STATE OF THE
SCHOOLS 2026-2027
TABLE OF CONTENTS 3
PARTNER CONNECT
16
FINANCE
4
BOARD OF EDUCATION
18
FOOD & NUTRITION
5
LETTER FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
20
HUMAN RESOURCES
6
LEARNER PROFILE
22
SAFETY & STUDENT SUPPORT
8
DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT & CHIEF OF STAFF
24
STUDENT SERVICES & SPECIAL EDUCATION
10
COMMUNICATIONS
26
TEACHING & LEARNING
12
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & LIFELONG EDUCATION
28
TECHNOLOGY & INFORMATION SERVICES
14
FACILITIES
30
TRANSPORTATION
Where Education Meets Business & Community Partner Connect allows students to go beyond the classroom and into the community where time, talent, and AREAS TO PARTNER resources provide enhanced learning. This partnership program seeks to create a collaborative framework that not only fosters growth but also strengthens the bond between schools and the broader community. Board/Pathway Partner Our partners are individuals, businesses, post-secondary institutions, communityAdvisory organizations, professional associations, faith communities, government agencies, and other groups who are interested in partnering with Athletic and Activityand Sponsor our school system. By becoming involved, you are taking an active role in educating our students ensuring a brighter economic future for Forsyth County.
n n n Award/Recognition Program If you are interested in getting involved, scan the QR code or visit www.forsythpartnerconnect.com n Career Fair Participant Transition Support for n Career Students with Special Needs
n Celebration/Appreciation Event n Classroom Speaker or Volunteer Community and Cultural Event
3
BOARD of EDUCATION Forsyth County Schools Mr. Mike Valdes | Chairman | District 5
Mrs. Trisha Hoyes | District 2
Mr. Wes McCall | Vice Chairman | District 1
Mr. Dorian Usherwood | District 3
Mike Valdes is a resident of Forsyth County and the father of 3 amazing Forsyth County Schools students in the Denmark cluster. In 2012, Mike and his wife, Florencia, relocated to Georgia from their native Miami, FL, and ultimately put down roots in beautiful South Forsyth because of our premier school system, vibrant diversity, robust economy, and excellent Sheriff’s Office. Mike has always been a strong proponent of public education, himself a product of public schools, including as the first college graduate in his family.
In 2001, Wes McCall married his wife, Jakima, at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Roswell, GA. A year later, they purchased their first home in Forsyth County. Soon after, they had their only son, Ian, who attended Forsyth County Schools. Ian’s kindergarten year began Wes’s involvement with the Forsyth County School System. Wes served several years on the PTA Board and Local School Council. He continues to be an involved and enthusiastic supporter of Forsyth County Schools.
Trisha Hoyes has always been deeply invested in public education. Her undergraduate degree is in both elementary and special education, and she has a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. After graduating from college, she became an elementary classroom teacher. She continued to learn and grow as an educator and received a reading endorsement and became a National Board Certified Teacher. Trisha was very passionate about continuously improving her craft and reaching her students to make an impact. She was an educator for fifteen years, and the last two of those were in Forsyth County.
Dorian Usherwood is an accomplished leader with 29 years of professional experience, excelling in consulting, big data, fintech, agency operations, creative strategy, brand development, and technology. His career includes roles at Accenture, Equifax, IBM, Synchrony, and The Home Depot, as well as in pharmaceutical marketing, government, and the nonprofit sector. Dorian also founded and led a boutique business consulting firm, where he brought innovative ideas to life for a diverse range of clients. His professional journey reflects a commitment to enabling growth, empowering brands, and delivering impactful solutions.
Mr. Chris Grimes | District 4
4
Chris Grimes has called Forsyth County home for more than 25 years after moving from Kentucky in 2000. A graduate of South Forsyth High School, Chris has deep roots in the community where he and his wife, Lezlie, a graduate of North Forsyth High School, are raising their four children. Chris brings more than 15 years of leadership experience, including serving as Forsyth County’s Emergency Management Director.
