Dear MCS Family, We’re almost there. This is our time to stay focused and finish strong together. Let’s carry this momentum all the way across the finish line. If you need a reminder that you've got this, look at what we’ve celebrated this month. From students leading through service and giving back, to major achievements like Eagle Scout, to the excellence happening in our classrooms. You’ve already proven what's possible. The work is showing. I hope you’ve felt the support around you. It’s in the families we serve, the colleagues beside you, and even in the people you might not know who are cheering you on because of the impact you make each day. Lean in. Keep asking questions, stay engaged, and most importantly, do your best. Sincerely, Grant
Marietta City Schools
Summary - Board of Education Meeting April 21, 2026 | Combined Work Session - Regular Monthly Meeting
Student of the Month
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Marietta Sixth Grade Academy student Jon Granger as the April Student of the Month. Jon is a member of the National Junior Honor Society and was recognized for his outstanding service and academic achievement. He earned all A’s throughout his academic career and consistently demonstrates strong character, including receiving the Citizenship Award in elementary school. As part of his science capstone project, Jon and his father partnered with the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office to donate 45 pairs of new tennis shoes to MSGA’s resource room. The shoes were distributed to students in need, reflecting Jon’s commitment to making meaningful impact in his school community. The Board of Education congratulates Jon for being the Marietta City Schools Student of the Month for April.
Employee of the Month
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Jennifer Vite, Media Specialist at Marietta Sixth Grade Academy, as the April Employee of the Month. Mrs. Vite is known for her efforts to promote a love of reading across campus. Recently, she organized a schoolwide reading challenge that encouraged students to track and increase their reading time. Throughout the challenge, she spotlighted participating classrooms, building excitement and encouraging more students to engage with the media center. Her creativity and leadership helped foster a culture of reading and student engagement. The Board of Education congratulates Mrs. Vite for being the Marietta City Schools Employee of the Month for April.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Narwhal Capital Management for its continued support of Marietta City Schools. The organization provided $1,000 to the Emily Lembeck Early Learning Center to support student needs. It also sponsored Art in Our Parks with a $4,000 contribution, an initiative which showcased student artwork from across the district, promoting creativity, self-expression, and community pride. The Board of Education thanks Andrew Hall and Natalie Rodgers for accepting this recognition, and Narwhal Capital Management for supporting our students and schools.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized SA Recycling for its ongoing support of Marietta City Schools.
SA Recycling served as a sponsor for Transportation department celebrations, the Employee Awards Luncheon, and the Teacher of the Year Blitz. The organization also donated $5,000 to support after-school programs for McKinney-Vento students, helping ensure stability and access to opportunities for students experiencing housing insecurity.
The Board of Education thanks Tre Binner for accepting this recognition, and SA Recycling for its commitment to students and staff across the district.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Simple Needs GA for its partnership in supporting Marietta families. The organization provides essential resources to families transitioning into new homes, including furniture and household items. They also support students by collaborating closely with school social workers to meet immediate family needs through their warehouse resources, and providing birthday gifts and treats for students. The Board of Education thanks Brenda Rhodes and Danielle Rose for accepting this recognition, and Simple Needs GA for helping meet the needs of our students and families.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized the Marietta EXCEL Cohort for its efforts to support students at Hickory Hills Elementary. The cohort raised more than $15,000 to fund the creation of an outdoor sensory classroom. This space will provide students with exceptional needs with a welcoming and inclusive environment designed to support engagement, comfort, and learning. The Board of Education congratulates the Marietta EXCEL Cohort for its meaningful contribution to student support and inclusion.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Ernest I. Sylvester, Sr. for his extraordinary contribution to Marietta High School. Mr. Sylvester designed and built the display case now housing the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution in the MHS rotunda. Inspired by the National Archives, the case features symbolic design elements inspired by American history. He donated all materials and contributed more than 1,000 hours of work to complete the project. Now, some classes utilize the display as part of the social studies curriculum. The Board of Education thanks Mr. Sylvester for his dedication and lasting impact on Marietta High School.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Marietta Middle School students Katherine Gardley, Nolan Waters, and Nikolai Anikin for being selected to the Georgia Music Educators Association All-State Choir.
The GMEA all-state program serves more than 20,000 students and includes six choruses. This prestigious honor is earned through a competitive audition process and represents one of the highest distinctions for student musicians in the state. Nolan Waters also earned a special distinction by being selected as a soloist.
The Board of Education congratulates these students on their dedication and achievement.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Marietta Sixth Grade Academy student Alice Neill for placing first in Digital Game Design at the Georgia Student Technology Competition.
