Dear MCS Family, As we wrap up another successful school year, I can’t help but reflect on the many wins we’ve celebrated together. This month alone, we recognized achievements that will leave a lasting impact on our district — from state titles and student leaders to community partners and staff members who continue to raise the bar for what’s possible in Marietta. Graduation season is officially upon us. Our youngest learners have already crossed the stage and are on their way to kindergarten. Now, seniors, you’re up next. A couple reminders as we close out the year: Marietta High School graduation is scheduled for Thursday, May 21, at 7:30 p.m. at Northcutt Stadium. The last day of school is Friday, May 22. We hope you rest well, spend time with family, reflect on all you've accomplished this year, and set new goals for the year ahead. And to the Class of 2026, make us proud. We’ll be cheering you on every step of the way. Sincerely, Grant
Marietta City Schools
Summary - Board of Education Meeting May 12, 2026 | Regular Monthly Meeting
Student of the Month
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Marietta Middle School student Anny Cardozo Romero as the Student of the Month. Anny is being recognized for her resilience, academic excellence, and determination. Just one year after participating in the school’s sheltered language program, she is excelling in Honors Georgia Studies and continues to impress her teachers with her growth and work ethic. Her teachers describe her as creative, curious, and passionate about learning. One standout project included a hand-crafted recreation of the Declaration of Independence using coffee-stained paper to capture the look and feel of the original document. Anny is also known for her caring spirit, humility, and willingness to help others succeed. The Board of Education congratulates Anny for being a Marietta City Schools Student of the Month.
Employee of the Month
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Mary Margaret Doyle, a seventh-grade social studies teacher at Marietta Middle School, as the Employee of the Month. Mrs. Doyle is being recognized for her innovation, leadership, and dedication to students. She founded the school’s Mahjong Club, which quickly became one of the most popular student organizations on campus, helping students build community and connection beyond the classroom. In her classroom, she strengthens student learning by thoughtfully integrating science of reading literacy practices into social studies instruction. Her colleagues and students admire her ability to maintain high expectations while also showing genuine care for students’ personal growth and well-being. As a proud Marietta High School graduate, Mrs. Doyle also carries forward a strong family legacy of civic engagement and public service. The Board of Education congratulates Mrs. Doyle for being the Marietta City Schools Employee of the Month.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Marietta Wrecker Service for its continued support of Marietta City Schools. The organization helped create a hands-on roadside safety curriculum for new drivers through Marietta Community School, reaching 90 students this spring through its New Driver Roadside Safety classes. Additional classes are planned for the fall. Marietta Wrecker Service also supported staff appreciation efforts by providing Atlanta Braves ticket packages for the district's Staff Kickoff and sponsored the Canine Crisis Response Program through Casino Night. The Board of Education thanks Director of Community School Kimberly Custance, Chris Welchel of Marietta Wrecker Service, Driver's Education Coordinator Tamara Roper, and Driver's Education Clerk Gabby Hattersley for accepting this recognition.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Marietta City Schools for earning the Ready Georgia Seal of Preparedness from the Georgia Department of Education and the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency.
This distinction recognizes school districts that have gone above and beyond in emergency preparedness, safety planning, and risk mitigation efforts. Fewer than six percent of schools in Georgia received this recognition this year. The Board also recognized School Safety and Emergency Management Specialist Brian Wallace for his leadership in guiding the district’s preparedness and safety initiatives. The Board of Education congratulates Marietta City Schools and Brian Wallace on this outstanding achievement.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Marietta High School freshman Cora Picken for being selected to participate in the Georgia Music Educators Association All-State Choir. This honor is one of the highest distinctions a music student can achieve in Georgia and is earned through a highly competitive audition process. Cora was the only Marietta High School student selected for this prestigious statewide honor this year. Students selected for All-State Choir participate in advanced rehearsals and performances led by nationally recognized conductors while developing their leadership and performance skills alongside some of the state’s top student vocalists. The Board of Education congratulates Cora on this outstanding accomplishment.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Tiffany Samimi, an English teacher at Marietta Sixth Grade Academy, for receiving the Exemplary English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) 2026 Award. Ms. Samimi is known for creating pathways for multilingual learners to actively participate in classroom learning while fostering an environment where students feel supported, challenged, and empowered to succeed. She also shared secondary literacy best practices at the 2025 Kennesaw State University Conference and consistently brings engaging real-world experiences into her classroom through field trips, guest speakers, and community connections. The Board of Education congratulates Ms. Samimi on this well-deserved recognition.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Marietta High School senior Denisse Becerra Rosas for receiving the Exemplary English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) 2026 Award. Denisse is known for helping classmates navigate challenging assignments and language barriers while balancing her own. Teachers describe her as a thoughtful leader whose kindness, creativity, and strong work ethic make a lasting impact on those around her. Denisse is also known for her crochet skills. The Board of Education congratulates Denisse on this outstanding achievement.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Marietta High School senior Zach Willis for receiving a Georgia Department of Education Award of Excellence.