Welcome
FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
Dear Friends,
Dr. Mitch Young
Superintendent Forsyth County Schools
Forsyth County Schools has a strong tradition of excellence, and this year we are continuing to target and eliminate complacency. Striving to get better is what we do! The fact that we do this in authentic collaboration with our families and community partners is what makes Forsyth County so special. As our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding, we are intensifying our focus on preparing students to be engaged, informed citizens who know what unites us as a country. It has been and remains our job as a public school system to develop the talent necessary to strengthen our community. That is our core business. Growing and retaining outstanding educators who challenge, support, and prepare every student with the skills and experiences they need to thrive in the next phase of their lives are keys to our effectiveness. Accomplishing this, though, cannot be done without our parents and community partners. This year, we are proud to premiere our refined Learner Profile. It provides a clear picture of the academic skills and personal traits we want every FCS graduate to carry into the world. This Fall, with the FCS Learner Profile as our North Star, we are embarking on a new five-year strategic plan that will carry us into a new decade. As has been our history in Forsyth County, we trust that our community partners and families will help us chart that course. As we celebrate what brings us together, as a country and as a school system, we are reminded that many threads, woven together, make the strongest cloth. We thank you for your continued partnership as we work to ensure another 250-year run as a nation! Sincerely,
Mitch Young Superintendent of Forsyth County Schools
5
FCS LEARNER PROFILE
SHOWS PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND RESILIENCE
INTERACTS EFFECTIVELY
THE
FCS
DEMONSTRATES INTENTIONALITY
LEARNER
THINKS CREATIVELY AND CRITICALLY
Safe 6
Connected
CONTRIBUTES AND SERVES
Thriving
FCS
LEARNER PROFILE Shows Personal Responsibility and Resilience • Acts with honesty and integrity in academic work • Exhibits empathy and respect for others • Takes responsibility for actions and outcomes • Develops practical life skills such as time management, organization, and financial awareness • Perseveres through challenges and setbacks
Interacts Effectively
Demonstrates Intentionality
Thinks Creatively and Critically
• Communicates clearly • Takes ownership of through speaking, listening, learning by setting goals reading, and writing and monitoring progress toward them • Acts appropriately and responsibly in digital and • Deepens understanding in-person communications and retains knowledge by making connections across • Collaborates to share ideas, subjects and experiences solve problems, and reach common goals • Uses feedback to grow and improve • Builds and maintains positive relationships with • Reads critically and people of all backgrounds writes clearly to construct and perspectives knowledge
• Analyzes information, identifies problems, and generates solutions
• Demonstrates humility and evokes trust
• Embraces innovation and remains open to change
• Reflects on learning to build self-awareness and independence
• Evaluates sources of information critically and uses information appropriately • Adapts to new situations or challenges by embracing creative solutions • Applies learning across disciplines and real-life contexts
Contributes and Serves • Explores various academic and career pathways to become a contributing member of the community • Serves others through leadership, collaboration, and responsible citizenship • Advocates for oneself, others, and the community • Embraces civic responsibility by contributing to local and global communities • Identifies needs and takes initiative to create positive change
7
DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT & CHIEF OF STAFF About Us The Deputy Superintendent and Chief of Staff’s office exists to serve our community through efforts to support the work of the Superintendent, the Board of Education, the Leadership Cabinet, and the 43 principals throughout our district. We focus on monitoring legislation to ensure our policies and procedures stay current, to leading and supporting the various Leadership Development programs throughout our district, coordinating the student calendar each year, overseeing the outof-district process, and leading the district’s strategic planning efforts.
109
LEADERS
THROUGHOUT FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOLS
What are you proud of this year?
completed one of the internal leadership developement programs over the past school year.
Schools are the heart and the center of every great community. Our community ranks nationally among the absolute best places to live, work, and play. I believe that is largely due to our schools, and the wonderful students, teachers, staff, and leaders at each of them. I am blessed to be part of the team in Forsyth County who gets to support their work.
