Dear MCS Family,
This month has been a powerful reminder of what it means to #BeSomebody. From our theatre students shining on one of the largest youth-theatre stages, to the celebration of our students with exceptional needs, to the standout teachers and staff who make this district what it is. Every corner of MCS continues to reflect excellence in its own way. The encouragement you give, the lesson you deliver, the moment you pause to support a student, I want you to know that it all adds up. As a quick reminder, Winter Break is next week, February 16–20, and classes will resume on Monday, February 23. I hope you find time to recharge and even sleep past your alarm at least once. Thank you for continuing to show up for our students and for each other. Sincerely, Grant
Marietta City Schools
Summary - Board of Education Meeting
February 10, 2026 | Combined Work Session - Regular Monthly Meeting
Student of the Month
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Oliver Prince, a fourth-grade student at Marietta Center for Advanced Academics, as the February Student of the Month.
Oliver is known for his kindness, positive energy, and strong work ethic, maintaining all A’s while consistently giving his best effort. Beyond the classroom, he is a helpful and caring big brother to three younger siblings. Oliver is recognized for his character, humility, and willingness to lead by example.
The Board of Education congratulates Oliver for being the Marietta City Schools Student of the Month for February.
Employee of the Month
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Dr. Lindsay Elkins, an Academic Coach at Marietta Center for Advanced Academics, as the February Teacher of the Month.
As a trusted and proactive servant leader, Dr. Elkins is known for anticipating needs and supporting staff, students, and families, earning her reputation as MCAA’s “walking calendar” for always thinking several steps ahead. She also championed MCAA’s efforts to earn the Ocean Guardianship School Distinction, making the school the first elementary school in Georgia to receive this honor.
The Board of Education congratulates Dr. Elkins for being the Marietta City Schools Employee of the Month for February.
Employee of the Month
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Ruben Harrison, a bus driver with the MCS Transportation Team, as a February Employee of the Month.
Mr. Harrison has been with Marietta City Schools for 23 years as a bus driver, building strong, meaningful relationships with students and families along the way. Known for his "impeccable attendance" and care for students and their families, Mr. Harrison often shares that being present for “his kids” is a responsibility he takes to heart. His steady presence, warm smile, and genuine concern make him a trusted and familiar face for our students, families, and colleagues alike.
The Board of Education congratulates Mr. Harrison for being the Marietta City Schools Employee of the Month for February.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized the Marietta Police Department and the Marietta Police Foundation for their continued support of MCS students through the annual Shop with a Cop program.
On December 12, officers and staff invited 60 students to a nearby Walmart, where each student was paired with a member of the Marietta Police Department to shop for essentials, gifts for their families, and items of their choice. The Marietta Police Foundation helps fund this meaningful program, including the $300 each student received to spend during the experience.
The Board of Education thanks Tim Ward, with the Marietta Police Foundation, Officer Paul Hill, Lt. Grant Foster, and Student Resource Officer Jude Faroul with Marietta Police Department for creating a supportive holiday experience and for accepting this recognition.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Operation Warmth for its continued commitment to supporting students during the winter months.
Operation Warmth is an annual initiative that collects and distributes new winter coats to students in need across Cobb County and Marietta City Schools. The program is part of the Barbara Hickey Children’s Fund at the Cobb Community Foundation, with support from Cobb EMC and the Cobb EMC Foundation. In December, the program provided 378 new jackets to MCS students, working directly with school counselors to ensure each school’s specific needs were met. By providing new coats, Operation Warmth helps students stay warm, confident, healthy, and ready to learn throughout the winter season.
The Board of Education thanks Jennifer Lynch, Krista Williams and Natalie Rutledge with Operation Warmth for supporting our students and for accepting this recognition.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Marietta High School’s Theatre Troupe 111 for being named a Gold Status Honor Troupe by Georgia Thespians, the state chapter of the International Thespian Society.
This highest designation honors troupes for exceptional work on and off the stage, including artistic excellence, service, and advocacy within their schools and communities. The recognition follows the troupe’s recent production of Hadestown: Teen Edition, which showcased the program's talent and collaboration. The troupe, led by Holly Smith and Katie Cornett, was honored last week at the Georgia Thespian Conference, celebrating their continued impact on Marietta High School and the broader theatre community.
