BOARD NOTES JANUARY 2025

Dear MCS Family,

This month has already been a memorable one, and our community has demonstrated incredible flexibility and resilience. I want to take a moment to thank our incredible staff for their efforts—from ensuring buses were safe and warm to preparing meals and facilitating a smooth return to class, our staff’s dedication is unmatched.

Last night, the Board held a brief meeting, opting to reschedule January's special recognitions to February 11 to ensure all honorees are celebrated safely.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding. Together, we exemplify the strength and heart of Marietta City Schools.

Sincerely,

Grant

Marietta City Schools

Summary - Board of Education Meeting

January 21, 2025 | Regular Monthly Meeting

MCS Board names Board Chair, Vice-Chair

The Marietta City Schools Board of Education has reappointed Jeff DeJarnett, Ward One, for another term as Board Chair and named Jaillene Hunter, Ward Four, Vice-Chair. The appointments were made during Tuesday night’s board meeting, with unanimous support from the board.

DeJarnett, a Marietta High School and Asbury University graduate has long been a driving force in the district. With over a decade of music education experience in both Cobb and Marietta City Schools and extensive real estate expertise as a Managing Broker for Harry Norman Realtors, he brings a multifaceted perspective to board leadership.

"Continuing to serve as Board Chair is truly an honor,” DeJarnett said. “This past year, we've taken bold steps to elevate learning—from a no-phone initiative in our middle grades that fosters real engagement to expanding our emphasis on literacy. As a board, our mission is to ensure our schools operate at the highest level, that tax dollars are spent responsibly, and that our superintendent has the support he needs to achieve extraordinary outcomes for our students."

Hunter, elected to Ward Four in November 2021, will serve her first term as Vice-Chair. As a mother of four sixth-generation MCS students, Hunter carries a passionate vision for Marietta City Schools, specifically early childhood literacy. Appointed to the State of Georgia’s Council on Literacy, she is determined to dismantle barriers that impede reading success. Hunter is also the Executive Director of the Georgia Press Association and serves on Marietta’s Mentoring for Leadership and Wellstar Kennestone Hospital’s Regional Health boards.

"Serving as Vice-Chair is an opportunity to continue championing the values that make Marietta City Schools exceptional," Hunter said. "Literacy is the foundation of opportunity, and ensuring every student can read proficiently is the key to their success, both in and beyond the classroom. I’m proud to continue to advocate for academic excellence and school safety - because our students deserve to leave MCS prepared to lead and thrive. A rising tide lifts all boats, and together, we will continue to create pathways to success for every willing student who walks through our doors."

Additionally, Jason Waters, Ward Two, has been appointed as the board’s legislative liaison, tasked with maintaining strong communication and advocacy with state lawmakers. Angela Orange, Ward Five, will serve as the liaison to the Marietta Schools Foundation, bolstering the partnership between the board and the foundation to secure resources and opportunities for students and staff.

The Marietta City Schools Board of Education looks forward to continuing its work under this new leadership, ensuring the district’s continued growth and success.

Marietta City Schools welcomes Cameron Duke as new head football coach

Marietta City Schools has named Cameron Duke, the new head football coach for the Blue Devils. With over 21 years of coaching experience, Coach Duke brings a proven record of success, a deep commitment to character development, and a leadership style grounded in faith and integrity—all of which align seamlessly with the values of the Marietta community. Learn about him in the video below:

Board Meeting Approvals

  • Approval of Minutes - December 10, 2024, Combined Work Session - Regular Monthly Meeting (7/0 - Approved)
  • Approval of Minutes - January 14, 2025, Work Session (7/0 - Approved)
  • Adoption of Agenda (7/0 - Approved)
  • School Psychologist Contract (7/0 - Approved)
  • Primary Wide Area Network - Zayo Group (7/0 - Approved)
  • Primary Internet - Zayo Group (7/0 - Approved)
  • Firewall Upgrade - Lockstep Technology Group (7/0 - Approved)
  • Secondary Wide Area Network – Comcast (7/0 - Approved)
  • Secondary Internet – Comcast (7/0 - Approved)
  • Field Trips (7/0 - Approved)
  • Reduction-in-Force Plan (7/0 - Approved on 1/14/25)
  • Financial Report
  • Resolution Establishing Qualifying Fees and Candidate Qualifying Dates for November 4, 2025, General Election (7/0 - Approved)
  • Approval of Personnel Action (7/0 - Approved)