INTERNAL LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
STRONGER LEADERS
8
CONTINUOUS GROWTH
COLLABORATIVE CULTURE
POSITIVE IMPACT
STRONGER TOGETHER
The Year to Come I am excited to lead and support the 2027-2032 strategic planning process during the course of this school year. I believe it will be exciting to collaborate with stakeholders throughout our schools and community to determine the direction our district will follow in the years ahead.
Strong leadership. Stronger together. Brighter futures. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
SCHOOL LEADERSHIP SUPPORT
Building a strong pipeline of current and future leaders through mentoring, coaching, professional learning, and leadership development opportunities.
Supporting principals and school administrators with resources, guidance, and collaborative leadership structures.
DISTRICT CALENDAR PLANNING
STRATEGIC PLANNING & INNOVATION
Coordinating annual school calendars and districtwide scheduling that support students, families, employees, and community partners.
Leading implementation of the district’s 2022-2027 Strategic Plan, Learner Profile, and Leadership Profile while facilitating the development of the new Strategic Plan.
FAMILY & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
EDUCATION FOUNDATION PARTNERSHIP
Strengthening connections through Local School Councils, family engagement initiatives, and partnerships with businesses and community organizations.
Collaborating with the Forsyth County Education Foundation to expand opportunities, celebrate excellence, and invest in student success.
Dr. Josh Lowe
Deputy Superintendent & Chief of Staff
9
COMMUNICATIONS About Us The Forsyth County Schools Communications Department is dedicated to ensuring clear, timely, and effective communication with all stakeholders. Guided by our department vision to Inform, Advance, and Amplify we strive to keep our community engaged and connected. Rooted in the district’s commitment to “a safe, connected, and thriving community for all,” our team utilizes a variety of channels—including digital platforms, media outreach, and direct engagement—to foster meaningful connections and ensure every stakeholder feels informed and engaged.
Inform
We provide accurate, transparent, and accessible information to students, families, staff, and the broader community.
Advance
We support the Forsyth County Schools vision and mission, ensuring that communication efforts reflect and drive the district’s goals forward.
Amplify
We elevate the voices, successes, and impact of our students and staff, sharing their stories to strengthen our schools and community.
CREATING, CONNECTING, AND COMMUNICATING CREATIVE DESIGN
10
VIDEO PRODUCTION
SOCIAL MEDIA & DIGITAL CONTENT
WEBSITE DESIGN & MANAGEMENT
INTERNAL & EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS
BRAND MANAGEMENT
53,000+
STUDENTS, FAMILIES, STAFF & COMMUNITY informed and connected through smarter, more accessible communication systems
500+
STORYTELLING AT SCALE CAPTURING AND DOCUMENTING DISTRICT SUCCESS THROUGH:
150+
EVENTS SUPPORTED
CREATIVE PROJECTS
delivering high-impact design, video, digital, print, and more
43
SCHOOLS AND PROGRAMS
strengthening the brand and sharing our story across every campus
What are you proud of this year? Through strategic storytelling, media relations, and digital communications, the department engaged millions of stakeholders, generating 12.8 million social media views, supporting more than 2.3 million website users, and amplifying the success of students and staff across the district.
COMMUNICATIONS DURING CRITICAL EVENTS
141
ONLINE NEWS STORIES PUBLISHED
85
INTERVIEWS FILMED
34
DISTRICT EVENTS PHOTOGRAPHED
Dr. Michele Dugan
Chief of Communications
10,000+
PHOTOS DELIVERED
STRENGTHENING TRANSPARENCY AND PUBLIC TRUST Supporting transparency and public accountability by fulfilling open records requests and assisting with media inquiries, while maintaining consistent, proactive communication with stakeholders.
Providing strategic communications support for weather events, crises, and safety initiatives, helping ensure timely and accurate information for families, staff, and the community.
! WEATHER EVENTS
CRISES
SAFETY INITIATIVES
TIMELY. ACCURATE. TRUSTED.
