Greetings!

I was heartened to see APS celebrate its educators this weekend at the annual APyeS Awards. Amid conversations about the facilities master plan, election season, and budget challenges, it was reaffirming to once again place teachers and our education community at the center of our focus. As we somehow approach the holiday season—Thanksgiving is just three weeks away—I look forward to continuing to center our students in every part of our school system.

Let's get to the updates:

• November Board Meeting: Wednesday, November 5 at 2:30 pm. We will be hearing key strategic plan updates including workforce-ready offerings and financial sustainability. The full agenda will be posted early next week here.
• Long Range Facility Master Plan Scenarios Recommendations Finalized: The facilities plan sets a vision for the future portfolio needed to accommodate trends in enrollment and academic opportunities. The first of two hearings is Nov 5. Learn more about the final plan here.
• Board Elections: Election day is Tuesday, November 4. District 3 residents will have the option to vote for district wide Seat 8. More info here. Pro tip: Election Day is an extended learning day with no in-person school.
• APS continues to strengthen its teaching workforce - 89% of teachers now have three+ years of experience, narrowing the experience gap between high and low-poverty schools to just 8%. Teacher retention also reached a record 90% as average salary increased to $90,908.

Celebrating our Educators of the Year!

We all cleaned up for an evening of recognition & celebration of district superstars at the annual APyeS awards Special shout out to the GO Team of the year at Morningside, Principal of the Year finalist Jennifer Toney (SPARK), and Partner of the Year, Achieve Atlanta.

Rising Advanced Placement (AP) Results

We have seen a consistent increase over the past few years in the number of AP Exams Taken and Passed across the district. 61% of exams taken were passed last year, with record participation (2019-2025). We are excited to see both the growth in students taking exams and earning a passing score.

Kindergarten parent mentors needed

Our Early Learning Team is seeking Kindergarten parents to serve as mentors to parents of early learners that would be willing to share their experiences ensuring smooth transitions.

Need a little help? Stop by the HUB

This is a uniqiely challenging time. If you need a little help, APS has a dynamic website that consolidates food assistance resources, distribution locations, flyers, donation opportunities, and updates.

Students can share ideas directly with Dr. Johnson

Middle and high school students, Superintendent Johnson wants to hear from you. Share your thoughts and ideas during the upcoming virtual office hours on Thursday, November 20 at 6 p.m.

Thank you, school psychologists

Next week is National School Psychology Week. We celebrate the incredible work of our psychologists who support our students' mental health and well-being. Join us in thanking all of our school psychologists for all they do.

Ken.Zeff@atlanta.k12.ga.us

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