Dear MCS Family,
As we begin a new year, we welcome a new chapter for Marietta City Schools. This month marked a moment of transition and momentum, introducing a new Board with three new Board members and new goals guiding our work ahead.
I'm happy to close the month by celebrating our successes from academic growth to the collective efforts that continue to move our students forward. These wins are the result of a community that shows up, supports one another, and stays focused on what matters most.
Together, we will build on this energy and continue working toward a strong, successful school year for every student we serve. Thank you for a powerful start to the year and for all you do to make Marietta City Schools special.
Sincerely,
Grant
Marietta City Schools
Summary - Board of Education Meeting
January 20, 2026 | Regular Board Meeting
Student of the Month
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Marietta High School senior Tiffany Burkes as the January Student of the Month.
Tiffany consistently goes above and beyond. She serves as Student Council Vice President while balancing her work as an IB Career Programme student and her involvement in Future Health Professionals, Sports Medicine, National Honor Society, Beta Club, and the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Board. Deeply committed to the medical field, Tiffany has pursued hands-on experience through internships, job shadowing, and the Wellstar Teen Volunteer Program, all while managing two part-time jobs in the community. She also created a healthcare awareness website and led an Alzheimer’s awareness campaign focused on education and prevention. Tiffany’s dedication has led to her being accepted to Emory University, where she plans to study Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology.
The Board of Education congratulates Tiffany for being the Marietta City Schools Student of the Month for January.
Student of the Month
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Dylan Melgarejo, a sophomore student at Marietta High School's Woods-Wilkins Campus, as a January Student of the Month.
Dylan is a driven and deeply engaged learner who approaches his studies with focus, curiosity, and purpose. Known for his strong analytical thinking, Dylan regularly extends his learning beyond classroom expectations to deepen his understanding of complex concepts. He independently researches topics, dedicates extra time outside of class, and thrives in hands-on science labs, where he often chooses advanced and extension activities to further challenge himself. Dylan’s respect for others, commitment to learning and intellectual growth, and passion for science, particularly chemistry, set him apart.
The Board of Education congratulates Dylan for being the Marietta City Schools Student of the Month for January.
Employee of the Month
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Marietta High School counselor Lana Racine-Haffner as the January Employee of the Month.
Mrs. Racine-Haffner has brought innovative thinking and steady leadership to MHS, helping strengthen support for students across the campus. Through her coordination, more than 10,000 pounds of food were distributed to Marietta families ahead of school breaks, providing critical support when it was needed most.
The Board of Education congratulates Mrs. Racine-Haffner for being the Marietta City Schools Employee of the Month for January.
Employee of the Month
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Dr. Audrey Phillips, an ELA teacher at the Woods-Wilkins Campus, as the January Employee of the Month. Dr. Phillips consistently goes the extra mile to support students academically, emotionally, socially, and economically, ensuring they have what they need to succeed in and out of the classroom. She coordinates the school’s mentoring programs, providing students with consistent guidance and trusted support. She also serves as the school’s point of contact with Cobb Juvenile Courts, helping Life Skills Training students access critical services, and leads the student benevolence program, connecting students and families with essential resources.
The Board of Education congratulates Dr. Phillips for being the Marietta City Schools Employee of the Month for January.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Mission 1:27 for its continued partnership with Marietta City Schools families through its annual Christmas Market.
Through this initiative, Mission 1:27 assisted hundreds of families with holiday gifts. Rather than a traditional giveaway, families were invited to shop in a store-like setting, where gifts were offered at 80–90% off retail prices. This approach empowered parents to select meaningful gifts for their children while preserving dignity and the joy of giving.
The Board of Education thanks Mission 1:27 for their support and Angie Smith, Executive Director, for accepting this recognition.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized the Marietta Schools Foundation for its ongoing and generous support of MCS students, schools, and programs.