121+
OPEN RECORDS REQUEST FILLED
250+
MEDIA INQUIRIES ASSISTED
11
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & LIFELONG EDUCATION About Us Community Engagement and Lifelong Education develops strategic partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and post-secondary institutions to support ongoing learning throughout a student’s life. We seek to create a collaborative structure that supports growth and development while strengthening ties between the school system and the broader community. Community engagement opportunities provide enhanced resources and expertise, bring real-world connections into the classroom, broaden opportunities, and allow our system to build strong relationships with community members to create a supportive network for students.
100%
GRADUATION RATE for CTAE and Fine Arts Pathway Completeters
25,663 STUDENT MEMBERS
in CTAE Career Tech Student Organizations (CTSOs)
12
OVER
OVER
IN FoCAL GRANTS DISTRIBUTED
INDONATIONS AND IN-KIND SUPPORT
$20,000 to FCS Fine Arts Programs in FY26
$800,000 through Partner Connect in FY26
OVER
OVER
FORSYTH COUNTY EDUCATION FOUNDATION
SCHOOL-COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
$180,000 grants awarded in FY26
400
registered through Partner Connect in FY26
What are you proud of this year? Connecting community. Inspiring opportunity. During the 2025–2026 school year, Partner Connect launched a new era of collaboration by aligning schools, employers, and community partners to support education and deepen community investment in our students. We also proudly celebrated excellence in community programming throughout the year at the FoCAL Center, and recognized Terri Barrilleaux (Haw Creek ES) as the Teacher of the Year and Katie Newman (East Forsyth HS) as the Playmaker Support Staff of the Year.
FoCAL
Forsyth County Arts & Learning Center
APPROXIMATELY
ALMOST
STUDENTS
ATTENDEES
21,000 participated in FoCAL programming
45,000
Dr. Valery Lowe Chief of Community Engagement & Lifelong Education
supported community and school events during the 2025-2026 school year.
The Year to Come NUMBER OF PATHWAY PROGRAMS OFFERED IN 2026
54 HS CTAE PATHWAYS
&
13 HS FINE ARTS PATHWAYS
Community is built when people choose to show up, engage authentically, and share responsibility for creating a stronger future. In the coming year, CELE will advance workforce development strategies, expand life and employability skills, and strengthen CTAE and fine arts opportunities while fostering partnerships that support community and district priorities and prepare every student to be future-ready.
13
FACILITIES About Us The goal of our department is to plan for future facilities, construct new or modify existing facilities, and most importantly, maintain our schools and support facilities to provide the best learning environments that our students, staff, and families are proud to have in the heart of their community.
FCS FACILITIES MAINTAINS OVER:
14
9
MILLION SQUARE FEET OF FACILITIES
2,000 ACRES
53
BUILDINGS
LATEST SCHOOL UPDATE PROJECT 0F
FY2026
SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION DATE:
02/25/2026
RENOVATIONS, MODIFICATIONS, ADDITIONS AND LIFE CYCLE UPGRADES (SPLOST 6)
OCCUPIED SCHOOL YEAR
2026-2027
REPLACED SELECT:
COMPLETED WITHIN CONSTRUCTION BUDGET LESS THAN -0.000014% CHANGE ORDERS
29 ADDITIONAL CLASSROOMS (LOCAL FUNDS)
14 MODULAR
CLASSROOMS REMOVED
MEDIA CENTER, CAFETERIA, AND ADMIN EXPANSION
WINDOWS
WATER COOLERS
DOOR HARDWARE
WASH FOUNTAINS
KITCHEN EQUIPMENT
WATER HEATERS
HAND DRYERS
HVAC ONE-FOR-ONE UNIT REPLACEMENT
“A school is a building with 4 walls with tomorrow inside.” -Lon Watters
MASHBURN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Matt Wark
Chief Facilities Officer
What are you proud of this year? Forsyth County Schools in 2025-2026, had their 5 year facility plan approved by the DOE without any changes or recommendations. We are also happy to report that we are finishing up on completing all ESPLOST 6 capitol projects inside the 5 year window. 15
FINANCE About Us The Finance Department manages the district’s financial resources to ensure schools, students, and staff have the support they need to succeed. The department oversees budgeting, accounting, payroll, purchasing, accounts payable, financial reporting, internal audits, warehouse, workers compensation, risk management, and stewardship of taxpayer funds. By maintaining strong financial controls and planning responsibly, the Finance Department helps ensure resources are used efficiently, transparently, and in alignment with the district’s educational priorities.
