SAMS (Student Achievement Management System) training is continuing, with more and more teachers learning the software and tools that will allow them to quickly and easily analyze students' progress and identify areas of weakness. Teachers and school administrators are giving the new program rave reviews.

Central office personnel, principals and bookkeepers are the first to see changes to the business side of the district as a result of the A+ Project. This three-year project will eventually replace every current business system, including personnel administration, payroll, pension administration, purchasing and inventory control and eventually will impact every employee.

For almost 10 years, Fulton County students have benefited from the proceeds of a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). This one-penny sales tax was first approved by voters in March 1997 and renewed in March 2002.

On March 20, 2007, Fulton citizens will vote on whether to continue SPLOST for an additional five years.

It's nearly spring, which means that the Fulton County Schools budget season is about to get under way. Employees are often curious about the process and how the new fiscal year's budget will affect them.

Public hearings and work sessions have already been announced, with the first ones beginning on March 27 at Dunwoody Springs Charter Elementary School.

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.

Today, February 28, is the last day for employees to take the school system's annual Staff Satisfaction Survey. If you have not taken the survey yet, visit this link. Your responses are anonymous.

In addition, the Professional Standards Commission is surveying Georgia teachers on their likes and dislikes about teaching. The survey is available online through May 2007.

As a reminder, the annual window to apply for an employment transfer began February 16 and runs through April 30. 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.

In addition, the "Work Day Calendars" for the 2007-08 school year are now posted in the Personnel Services folder within the Microsoft Outlook Public Folders. These calendars specify the return-to-work dates and holidays for employees working 182-, 187-, 190-, 195, 205-, and 220- and 240-day contracts.

The 2006 Charitable Fund Campaign results are in! More than $416,676 was raised by our employees, a moderate increase over last year’s campaign. Autrey Mill Middle School ($11,883), Centennial High School ($10,010), and Webb Bridge Middle School ($9,970) were the top three schools leading donation efforts. Among the administrative departments, North Transportation ($5,970), South Transportation ($5,402), and North Maintenance ($4,040) were the top contributors. Thank you for your generosity!

Fulton teachers are invited to join Congressman Tom Price for a Town Hall Meeting on Saturday, March 3, at Milton High School. Rep. Price wants to talk with teachers about challenges facing educators and issues that are pertinent to education. To RSVP, contact Sarah Vabulas at 770-565-4990 or by email.

As an employee of one of the county's largest employers, you may benefit from discounts offered by certain local and national merchants. These programs are approved by the school system's Contracting Department and/or the Partners & Volunteers Office.