Fulton County Schools fell short of its 90% attendance goal at the 53-day mark of the school year. Chief Academic Officer Brannon Gaskins presented the data at the board's Nov. 10 work session, according to the district's board bulletin.
Districtwide, 88.3% of students attend school at least 90% of the time. High schools have the highest rates of chronic absenteeism. Students with disabilities and several learning zones were flagged as areas needing additional support.
The district said it is strengthening attendance monitoring, increasing school-level accountability and sharing effective practices across campuses.
Attendance has been a focus for Johns Creek schools as well. In a Zone 6 update presented at the board's Feb. 10 meeting during the 2025-26 school year, Zone 6 Superintendent Brian Downey reported that several Johns Creek high schools had reduced chronic absenteeism. River Trail Middle School led the district in satisfactory attendance, and State Bridge Crossing Elementary had the lowest chronic absenteeism among elementary schools.
Fewer suspensions districtwide
Gaskins also reported that while the total number of discipline incidents stayed roughly the same as the prior year, fewer students were involved. Both in-school and out-of-school suspension days declined.
Board extends Looney's contract
The board approved an extension of Superintendent Mike Looney's employment agreement through Nov. 10, 2029. The vote count was not specified in the bulletin. The board had previously extended Looney's contract through November 2028 at its November 2025 meeting.
Looney opened his report by noting the 251st birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps and thanked veterans ahead of Veterans Day on Nov. 11.
Employee survey shows gains
Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer Eric Hollinhead presented an update on staffing and employee engagement. An independent employee survey conducted in spring 2026 found overall workplace experience at 63%. Employee commitment rose 8%, the strongest improvement measured in the survey.
According to the district, nearly every classroom is now staffed by a qualified teacher, with stronger substitute coverage. The district has more than 11,000 full- and part-time employees serving nearly 83,000 students.
Looney also thanked Fulton County voters for supporting the E-SPLOST referendum, which continues a one-cent sales tax funding school improvements, technology and facility upgrades without raising property taxes. The board reviewed draft policies on gifts to staff, employee transfers, teacher evaluation appeals and student safety during its pre-work session.