70%
Total Opertaing Budget
$762.5 million CLEAN ANNUAL AUDIT RESULTS WITH NO MATERIAL FINDINGS MAINTAINS APPROXIMATELY
15% FUND BALANCE FOR LONG-TERM STABILITY
16
Building today for a stronger tomorrow
PRUDENT PLANNING FINANCIAL STABILITY A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR STUDENT SUCCESS
OF THE OPERATING BUDGET IS INVESTED DIRECTLY IN INSTRUCTION AND CLASSROOM SUPPORT
INVESTING WHERE IT MATTERS MOST
30%
70%
OPERATIONS, FACILITIES TRANSPORTATION, AND OTHER SUPPORT SERVICES
INSTRUCTION AND CLASSROOM SUPPORT
What are you proud of this year? Our finance team delivered a balanced, highly efficient budget that prioritized competitive staff compensation, transparent operations, and targeted investments in school safety and technology ensuring maximum value for every dollar spent in our district. RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP.
FOCUSED ON STUDENTS.
$762.5 MILLION FY27 BUDGET
A strong plan to support students, staff, and our future
TO MILLAGE RATES
OVER FY26
SINCE 2007
SCHOOLS AND DEPARTMENTS SUPPORTED
11
DEPARTMENTS
Larry Hammel
Chief Financial Officer
Protecting our community while investing in our schools
CURRENT MILLAGE RATE IS
Careful planning. Minimal increase. Maximum impact.
SCHOOLS
NO INCREASE
BUDGET INCREASE OF
ONLY 1.6%
43
$
INVESTING IN SUCCESS.
THE LOWEST A commitment to fiscal responsibility
The Year to Come In the coming year, the Finance Department will focus on enhancing financial reporting, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring resources continue to be aligned with district priorities and student success.
17
FOOD & NUTRITION About Us The Food and Nutrition Department is committed to providing quality food and exceptional service. The most up to date information on our program, including menus, meal prices, applications for Free or Reduced meals, and meal pre-payment information is available on our department website. The USDA will provide assistance (free or reduced) with meals for the 2026-27 school year for families that qualify. Please visit our department website for more information. If you or your organization would like to feed students without money for breakfast and lunch through a donation, please visit the website Dining with Dignity. FCS FOOD & NUTRITION STAFF SERVED OVER
3 MILLION TOTAL LUNCHES
During the 2025-2026 school year
18,000 AVERAGE PER DAY
SERVED JUST UNDER
1.3 MILLION BREAKFASTS 18
7,300
AVERAGE PER DAY
What are you proud of this year?
Food and Nutrition Services is proud of our commitment to supporting the mission and vision of Forsyth County Schools by encouraging quality nutrition education and food safety to ensure our students feel Safe, Connected, and Thriving.
The Year to Come FCS FNS has three goals to continue into the 20262027 school year: increase program participation, program solvency, and leadership development. We look forward to an exciting year.
FCS ServSafe® Certified Staff:
43
MANAGERS
SUPPORTING LOCAL STRENGTHENING OUR COMMUNITY
32
ASSISTANT MANAGERS
FCS Food & Nutrition prioritizes supporting local farmers and foods.
Kimberly Davis Chief Officer of Food & Nutrition
CERTIFIED STAFF
HAS SPECIALLY TRAINED STAFF MEMBERS This commitment to food safety helps ensure the health and well-being of students and staff every time, every meal, every day.
