Dear MCS Family,
We've had an incredible month of achievements, from state championship titles to outstanding support from our community and our district 2024–2025 Teacher of the Year driving to school in a brand new car! I appreciate your commitment to being Special. Different. Better. This is reflected not only in the work that I see but in recognition across the state.
Remember, schools will be closed for Thanksgiving Break from November 25–29. I hope you take this time to relax and cherish moments with loved ones. We’ll see everyone back on December 2, ready to finish the semester strong!
Sincerely,
Grant
Marietta City Schools
Summary - Board of Education Meeting
November 12, 2024 | Combined Work Session - Regular Monthly Meeting
Student of the Month
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized West Side Elementary student Audrey Smith as the November Student of the Month.
Audrey is a fifth-grader committed to excellence in her advanced courses. She keeps up her grades through diligence and determination, and her dedicated work ethic and positive attitude inspire her peers. This year, she stepped outside her comfort zone by trying drama for the first time. She impressively landed the lead role as Elsa in Frozen Kids. Audrey is described as kind, empathetic, friendly, respectful, and responsible. These qualities make her a remarkable example for her classmates.
The Board of Education congratulates Audrey for being a Marietta City Schools Student of the Month for November.
Student of the Month
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Marietta High School senior Emily Diaz-Lemus as the November Student of the Month.
Emily demonstrates a strong commitment to leadership as president of the Hispanic Organization Promoting Education (HOPE). With her help, the student-led group, focused on leadership and cultural awareness, has grown to over 100 active members. This year, Emily played a key role in organizing the high school’s Hispanic and Brazilian Heritage Month assembly. The event was a success, showcasing the talents of many students. Emily is described as passionate, inspiring, and driven.
The Board of Education congratulates Emily for being a Marietta City Schools Student of the Month for November.
Employee of the Month
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized West Side Elementary’s Erin Compton as the November Employee of the Month.
As the MTSS Facilitator, Ms. Compton is dedicated to supporting all staff in helping students reach their fullest potential. Colleagues commend her for her expertise, accessibility, and data-driven approach to decision-making. She brings nearly 30 years of experience to her role, including a decade at MCS. Ms. Compton's commitment, insight, and collaborative spirit make her an invaluable asset to her school community.
The Board of Education congratulates Ms. Compton for being a Marietta City Schools Employee of the Month for November.
Employee of the Month
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Marietta High School’s Jessica Meade as the November Employee of the Month.
Ms. Meade, a dedicated math coach, played a vital role in MHS achieving the highest increase in Algebra scores across metro Atlanta school districts. In addition to coaching, she teaches Marietta Evening School for High School (MESH) night school, helping students stay on track for graduation, and holds office hours for math tutoring. Ms. Meade is known for her support of both students and staff, always willing to lend a helping hand.
The Board of Education congratulates Ms. Meade for being a Marietta City Schools Employee of the Month for November.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized United Way of Greater Atlanta as a key partner in enhancing educational resources and opportunities for our district. Through their "Pack the Bus" event, organized alongside corporate sponsors, United Way provided more than $5,000 in essential supplies to support students and classrooms across Marietta City Schools. Additionally, they donated 75 STEAM Kits to Marietta Center for Advanced Academics (MCAA), equipping teachers with valuable resources for hands-on learning.
New this year, United Way is funding the Learning Spaces drop-in preschool program, launching this week at three locations across Marietta. Most notably, they continue to support the transformative Literacy and Justice for All initiative, now in its fourth year. This impactful partnership has been one of Marietta City Schools' most powerful collaborations to date, creating lasting benefits in literacy and equity for our students.
Congratulations to United Way of Greater Atlanta for its continued support. Thank you to Michelle Jordan and Lindsay Hicks for receiving this special recognition.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized the Rotary Club of Marietta as a valued partner in supporting our district and community. This year, the Rotary Club sponsored the Marietta Adapted Games for the fourth consecutive year, with more than 20 volunteers generously contributing their time to make the event meaningful to our students. They will once again sponsor both the MCS Spelling Bee and the Reading Bowl.
