Deadline Extended For Fulton Families To Choose Virtual Schooling

FULTON COUNTY, GA — The Fulton County School Board met Tuesday to discuss the future of reopening schools this fall, including that Fulton families will be given additional time to select a virtual learning platform as the deadline has been extended to July 22 at 5 p.m.

Board members expressed empathy for families, staff and students, as well as Superintendent Mike Looney and Fulton County Schools leaders as the district continues planning for the new school year. Board members also thanked the community for continuing to communicate via email and telephone messages and assured that they are listening and reading each comment received. The board asks the community to remain patient and flexible as the district continues to review the rapidly changing information and work toward decisions based on “science and not politics.”

Looney said that he is completely resolute with making decisions and implementing plans that are best for the school district. However, the information/data is changing rapidly, and his main concern is to “get this right.” Looney continued that the district must react to the conditions given, as well as the level of community spread, while desiring to return to school in the safest manner possible.

The superintendent emphasized that the district is planning for multiple scenarios and will remain ready to adjust as necessary based upon current data, which unfortunately is trending in the wrong direction. Looney also mentioned the feedback from staff and the community and concurred that concerns are being heard and will be responded to as quickly as possible. He apologized for any inconvenience to families and staff but mentioned that he is proud that Fulton employees continue to rise to the occasion during this pandemic.

Also during the meeting, Looney and staff provided an update regarding the spread of COVID-19 within Fulton County, the virtual learning aspect of the school reopening plan, a budget update about Cares Act Funding, employee return-to-work protocols, student and visitor safety protocols, and a technology update.

COVID-19

Student Health Services Coordinator Lynne Meadows shared an update detailing the current number of COVID-19 cases within Fulton County and Georgia. The data indicates an increase in the number of confirmed cases and includes the categories (age groups) where the spread appears highest. Click here to see the presentation.

Virtual Learning Program

The virtual learning program for students in grades 1-12 now includes additional course offerings of Talented and Gifted (TAG) classes, honors classes, and online clubs. Chief Academic Officer Cliff Jones shared details about virtual offerings which will include daily attendance and teacher engagement. Registration for Individual Remote Learning (grades 1-8) and Full-time Fulton Virtual (grades 9-12) has been extended until July 22 at 5 p.m. To learn more about virtual learning for first semester, visit the website.

Protocols and Safety Measures for Employees Returning to Work

Central office employees have returned to work following guidance provided by the Fulton County Schools Executive Task Force and Talent Division which incorporates Department of Health and CDC recommendations. As additional employees are returning to work on Aug. 3, district protocols and safety measures were shared such as masks (two per employee) being provided to each employee and required within Fulton County Schools facilities. Additional resources regarding leave, the Employee Assistance Program, and coping with stress were also shared.

Student and Visitor Safety

District staff continues to address student and visitor safety protocols. Notably, if face-to-face learning resumes, students will undergo random temperature checks; masks are expected on school buses and strongly encouraged during school; and additional protective equipment will be housed in school clinics and when serving medically fragile students. Visitors to schools/facilities are required to wear masks and will undergo temperature checks prior to entering facilities. Additionally, handwashing and sanitizing will occur throughout the day and hand sanitizing stations will be provided. There are many additional standards and protocols regarding cleaning and disinfecting of buses and buildings, and other safety issues. Learn more by viewing the presentation.

Hotspots/Technology

The district will continue to deploy devices and provide hot spots for families. Additional information will be shared in coming days regarding both. More than 40,000 devices have been deployed with an additional 23,000 devices to be distributed to students for the new school year.

Visit the website or click here to view upcoming virtual briefings.

The next board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 23. A complete list of agenda items discussed during the meeting is available on BoardDocs.