$
WITHIN OUR
35
FOOD SERVICE TECHNICIANS
6
COUNTY OFFICE PERSONNEL
AN EXPENDITURE IN EXCESS OF
$26.5 MILLION
$3.5 MILLION
ANNUAL DEPARTMENT BUDGET
GOES TO LOCALLY GROWN, PRODUCE, AND PROCESSED FOODS
OF THAT $3.5 MILLION,
OVER
$758,000
GOES TOWARDS LOCALLY PRODUCED MILK.
19
HUMAN RESOURCES About Us The Human Resources Department exists to attract, support, develop, and retain outstanding employees who make student success possible. We are committed to creating an exceptional employee experience by building positive relationships, providing responsive service, and investing in the growth and success of our employees.
9,000+
Employed by Forsyth County Schools
FORSYTH COUNTY’S LARGEST EMPLOYER & 20
OVER 70% OF CERTIFIED STAFF HOLD A MASTER’S DEGREE OR HIGHER
What are you proud of this year?
A 94.25% retention rate isn’t just a number. It’s evidence that investing in people matters. By creating an exceptional employee experience, we’re building a culture where employees choose to stay, top talent thrives, and students are provided an exceptional learning experience.
Derrick Hershey
Associate Superintendent of Human Resources
60+
NEW CERTIFIED STAFF ARE FCS ALUMNI
94.25% CERTIFIED STAFF RETENTION RATE
90.08% CLASSIFIED STAFF RETENTION RATE
The Year to Come
Human Resources will continue to focus on creating a positive employee experience from recruitment through retirement. By investing in our employees, we strengthen our schools and ensure every student benefits from exceptional educators and staff.
21
SAFETY & STUDENT SUPPORT About Us The safety division of Forsyth County Schools is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of students, staff, and visitors. Safety is our top priority. The support division includes caring and qualified, nurses, social workers and counselors, as well as mental health services for all students.
A SAFE ENVIROMENT. A STRONG SUPPORT SYSTEM. EVERY STUDENT. EVERY DAY
22
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR SOLUTIONS 2 SESSIONS PER YEAR
EXTENSIVE TECHNOLOGY TO SUPPORT SAFETY
PBIS IN 85% OF SCHOOLS
MENTORSHIP AND SOURCES OF STRENGTH
DISTRICT/SCHOOL CRISIS TRAINING
MENTAL HEALTH TRAINING & SUPPORT: SIGNS OF SUICIDE AND SAFETALK
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS WRAPAROUND SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH CLINIC DRUG PREVENTION PROGRAMMING
What are you proud of this year?
Our team established a new threat assessment tool that streamlined the process for counselors, social workers, and administration. This tool was the first of its kind and is currently being studied by districts across the state.
950+
BEHAVIORAL THREAT ASSESSMENTS (MAJORITY LOW)
completed by our support and safety teams for the 2025-26 school year.
The Year to Come
In Student Support and Safety, our mission is to foster the conditions for every student to feel safe, connected, and able to thrive within their school environment. By addressing students’ needs in areas such as physical safety, health, well-being, prevention, and mental health, we aim to support their success in the classroom and beyond.
MORE THAN 60 SROs INCLUDING 2 INVESTIGATORS
MV LIAISON
SCHOOL BASED COUNSELORS & PREVENTION FACILITATOR
53 SCHOOL NURSES
17 SOCIAL WORKERS
12 MENTAL HEALTH FACILITATORS
Todd Shirley
Associate Superintendent of Safety and Student Support
100,000+ CLINIC VISITS
across all Forsyth County School campuses
Sarah Von Esh Director of Student Support
23
STUDENT SERVICES & SPECIAL EDUCATION About Us The Student Services and Special Education Departments support students, staff, and families through specialized academic programs, language development services, instructional support, research-based interventions, and strong family partnerships. By working closely with schools and families, these departments identify student needs, remove barriers to achievement, close learning gaps, and provide educators with high-quality resources and strategies to meet diverse learner needs. Together, these efforts ensure all students have access to rich, engaging educational experiences and the support and opportunities they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
EXPANDED SUPPORT FOR MULTILINGUAL LEARNERS DISTRICT WIDE
$3.3M+ IN FY26 FEDERAL FUNDING
3,698 STUDENTS
UTILIZED THROUGH TITLE I, II, III, IV, AND MCKINNEYVENTO PROGRAMS TO EXPAND OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS, EDUCATORS, AND FAMILIES.