The Board of Education congratulates Marietta High School’s Theatre Troupe 111 for this distinction.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Marietta Middle School Theatre for earning the Excellence in Music title at the Junior Theater Festival. The program, led by Haley Walter and Katie Pilson, showcased remarkable talent, preparation, and collaboration at the world’s largest youth musical theater celebration. The Board also recognized eighth graders Nolan Waters and Cora Pearson who were named as Individual All-Stars for their outstanding performances. Several students received callbacks in New York, giving them the opportunity to work with Broadway professionals and further highlighting the program's strength. The community is invited to see the talent firsthand at MMS’s production of “Oklahoma! Youth Edition,” performing February 27 and 28. The Board of Education congratulates MMS Theatre for these achievements.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Marietta Sixth Grade Academy’s Drama program for earning the Excellence in Acting title at the Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta.
The program is led by Josh Waters and Katie Pilson. The recognition highlights the talent, teamwork, and performance skills of MSGA students on a national stage. The Board also recognized Penelope Pincus and Sawyer Almy for being named Individual All-Star winners for their outstanding performances at the festival. The community is invited to support MSGA Drama in its upcoming production of “Legally Blonde: The Musical,” which performs on April 17 and 18.
The Board of Education congratulates the MSGA’s Drama program on these achievements.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Malcolm Nichols, a freshman at Marietta High School, for being selected as one of the top 9th–10th grade trumpet players in Georgia and earning a spot in the Georgia Music Educators Association All-State Band.
This honor is awarded through a highly competitive audition process and represents one of the highest achievements for student musicians in the state. Malcolm will rehearse and perform alongside Georgia’s top student musicians under the direction of nationally renowned conductors and will represent Marietta City Schools at the GMEA All-State Conference this spring.
The Board of Education congratulates Malcolm on this achievement.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized the inaugural cohort of 16 Marietta City Schools employees who successfully completed a Master of Education in Teacher Leadership and Educational Leadership through Kennesaw State University, while also earning a PSC-accredited Instructional Coaching Endorsement.
This first-of-its-kind partnership strengthened instructional coaching, data-informed decision-making, and school-based leadership, building leadership capacity from within the district. The Board also recognized Dr. Arvin Johnson, Dr. Nicholas Clegorne, and Dr. Jeffrey Robinson of Kennesaw State University for their leadership and partnership in launching and implementing this initiative. The Board also expressed appreciation for the Marietta City Schools Human Resources team for designing this innovative program in collaboration with KSU and for hosting the evening’s reception.
The Board of Education congratulates the inaugural MCS–KSU cohort:
- Heather Barfield, Lockheed Elementary
- Amber Carr, Marietta High School
- Grayson Coker, Lockheed Elementary
- Melinda “Beth” Dihigo, Lockheed Elementary
- Cory Jordan, Marietta Middle School
- Stella Kilpatrick, Marietta Center for Advanced Academics
- Macey Loveless-Eddleman, Lockheed Elementary
- Autumn Martin, West Side Elementary
- Rosangela McDowell, Dunleith Elementary
- O’Neal McRunells, Woods-Wilkins Campus
- Dominque Page, Marietta Middle School
- Christine Reddy, Lockheed Elementary
- Savana Rithmire, Marietta Sixth Grade Academy
- Amanda Sperberg, Marietta Middle School
- Toyka Stephens, Lockheed Elementary
- Briana Williams, West Side Elementary
Board Meeting Approvals
- Approval of Minutes - January 20, 2026 Regular Monthly Meeting (7/0 - Approved)
- Approval of Minutes - January 30, 2026 Board of Education Mini-Retreat (7/0 - Approved)
- Adoption of Agenda (7/0 - Approved)
- Financial Report
- FY25 Financial Audit Report – Mauldin & Jenkins
- IB Programme Overview
- Reduction-in-Force Plan (7/0 - Approved)
- Field Trips (7/0 - Approved)
- Executive Session – Permitted Land, Legal, Personnel, and Student Matters (7/0 - Approved)
- Approval of Personnel Action (7/0 - Approved)