The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards has announced that 14 Fulton County teachers have achieved National Board Certification, one of the most prestigious honors an educator can achieve. The system now has a total of 194 National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) within its ranks.

The recognition is established by the National Board for Professional Teacher Standards and is achieved through a rigorous performance-based assessment. It requires teachers to document their knowledge, provide evidence that they know how to effectively teach their subjects, and demonstrate their ability to manage and measure student progress.

On March 20, Fulton County voters will decide whether to renew the one-penny sales tax (SPLOST) used for education. First approved in 1997 and renewed in 2002, this sales tax has been used to build new schools, renovate existing facilities, upgrade and expand technology, pay down debt, equip laboratories and purchase school buses.

If approved, SPLOST III would fund: 7 new elementary schools, 3 new middle schools, 4 new high schools, major additions at 7 elementary schools, major additions at 4 high schools, air conditioning of elementary school gymnasiums, middle school and high school athletic field improvements, safety and security upgrades, technology upgrades, new instructional equipment and school buses, and renovations and modifications at existing schools.

Over the next several weeks, SPLOST information will be shared in both staff and PTA meetings. You are encouraged to be familiar with the program and to be aware of what is included for your building. As a school system employee you cannot tell someone how to vote, but you can provide information about what is included in SPLOST III.

Although it is hard to imagine, 10 years ago email did not exist for Fulton County employees. Laptops were just a futuristic vision. “Google” was not part of our everyday vocabulary, and Blackberries were a fruit.

There is no doubt that the technology revolution has had a far-reaching impact on all Fulton employees and students. This year, that impact expands with the first phase implementation of two new projects – SAMS and the A+ Project.

The Fulton County School System is home to the brightest and most talented educators in Georgia – and the nation!

Each month teachers and staff members receive awards or other honors that bring pride and recognition to their schools as well as the school system.

During the next several months, the Professional Standards Commission will invite all of Georgia’s teachers to participate in a survey on your likes and dislikes about teaching. Fulton County Schools encourages our teachers to assist the PSC by completing the survey, which will be available beginning February 12 through May 2007. It should take about 20 minutes to complete.

Because the interview is online, there is no need for you to take it at school. You may sign on in the comfort of your own home or at your favorite coffee shop. Neither you nor any of your colleagues will ever be identified to anyone or to any institution. No school will ever be identified in any reports. The PSC ensures your absolute anonymity.

The annual window to apply for an employment transfer begins February 16 and runs through April 30. Applications and additional information will be emailed to all employees in early February.

Employees requesting a transfer should submit paperwork directly to the principal or department director at the school or site they desire. There will be no Transfer Fair as in previous years.

Fulton County Schools has become a victim of its own success. Regarded as one of the best school systems in the state of Georgia, some families who live out of our district are finding creative ways to enroll their children in our schools. These families are taking advantage of our outstanding programs and services, without paying the Fulton taxes that are used to fund our schools.

The School Board, already dealing with the explosive growth within Fulton County, this year took steps to address the issue by hiring two Residency Verification Officers to investigate questionable addresses and determine if a family actually does reside within Fulton County.