24
recieving ESOL services
114
220
recieving intensive language acquisition tutoring
recieving instructional coaching
STUDENTS
TEACHERS
1,292
CERTIFIED STAFF participating in professional learning
The Year to Come
3,709
This year we will strengthen student support through high-quality instruction, targeted interventions, expanded coaching, and meaningful family partnerships to help every student achieve academic success.
STUDENTS RECEIVED TARGETED ACADEMIC INTERVENTION
• EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAM • REMEDIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM To strengthen foundational skills and close learning gaps
Sarah Taylor
Associate Superintendent for Student Services
“Every initiative we support is centered on one goal: creating stronger partnerships and opportunities that positively impact students, families, and schools while ensuring access to high-quality services and supports for all learners” Sarah Taylor Associate Superintendent of Student Services
PARENT % SATISFACTION
91
Rating on annual GaDOE Parent Survey results
57%
IMPROVED BY AT LEAST ONE GRADE LEVEL DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR
57% MADE AT LEAST ONE GRADE LEVEL OF GROWTH
What are you proud of this year?
7,200 STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
2,900
STUDENTS WITH 504 PLANS
From the earliest learners to multilingual students, Forsyth County Schools celebrated meaningful success as the SPARK! Birth–5 Early Learning Program reached full enrollment with 221 families from every elementary school community, and annual English language growth in students grades K-12 increased from 74% to 80%.
Kara Hudspeth
Director of Special Education & 504
25
TEACHING & LEARNING About Us The Teaching & Learning Department supports every school by ensuring students experience engaging, high-quality instruction every day. We partner with teachers, principals, and school leaders to develop curriculum, strengthen literacy, provide professional learning, design meaningful assessments, and lead continuous improvement efforts. By supporting teachers and leaders with research-based practices, instructional coaching, and high-quality resources, we help create engaging classrooms where every student is challenged, supported, and prepared for future success.
Highest SAT
Total Mean Score in Georgia Top ACT Performance
among large Metro Atlanta districts 26
13,000+
MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS
Participated in newly developed common midterm and final assessments designed to promote consistency and inform teaching and learning practices.
OUR TEAM SUPPORTS
What are you proud of this year? Forsyth County Schools redesigned how schools improve by shifting from annual planning to a culture of continuous improvement, where educators regularly reflect, learn, and refine instruction to better meet the needs of every student.
2025
GRADUATION RATE
97%
4,200+ EDUCATORS ACROSS
43 SCHOOLS
AND PROGRAMS THROUGH
Dr. Amy Bartlett
Associate Superintendent of Teaching & Learning
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
INSTRUCTIONAL COACHING CURRICULUM & ASSESMENT
Forsyth County Schools’ State Performance Score (CCRPI)
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
increased from 83.0 to 90.8 in a three year period.
2025
2024
2023
83.0
87.1
90.8 CCRPI SCORE
CCRPI SCORE
CCRPI SCORE
REFLECTING SIGNIFICANT DISTRICTWIDE ACADEMIC GROWTH
The Year to Come When educators grow, students succeed. Our work is to equip every teacher and leader with the knowledge, support, and resources to create exceptional learning experiences for every child. 27
TECHNOLOGY About Us The Technology Department operates through three branches: Education Technology & Media, Information Systems, and Technology Services. Our team supports the district’s teaching and learning process and operational goals by maintaining secure, reliable infrastructure and information systems. Additionally, we provide professional learning to drive innovative technology integration, ensuring a seamless and enhanced user experience for all.