With a legacy of over 103 years, the Rotary Club of Marietta stands as one of the oldest service organizations in the country and has been a valued partner to Marietta City Schools for much of that time.
Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Marietta for its outstanding support and to Don Barbour and Elizabeth Manning for receiving this special recognition.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Miki Thompson and the Marietta Wine Market for their outstanding support of Marietta Middle School. For the second consecutive year, they have donated more than $5,000 to help provide students with essential school supplies and resources throughout the year.
The Marietta Wine Market hosts weekly wine tastings that benefit various local charities, raising awareness and funds for important causes. Each year, they host a special giveback event for Miki Thompson, assisting with the fundraising. Their generosity and commitment to community support continue to make a positive impact on Marietta students.
Thank you and congratulations to Karen Heard and Miki Thompson for receiving this special recognition.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized the MCS Communications Division for earning five Awards of Excellence at the October 2024 Georgia School Public Relations Association Conference in Savannah. The division won the Best Videography/Electronic Media award for the 2023 kickoff documentary, "Special. Different. Better. - The Power of the Science of Reading."
The Communications Division also received statewide recognition for its impactful social media presence and new initiatives, including the “Literary Leader” award and the “Be Somebody” spotlight series. These achievements reflect the division’s commitment to innovative storytelling and meaningful engagement with the Marietta City Schools community.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education is proud to recognize our students' exceptional artistic talents. Several student works of art have been selected for display in the Central Office Board Room for guests to enjoy and admire. This recognition not only celebrates our students' creativity but also reminds us of the importance of the arts in education and its role in fostering a rich and engaging learning environment.
Congratulations to Evelyn, a Park Street Elementary student; Jeffrey and Emely, Hickory Hills Elementary students; Beatrix, a Marietta High School student; Julia, a Marietta Sixth Grade Academy student; and Reagan, a Marietta Middle School student, for representing your schools and sharing your talents with us.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized the Marietta High School Lady Blue Devils Cross Country Team for winning the Georgia High School Association's (GHSA) 6A state championship on November 9 in Carrollton, Georgia. Senior Mary Nesmith led the charge, earning the 2024 Georgia High School Association's 6A Girls Individual Cross Country State Champion title. This impressive achievement marks the team's fifth consecutive state championship and Mary's second individual state championship title, solidifying their legacy of excellence and dedication.
Congratulations to the Lady Blue Devils Cross Country Team for its outstanding work. We are all so proud of their achievements. Thank you to the team and Coach Jack Coleman for receiving this special recognition.
Board Meeting Approvals
- Approval of Minutes - October 15, 2024 Regular Monthly Meeting (7/0 - Approved)
- Approval of Minutes - November 1, 2024 Mini-Retreat (7/0 - Approved)
- Adoption of Agenda (7/0 - Approved)
- School Safety and Emergency Management - Presentation
- Music Instruments and Equipment - Fine Arts (7/0 - Approved)
- Technology - Fine Arts (7/0 - Approved)
- Audio Equipment Refresh - Marietta Performing Arts Center (7/0 - Approved)
- Polk Street Safety Upgrades - Marietta Middle School (7/0 - Approved)
- Board Resolution - Marietta Center for Advanced Academics Capital Outlay (7/0 - Approved)
- Field Trips (7/0 - Approved)
- Legislative Priorities (7/0 - Approved)
- Executive Session (7/0 - Approved)
- Approval of Other Actions Following Executive Session - To uphold the determination of the student tribunal as discussed in Executive Session (7/0 - Approved)
- Approval of Personnel Action (7/0 - Approved)
- Approval of Administrative Personnel Action (7/0 - Approved)
- Approval of Second Executive Session (7/0 - Approved)
- Approval of Superintendent Contract Amendment (7/0 - Approved)