Atlanta, August 4, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta Public Schools has kicked off the new school year by implementing enhanced safety measures and approving significant pay raises for teachers and staff. With over 50,000 students returning, the district aims to foster a positive learning environment. Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson has expressed support for educators while introducing 20 new principals across its schools. Nearby districts are also adopting advanced safety protocols ensuring a secure educational space. These initiatives reflect a commitment to improve both educational quality and community safety in the Atlanta region.
Atlanta – The 2025-2026 school year has officially commenced for Atlanta Public Schools (APS), marking a significant year with the introduction of new safety measures and pay increases for teachers and staff. As students returned to classes across the district, Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson visited various schools, including Fickett Elementary and Hope-Hill Elementary, to express his support for the educational community.
At Hope-Hill Elementary, over 400 eager students were greeted with a festive welcome that included a red carpet, festive music, and a live DJ, setting a joyful tone for the new school year. Parents and students alike expressed excitement about these special welcome events, highlighting the district’s efforts to foster a positive learning environment.
Dr. Bryan Johnson is focusing on enhancing the overall educational experience for the district, which serves more than 50,000 students and is supported by approximately 6,000 educators. One of Johnson’s key priorities this year is to support and retain talented educators within APS. In line with this vision, the APS board has approved an 11% pay raise specifically for teachers, alongside a 10% increase for bus drivers, custodians, and paraprofessionals. This financial support aims to recognize the hard work and dedication of all school staff members as they head into the new academic year.
The district is also welcoming 20 new principals in its 96 schools. This leadership change is part of a broader effort to ensure that each school operates effectively and meets the needs of its students and families. In addition to the changes in APS, nearby Gwinnett County Public Schools is preparing to welcome approximately 182,000 students back to school this year. Gwinnett has adopted high-tech weapons detection systems in all 29 middle schools and 24 high schools, with a budget of nearly $20 million allocated for their expansion. These systems utilize artificial intelligence to enhance student safety.
Cobb County Schools are also experiencing growth with over 100,000 students returning and the hiring of 300 new teachers across its 109 schools. They have implemented additional safety measures, including the hiring of Vapor Wake K-9 officers to detect explosives and firearms within school premises. In Clayton County, students will need to use clear book bags, a policy aimed at improving security following recent incidents. Meanwhile, DeKalb County has introduced the “Disconnect to Reconnect” initiative, which mandates that all personal electronic devices be switched off during school hours to encourage student engagement.
Safety measures are a focal point across Atlanta’s educational landscape. APS is enhancing security on school buses by installing cameras on stop-arms to capture violations by drivers who illegally pass when bus arms are deployed. Furthermore, APS has revealed plans for pay increases for frontline employees, ensuring that all APS staff members receive step increases in their pay this year. The new school year opens with various policies and initiatives tailored to establish a secure and supportive learning environment for both students and staff.
This concerted effort across multiple districts reflects a commitment to improving not only educational quality but also the safety and well-being of school communities in the Atlanta region.
FAQs
What are the new safety measures implemented in Atlanta Public Schools?
Atlanta Public Schools has enhanced safety on school buses by adding cameras to stop-arms to identify drivers who illegally pass when the bus arms are deployed. Additionally, the district has implemented various support initiatives for educators and staff to create a safe and caring learning environment.
What pay raises were approved for teachers and staff in APS?
The APS board approved an 11% pay raise for teachers, along with a 10% raise for bus drivers, custodians, and paraprofessionals. This is aimed at supporting the retention of talented educators and staff within the district.
How many new principals are joining Atlanta Public Schools this year?
Atlanta Public Schools is welcoming 20 new principals across its 96 schools this year as part of ongoing leadership and educational initiatives.
Key Features of the 2025-2026 School Year
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Start of School Year | 2025-2026 school year commenced for APS. |
| Teacher Pay Raises | 11% increase for teachers; 10% for other staff. |
| New Principals | 20 new principals appointed across 96 schools. |
| Safety Measures | Enhanced safety protocols, including bus camera systems. |
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- 11Alive
- Savannah Now
- WSB Radio
- Wikipedia: Atlanta Public Schools
- Google Search: Atlanta school year 2025
- Google Scholar: Atlanta schools education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education in Georgia
- Google News: Atlanta public schools news
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.
