Fulton County Schools Address Financial Challenges Amidst Achievements

Atlanta, Georgia, October 27, 2025

News Summary

At the recent ‘State of the Schools’ address, Fulton County Schools celebrated a record-high graduation rate of 91.9%, while also revealing significant financial challenges. Superintendent Mike Looney highlighted the need to cut $95 million from expenses over the next few years due to declining student enrollment and rising operational costs. Despite the challenges, positive trends in attendance and reduced suspensions were noted, alongside ambitious goals for future improvement.

Atlanta, Georgia – Fulton County Schools (FCS) convened its annual “State of the Schools” address on October 27 at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, where Superintendent Mike Looney outlined significant achievements alongside pressing financial challenges facing the district. FCS, Georgia’s fourth-largest school system, serves approximately 86,000 students across 102 schools.

At the address, it was announced that FCS achieved a record-high graduation rate of 91.9%, with SAT participation and performance returning to pre-pandemic levels. Student attendance has also improved, showing a 2.9% increase. Superintendent Looney expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of the school board, teachers, staff, and parents that contributed to these accomplishments. He set an ambitious goal to elevate the high school graduation rate to at least 95%.

Despite these successes, Superintendent Looney warned of significant financial difficulties, revealing that the district needs to cut approximately $95 million from its expenses over the next four to five years to avoid financial ruin. The financial strife arises from several factors, including lower student enrollment, rising operational costs, and reduced property tax revenues allocated to the state.

The district’s current financial situation is unsustainable, as it is spending more than it is earning. A crucial point raised was that property taxes currently contribute roughly $250 million to support rural school districts. However, the federal government funds only 11% of the district’s special education needs, despite having promised 40%. FCS currently spends around $243 million from its general fund on special education services.

To address its financial situation, FCS has implemented a strategic budgeting approach through the GLIDE program, focusing on growth, efficiency, and innovation. Chief Academic Officer Brannon Gaskins reported a 14.9% decrease in out-of-school suspensions, reflecting positive trends alongside rising academic achievements. One standout student, Treasure Omorodion, shared insights on integrity during the event, highlighting successful personal stories within the school system.

Looking ahead, Looney indicated that additional school closures might be necessary due to budget constraints. The next year’s budget is expected to depend heavily on the district’s savings, which are projected to decrease by approximately $80-$90 million into reserves. Dr. Looney stated that while layoffs are not anticipated, attrition will gradually reduce the workforce over time. Future revenue solutions may involve seeking support from the state legislature before considering tax increases.

Key Information

• Fulton County Schools is Georgia’s fourth-largest school system.
• Approximately 86,000 students are enrolled across 102 schools.
• Record-high graduation rate: 91.9%.
• SAT performance and participation have rebounded to pre-pandemic levels.
• Student attendance has risen by 2.9%.
• FCS needs to cut $95 million from expenses over the next four to five years.
• $250 million from property taxes supports rural school districts.
• Federal government funds only 11% of special education needs.
• FCS spends approximately $243 million on special education services.

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Additional Resources

• Atlanta News First: Stream Live Fulton County Delivers State Schools Address
• WSB TV: Fulton County Schools Superintendent on Budget Challenges
• Microsoft Education Blog: Empowering Student Innovation in Fulton County Schools
• Wikipedia: Fulton County, Georgia
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Georgia State

Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER

The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.