Alice was the only Marietta City Schools student to place in the competition, which included more than 900 participants. She is also the first MSGA student to win at the state level. Her project, developed using Microsoft MakeCode Arcade, challenged players to explore the ocean, collect sea creatures, and protect them from threats, showcasing both creativity and technical skill.
The Board of Education congratulates Alice on her hard work and creativity.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized the Marietta Middle School Advanced Chorus for earning a Superior rating from the Georgia Music Educators Association Large Group Performance Evaluation.
Under the direction of Erin Layton, the chorus was evaluated on both performance and sight-reading. A Superior rating is the highest level of distinction and reflects an exceptional level of musical performance.
The Board of Education congratulates the Advanced Chorus on their outstanding performance.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Marietta High School’s Blue Devil News for earning multiple honors at the Georgia Scholastic Press Association Awards, including a Superior rating. Under the direction of Mr. Josh Dempsey, students were also recognized for individual achievements, including Rachel Connor and Veruska Boscan for Superior News Package with their “Career Pathway Showcase” project,
Wyatt Dempsey, Tierra Smith, Rex Lindsey, and Violet Maine for Superior Emerging Media with their “Lemon Street Jersey Reveal” project, and Andrew Roland for All-Georgia Sports Package with his “Introducing Head Football Coach Cam Duke” project. The Board of Education congratulates these students for their excellence in student journalism.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Thomas Bullington, a 10th-grader at Marietta High School, for earning the rank of Eagle Scout.
For his Eagle Scout project, Thomas led the refurbishment of a basketball court at his church, repainting court lines and organizing volunteers to replace equipment. His efforts improved safety and usability while demonstrating strong leadership and teamwork.
The Board of Education congratulates Thomas for his initiative and commitment to improving his community through service.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Enzo Jensen, a 10th-grader at Marietta High School, for earning the rank of Eagle Scout.
Enzo completed his project at West Side Elementary, where he once attended, by building planters, revitalizing a courtyard, and improving a storage space. He led fellow Scouts in completing the work and ensured materials were safely handled and disposed of.
The Board of Education congratulates Enzo for his dedication to service and leadership of a project that will benefit the school community for years to come.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Senior Catherine “Katie” Timko for earning the rank of Eagle Scout.
For her Eagle Scout project, Katie partnered with school staff to assemble 150 hygiene kits for students, ensuring those in need could access essential items with dignity. Her project supports student confidence and readiness to learn.
The Board of Education congratulates Katie for her commitment to service and meeting the needs of the community in a thoughtful and meaningful way.
Board Meeting Approvals
- Approval of Minutes - March 17, 2026 Combined Work Session Regular Monthly Meeting (7/0 - Approved)
- Approval of Minutes - March 31, 2026 Special Called Meeting (7/0 - Approved)
- Adoption of Agenda (7/0 - Approved)
- Motion to Extend the Meeting for 30 Minutes (7/0 - Approved)
- Financial Report
- Fast Start Academy - Kennesaw State University (7/0 - Approved)
- Learning Management System Renewal - Schoology (7/0 - Approved)
- Summer School/EXCELerate Academy - Marietta High School (7/0 - Approved)
- PowerSchool - Performance Matters (7/0 - Approved)
- Structured Literacy at Marietta High School (7/0 - Approved)
- FY2026 Midterm Budget Amendment - General Fund (7/0 - Approved)
- FY2026 Midterm Budget Amendment - Other Funds (7/0 - Approved)
- FY2027 General Fund Budget
- FY2027 Other Funds Budget
- Approval to extend meeting (7/0 - Approved)
- Vehicle Lift Replacements - Stertil-Koni USA, Inc (7/0 - Approved)
- Transportation Electrical Upgrade - Top’s Services Inc. (7/0 - Approved)
- Renovation/Modification Project - Marietta High School (7/0 - Approved)
- Transportation Management Software Renewal - Tyler Technologies (7/0 - Approved)
- Elementary School Playground Mulch - Preferred Mulch (7/0 - Approved)
- Roof Maintenance Program - Bruce Services (7/0 - Approved)
- Field Trips (7/0 - Approved)
- Reduction-in-Force (7/0 - Approved)
- Marietta City Schools Board of Education Meeting Schedule (2026–2027) (7/0 - Approved)
- Executive Session – Permitted Land, Legal, Personnel, and Student Matters (7/0 - Approved)
- Approval of Personnel Action (7/0 - Approved)