In 2025, the Foundation received more than $565,000 in donations, with over $180,000 reinvested directly into the district to support classrooms, initiatives, and school-based projects. In addition, more than $100,000 in scholarships were awarded to current and former MCS students. Since its establishment in 1983, the Marietta Schools Foundation has awarded more than 325 scholarships totaling nearly $1 million. The Board of Education extends its sincere gratitude to the Foundation for its lasting commitment to student opportunity and success.
The Board of Education thanks the Marietta Schools Foundation for its continued efforts to support the District's and our students' success.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education also recognized Joe Kinstle, Executive Director Emeritus of the Marietta Schools Foundation, for his years of dedicated service and leadership.
Mr. Kinstle has served the Foundation for 16 years, first as a board member and vice president, and then as Executive Director from 2014 to 2025. During his tenure, the Foundation more than doubled its number of endowments and implemented new software systems that improved efficiency and strengthened long-term sustainability.
The Board of Education thanks him for the strong relationship between MCS and the Marietta Schools Foundation, which Mr. Kinstle helped build and sustain, and his lasting impact on our students and community.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized The Olympian, Marietta High School’s student yearbook staff, led by Mr. Sonny Harding, for earning the Highest Scoring Large School title from the Georgia Scholastic Press Association, the highest honor awarded statewide.
The yearbook staff also received an Overall Superior rating, recognizing excellence across the entire publication. Student journalists ranked first in the state for Superior Sports Photography, Superior News Photography, Superior Cover Design, and Superior Theme Development. In addition, seniors MaryMayes Durham, Rebecca Moseley, Elaine Elliott, and Irene Osagie (not pictured) were recognized for earning the Superior Spread Design Award for their individual work.
The Board of Education congratulates these students for their achievements and for representing the District with creativity and excellence.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized the Communications Division for earning outstanding state and national honors for its work on behalf of the district.
The team received 11 Awards of Excellence from the Georgia School Public Relations Association, including Best Photography and the Peach Award for Excellence, GSPRA’s highest honor, for the district’s cell-phone-free campaign, Be Focused. Be Present. Be Somebody., presented at the 2025 GSPRA Conference. The Communications Division was also recognized by the Public Relations Society of America, earning both an Award of Excellence and the Phoenix Award for Best Campaign on a Shoestring Budget, highlighting the team’s creativity, impact, and compelling storytelling.
The Board of Education congratulates the Communications Division on this achievement.
Board Meeting Approvals
- Approval of Minutes - December 9, 2025 - Combined Work Session - Regular Monthly Meeting (7/0 - Approved)
- Approval of Minutes - January 13, 2026 - Work Session (7/0 - Approved)
- Adoption of Agenda (7/0 - Approved)
- Motion to Extend the Meeting for 30 Minutes (7/0 - Approved)
- Antivirus Software - Trend Micro (7/0 - Approved)
- Rubrik Backup Storage System - Edge Solutions (7/0 - Approved)
- 2025-2026 Revised Board Meeting Schedule (7/0 - Approved)
- Financial Report
- Literacy Update
- Heat Recovery Unit Box Replacement – Woods-Wilkins Campus (7/0 - Approved)
- Executive Session – Permitted Land, Legal, Personnel, and Student Matters (7/0 - Approved)
- Approval of Personnel Action (7/0 - Approved)
Board of Education begins new term, welcomes three new members
The Board of Education started its new term with a swearing-in ceremony held on Tuesday, January 13, at the Marietta Performing Arts Center during the Board’s Work Session. All seven Board members were sworn in, including newly-elected members Laura Holder (Ward Two), Jeff Collins (Ward Three), and Christina Rogers (Ward Six), alongside returning members Jeff DeJarnett (Ward One), Jaillene Hunter (Ward Four), Angela Orange (Ward Five), and Irene Berens (Ward Seven). The Board unanimously appointed Jaillene Hunter as Chair and Angela Orange as Vice-Chair. Jeff DeJarnett was named Legislative Liaison, and Jeff Collins was appointed liaison to the Marietta Schools Foundation, supporting continued collaboration and advocacy for students and staff. Learn more about our Board members on our website.