Zach completed workshops in self-advocacy and financial literacy while actively participating in college and career exploration opportunities at Marietta High School. He is also involved in marching band and Best Buddies, where he completed International Ambassador Training and volunteered at the Champions of the Year event. After participating in a career field trip with the Atlanta Braves organization, Zach earned a position as a greeter and is now entering his third season with the team. He also received the Home Run Service Award during last year’s MLB All-Star Game and plans to attend the College of Charleston after graduation.
The Board of Education congratulates Zach on this outstanding accomplishment.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Marietta High School senior Aneesh Manyam and teacher Josh Dempsey for being named the 2026 Georgia STAR Student and STAR Teacher.
The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program honors Georgia’s highest-achieving high school seniors and the teachers who have made the greatest impact on their academic success. Aneesh earned the highest SAT score in the school with a 1510 and selected Video and Film teacher Josh Dempsey as his STAR teacher. The pair recently represented Marietta at the state PAGE STAR Banquet in Macon.
The Board of Education congratulates Aneesh and Mr. Dempsey on this outstanding recognition.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized Marietta High School’s student newspaper, The Pitchfork, for winning the “Large School” state title in both newspaper and website categories, along with the Community Service Award from the Georgia Scholastic Press Association.
The Board also recognized several students for individual state honors, including sophomore Manoa Roemer for All-Georgia health and medical reporting, juniors Hadley Harris and Abigail Barnes, and for their All-Georgia photo essay, and senior Noah Moore for All-Georgia environmental reporting.
The Board of Education congratulates The Pitchfork staff and these students for their excellence in student journalism.
Special Recognition
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education recognized this month’s student artists featured in the Marietta City Schools Art Display at Central Office. The district proudly showcases student artwork each month to celebrate creativity and highlight the artistic talent found across Marietta City Schools. This month’s featured artists are West Side Elementary student Wynn Hornsby (not pictured), Sawyer Road Elementary student Santiago Meneses Luna, Dunleith Elementary student Lianna Avila Molinares, Park Street Elementary student Eva Caballero Lara, Marietta Middle School student Finn Broeckelman and Marietta High School senior Skye White (not pictured). The Board of Education congratulates these students for sharing their creativity and representing their schools through the arts.
Board Meeting Approvals
- Approval of Minutes - April 21, 2026 Combined Work Session Regular Monthly Meeting (7/0 - Approved)
- Approval of Minutes - April 24, 2026 Board of Education Mini-Retreat (7/0 - Approved)
- Approval of Minutes - May 5, 2026 Work Session (7/0 - Approved)
- Adoption of Agenda (7/0 - Approved)
- Workflow Management Program Renewal - EMS Linq (7/0 - Approved)
- Device Monitoring Renewal - Blocksi Inc. (7/0 - Approved)
- Information Management Solution Renewal - USHA Software (7/0 - Approved)
- Microsoft Volume Licenses Renewal - JourneyEd (7/0 - Approved)
- Palo Alto Firewall License Renewal - Lockstep Technology Group (7/0 - Approved)
- Aspen Student Information System Renewal - Follett Software, LLC (7/0 - Approved)
- Service Agreement - Virtual Pastimes, Inc. (7/0 - Approved)
- Website Contract Renewal – Finalsite (7/0 - Approved)
- Literacy and Justice for All, Year 6 – Presentation – (Action Needed) (7/0 - Approved)
- Y2027 General Fund Budget – (Action Needed to Tentatively Adopt) (7/0 - Approved)
- FY2027 Other Funds Budgets (Action Needed to Approve) (7/0 - Approved)
- Executive Session – Permitted Land, Legal, Personnel, and Student Matters (7/0 - Approved)
- Approval of Personnel Action (7/0 - Approved)
- Approval of Administrative Personnel Action (7/0 - Approved)