Dear MCS Family,
As we move through the heart of the school year, I’m reminded how much happens once the routines settle in. The energy in our schools feels focused and steady — students leaning into learning, teachers finding their rhythm, and families continuing to show up in ways that make a difference. This is the part of the year when the real growth happens, and I’m so proud of the collective effort that keeps moving Marietta forward.
This month, I had the privilege of standing alongside our seniors as they pressed “send” on their first college applications, a moment filled with hope and possibility. It’s a reminder of why we do this work. Together, we open doors to create opportunities and to help every student dream big.
At the same time, I’m grateful for the teachers, staff, and community partners who show up every day to make those dreams possible.
Let's continue to celebrate the small wins, the big moments, and every milestone in between.
Sincerely,
Grant
Marietta City Schools
Summary - Board of Education Meeting
October 21, 2025 | Regular Board Meeting
Student of the Month
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Emily Lembeck Early Learning Center student Gloria Houedjakou as the October Student of the Month.
Gloria arrives at school each day with a bright smile and a positive attitude. Her gentle spirit and willingness to include others make her a joy to have in class. She leads by example, helping classmates, sharing materials, and keeping the classroom tidy. Gloria listens attentively during storytime and always gives her best effort.
The Board of Education congratulates Gloria for being a Marietta City Schools Student of the Month for October.
Employee of the Month
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Graciela Herrero, Office Manager at the Emily Lembeck Early Learning Center, as the October Employee of the Month.
Graciela is an invaluable member of the ELC family. She is always ready to lend a helping hand and builds strong connections with Spanish-speaking families, ensuring they feel welcomed and supported.
Beyond her daily responsibilities, she showcases her artistic talents throughout the school—painting beautiful murals, creating imaginative backdrops for the holiday show, and even constructing a "community helper airplane" to provide students with a hands-on travel experience in class.
The Board of Education congratulates Graciela for being a Marietta City Schools Employee of the Month for October.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized the Financial Services Division for receiving the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for the district’s FY2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
This achievement marks the 11th consecutive year that the division has earned this prestigious national honor, which represents the highest level of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. The award reflects the team’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accuracy, and clearly communicating the district’s financial story.
The Board of Education congratulates the Financial Services Division on this achievement.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized the Rotary Club of Marietta for its long-standing commitment to serving the community and supporting Marietta City Schools.
Founded in 1919, the Rotary Club of Marietta is the first and longest-serving community organization in Marietta and Cobb County. Club members volunteer across the district, reading to students at every elementary school and serving as early champions of the Marietta Reads! initiative.
The club’s support is extensive, sponsoring the Marietta Adapted Games for the past five years, as well as the District Spelling Bee and Reading Bowl. Additionally, they host supply drives for students, provide care bags for every teacher at Hickory Hills, and have invested approximately $15,000 in district initiatives during this school year.
The Board of Education thanks the Rotary Club of Marietta for its enduring partnership and commitment to our schools and community.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Charlotte Common, a senior at Marietta High School, for being named a 2026 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist.
This honor places Charlotte among the top one percent of high school seniors nationwide, based on her exceptional performance on the PSAT. She is also a recipient of the Georgia Certificate of Merit and the Harvard Book Award, and she was selected to attend the Governor’s Honors Program, where she majored in French and minored in mathematics.
At Marietta High School, Charlotte serves as the Student Body President and is an active member of both the Beta Club and the National Honor Society. Additionally, she has starred in several musical theater productions, including "Mamma Mia," "The Addams Family," and "Matilda the Musical."
Outside of school, Charlotte continues to lead and serve as a French tutor and a youth soccer coach.
The Board of Education congratulates Charlotte on her outstanding achievement.
MCS Board of Education recognized as a 2025 GSBA Exemplary Board
For the third consecutive year, the Marietta City Schools (MCS) Board of Education has earned the Georgia School Boards Association’s (GSBA) Exemplary Board Recognition, the highest distinction in GSBA’s board recognition program. This honor reflects the Board’s steadfast commitment to effective governance, continuous improvement, and transparency in service of MCS students, staff, and families. To achieve this distinction, the Board exceeded rigorous GSBA standards rooted in the State Board of Education’s Standards for Effective Governance. As the highest level of recognition, above Quality and Distinguished, the Exemplary designation reflects the Board’s leadership in student achievement, fiscal accountability, and community partnership. Congratulations to the Marietta City Schools Board of Education, and thank you for all you do for our schools!
Board Meeting Approvals
- Approval of Minutes - September 16, 2025 - Regular Monthly Meeting (7/0 - Approved)
- Approval of Minutes - October 13, 2025 Special Called Meeting - Governante Team of the Year Interview (7/0 - Approved)
- Approval of Minutes - October 14, 2025 Work Session (7/0 - Approved)
- Adoption of Agenda (7/0 - Approved)
- Federal Budgets (7/0 - Approved)
- Employer-Paid Benefit Changes - Marietta City Schools (7/0 - Approved)
- Shade Structures - West Side Elementary (7/0 - Approved)
- Student Headphones - Cyber Acoustics (7/0 - Approved)
- Field Trips (7/0 - Approved)
- Policy Approval (7/0 - Approved)
- Executive Session – Permitted Land, Legal, Personnel, and Student Matter(7/0 - Approved)
- Approval of Personnel Action (7/0 - Approved)