Fulton Schools Receive 3-Year Extension on Charter System Contract

JOHNS CREEK, GA -- At the district’s State of Our Schools event Tuesday evening, Superintendent Jeff Rose announced that Fulton County Schools received a three-year extension on its charter system contract.

The three-year extension was unanimously approved by the Georgia Department of Education at its November meeting.

The process included a resolution and contract amendment approved by the Fulton County School Board, school site visits by the Department of Education and an interview with key Fulton County Charter System stakeholders.

“This extension is a proud moment for our school board. It shows the faith that our community and the Georgia Department of Education have in the direction of our school system,” said Superintendent Rose. “Five years ago our school board had the courage to say that the status quo wasn’t good enough for our school system and that the charter system model was an innovative way to drive improvement. This extension allows our district to continue the good work permitted by the flexibility of the charter system.”

When its contract was first approved in 2012, Fulton County Schools was the state’s largest charter district and became a model for other Georgia districts pursuing charter status.

Over a five-year implementation period, Fulton has received more flexibility in operations, increased innovation in its instructional and school management practices, and increased staff, parent and community engagement.

A hallmark of the charter system framework is the way Fulton County can receive flexibility from many one-size-fits-all state education requirements and support its schools in developing strategies to support the unique needs of their students.

Most notably, the charter system model required each school to establish a School Governance Council comprised of employees, community members and parents. Together they work with the principal to establish a strategic plan that provides a common school vision and guides instructional improvement.

Using its charter flexibility, Fulton County Schools also created a process – known as Requests for Flexibility (RFF) – where School Governance Councils can develop and submit proposals to waive district and/or state law or policy to implement a school-based solution. To be considered, the proposals must align to the school’s strategic plan and be supported by the school community and district.

The charter system framework also has allowed schools opportunities to request additional funds to implement their school-based strategies. Created through an appropriation from the Georgia Legislature, the Seed Fund aims to inspire and reward creative thinking by funding school-based solutions through an application process managed by the Fulton Education Foundation.

Image via Shutterstock