Johns Creek High School is among seven North Fulton schools slated for critical upgrades under a $1.3 billion sales-tax renewal headed to voters Nov. 3.

Fulton County Schools Superintendent Mike Looney outlined the stakes during Episode 117 of the GNFCC 400 Insider podcast, published Wednesday, Aug. 26, hosted by Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kali Boatright. The Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST) would reimpose a one-cent sales tax for up to 20 calendar quarters beginning July 1, 2027, raising as much as $1,306,195,350 for the district's share of facility work.

A call for election filed with Fulton County lists Johns Creek High School for replacement, renovation, or modification of critical systems, infrastructure, and safety systems. Webb Bridge Middle School, Northwood Elementary, Milton High School, and Centennial High School also appear on the critical-systems list. Chattahoochee High School and Northview High School are named in the broader capital improvements section.

The document also earmarks funds for career, technical, and agricultural education (CTAE) program expansion and upgrades for exceptional-student services.

Phone-free policy showing results

Looney shared early outcomes from the district's phone-free school policy, which bars personal devices for students in kindergarten through eighth grade during school hours. He said in the podcast that the restriction has reduced disciplinary issues, improved classroom focus, and encouraged more student interaction.

"If students need technology at Fulton County schools we actually furnish them devices to use, but we are valuing face-to-face instruction, building relationships between our students and our teachers," Looney told Atlanta News First on Aug. 3, when the policy took effect.

Workforce pipeline starts in elementary school

Looney told Boatright that career exploration now begins in elementary school and develops into focused career pathways, industry certifications, and work-based learning by high school. He called on North Fulton businesses to partner with the district on internships and mentoring, saying employers and community leaders who share their experiences can help attract families and educators to the county.

The district launched a 95% to Thrive attendance campaign for 2026-27, setting a goal of no more than eight absences per student per year. The campaign page ties consistent attendance to academic performance and workforce readiness.

Enrollment district-wide stood at more than 83,000 students as of the Aug. 12 board bulletin, down from 85,475 in March 2026. Looney acknowledged declining enrollment in parts of North Fulton and discussed tuition-based enrollment for out-of-county students as one response.

Key dates for voters

Voter registration deadline: Monday, Oct. 5. Early in-person voting begins Tuesday, Oct. 13. Absentee ballot applications are due by Friday, Oct. 23. Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.