his extraordinary leadership as Principal of Burgess Peterson Academy since 2015, noting significant increases in enrollment and academic performance. The board also presented honorary diplomas to General Larry Platt and Ms. Blanch Forz, recognizing their contributions to civil rights activism and community nurturing, respectively. Further recognition was given to the Carver High School GHSA 2A girls track and field state champions and the Drew Charter boys soccer team as 2025 GHSA 2A state champions, as well as the Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School for being the 2025 Georgia Charter School of the Year. A budget hearing focused on the FY26 budget proposal, which mirrored themes of returning to basics and fiscal discipline, requesting approval for a budget of $1.845 billion. Public comment sessions addressed the need for culture change in education, the impact of violence, and concerns regarding school choice and student support.

The event was a swearing-in ceremony for the interim superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools, Dr. Danielle S. Battle. The ceremony included acknowledgments of students from Therrell High School JRTC and Mace High School for their participation in the presentation of colors and the national anthem. Elected officials, including members of the Atlanta Board of Education and City Council members, were recognized. The Board Chair, Ishae Collins, introduced the new interim superintendent, Dr. Battle, highlighting her experience and the board's support. The ceremony included the administration of the Loyalty Oath and the Official Oath of the School Superintendent to Dr. Battle. Following the swearing-in and signing of documents, Dr. Battle delivered remarks outlining her initial priorities: making Atlanta Public Schools a district of readers (literacy focus), diligently shifting resources to the classroom, ensuring transparency and open engagement, and supporting educators. She concluded by emphasizing personal accountability and commitment to service.

The meeting focused primarily on community engagement regarding the APS Forward 20240 comprehensive long-range facilities plan, which addresses a system designed for 70,000 children now serving 50,000. Key discussion points included the proposed repurposing of several school buildings, such as Dunar Elementary combining with Bamo, Finch Elementary combining with Person Elementary to potentially form a new school in the Washington cluster, and FL Stanton Elementary's population being rezoned across the Washington and Douglas clusters. Specific concerns were raised regarding the potential repurposing of the recently renovated FL Stanton. The session also covered updates on family engagement, including an upcoming conference and food distribution schedules at the APS student and family support hub located in District 2. Announcements included Superintendent's virtual office hours for students and a recap of athletic highlights. Attendees inquired about the status of discussing district line redraws and requested that consultants provide suggested policies related to facility planning.