Basil Lee, math teacher at Banneker High School, has been named Fulton County's 2007-08 Teacher of the Year. First named the system’s top high school teacher, he was then selected as the district winner from among two other Fulton County finalists: Karen Sperber from Abbotts Hill Elementary School and Eric Huston from Haynes Bridge Middle School.

The school system annually selects a Teacher of the Year from each school level – Elementary, Middle, and High. From those levels, one overall Teacher of the Year is selected for the school system.

A School/Support Professsional of the Year also is named at the system level, with each school and administrative support building nominating an employee. The county finalists will be announced later this month.

Fulton voters overwhelmingly approved the extension of a one-penny sales tax for education on March 20. Approximately 80% of all votes cast were in favor of extending SPLOST for another five years.

We thank our employees and community members who went to the polls in support of education in Fulton County.

The Georgia Department of Education is sending a comprehensive guide about spring testing to all teachers. This testing newsletter, which was first produced last year, gives an in-depth look at all of Georgia's standardized tests. It discusses how the tests were developed, how they are administered, and how they are aligned to the GPS.

The printed guides should arrive after Spring Break. The GaDOE also has the guide posted on its web site.

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.

Learning new lingo is part of adapting to any new program. The A+ Project is no different with its assortment of acronyms and buzz words.

The A+ Project Training Team has compiled a list of terms to assist employees with learning the "language” of the A+ Project. This month’s acronym is “BPP” – Business Process Procedures.

March was "National School Social Work Month," "Music in Our Schools Month," and "Youth Art Month."

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

Transfer Window Continues. The annual window to apply for an employment transfer draws to a close 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.

April is a seemingly quiet month during the budget season, but there is much going on behind the scenes in preparation for the meetings in May and June.

Budget work sessions are planned for May 11 and May 22, with a public hearing also held May 22. Visit the FY2008 Budget Information web page for more information on upcoming meetings and to view past budget presentations.

On April 12, Congressman Tom Price will visit the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce to discuss the “No Child Left Behind” education initiative. Congressman Price will receive feedback regarding the program and any ideas for changes in the system.

The forum is 2-3 p.m. at the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce offices at 11605 Haynes Bridge Road, Suite 100, in Alpharetta.

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.