SUPPORTING STUDENTS AND EMPOWERING EDUCATORS REGISTERED OVER
MORE THAN
STUDENTS
SUPPORT TICKETS PROCESSED
4,000 per year
for the 2025-2026 school year
SUPPORTS OVER
PROCESSED OVER
HARDWARE COMPONENTS
EMAILS
80,000 28
27,000
including computers, Chromebooks, security cameras, and networking gear
16.9 MILLION for the 2025-2026 school year
What are you proud of this year? This past year, the Technology Department successfully completed our 1:1 Chromebook initiative for grades 6–12, providing every student with their own learning device. This project enhances access to digital resources while allowing the flexibility for students to utilize tools for creativity and critical thinking.
Powering learning. Connecting futures. 60,000+
6,000+
6,000+
125,000+
500+
1,950+
2
1
CHROMEBOOKS FOR STUDENTS LAPTOPS FOR STAFF PHYSICAL & VIRTUAL SERVERS ENTERPRISE-GRADE FIREWALLS
PROCESSING UP TO 200GBPS THROUGHOUT
WIRELESS ACCESS POINTS UNIQUE WIRELESS CLIENTS PER DAY NETWORK SWITCHES PETABYTE OF RAW MASS STORAGE *Based on the FCS Three-Year Technology Plan FY 2025-2028
20
The Year to Come
OPERATING IN A STRETCHED CLUSTER
The primary focus for the 2026-27 school year will be on integrated uses of Artificial Intelligence with an emphasis on operational efficiency.
HYPER-CONVERGED NODES
Mike Evans
Chief Technology and Information Officer
29
TRANSPORTATION About Us As another exciting school year begins, the Forsyth County Schools Transportation Department is ready to safely connect thousands of students with learning opportunities every day. Our team has spent the summer preparing buses, training employees, updating technology, and planning routes so that students arrive safely at school and return home each afternoon. We appreciate the partnership and patience of our families as we begin another successful school year together. EACH SCHOOL DAY, FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOLS TRANSPORTATION: OPERATES
SUPPORTS MORE THAN
BUSES WITHIN THE FCS FLEET ONE OF GEORGIA’S LARGEST SCHOOL BUS FLEETS
ACADEMICS AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES FOR THE DISTRICT
518
32,000
STUDENTS SAFELY TRANSPORTED DAILY TO AND FROM SCHOOL 30
6,200
COMPLETES
SERVES
BUS ROUTES COMPLETED EVERY SCHOOL DAY
SCHOOLS AND SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS
2,300
43
TO PROTECT STUDENTS, FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOLS CONTINUES TO INVEST IN: GPS TRACKING
PARENT COMMUNICATION
ANNUAL DRIVER CERTIFICATION
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS TRAINING
ON EVERY SCHOOL BUS
AND SAFETY TRAINING
THROUGH INFINITE CAMPUS
STOP
FOR ALL TRANSPORTATION EMPLOYEES
STOP-ARM SAFETY CAMERAS
ON DESIGNATED BUSES
PREVENTIVE BUS INSPECTIONS
STUDENT IDENTIFICATION
AND PARENT RELEASE PROCEDURES FOR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS SCHOOL BUS
AND REGULAR MAINTENANCE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
Mike Satterfield
Chief of Transportation
OUR DRIVERS AND STAFF WORK EVERY DAY TO CREATE A
Safe, Orderly, and Respectful Environment FOR EVERY STUDENT.
MORE THAN 100 NEW SCHOOL BUSES NEW GPS AND ROUTING TECHNOLOGY BUS RIGHT NAVIGATION TABLETS IMPROVED COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT FLEET MODERNIZATION FUNDED THROUGH ESPLOST WITH NO TRANSPORTATION DEBT REMAINING ON CURRENT PROJECTS
The Year to Come Thank You for Your Partnership! Safe transportation is a shared responsibility among our schools, families, and community. Thank you for your patience during the first weeks of school and for partnering with us to reinforce safe riding habits. By working together, we can help ensure every student has a safe and successful journey to and from school each day. We wish all Forsyth County Schools students and families a safe, successful, and wonderful 2026–27 school year! 31
Safe • Connected • Thriving 1120 Dahlonega Highway Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 887-2461 • www.forsyth.k12.ga.us