APS Board Update – April 2025

April 20, 2025

Date of Meeting: April 15, 2025
Key Focus Areas: Charter accountability & performance, exceptional education, fiscal health & transparency, student outcomes and governance, community partnership updates

Accountability

Key Updates:

Most APS charter and partner schools met performance expectations, though a few remain on conditional renewal due to low CCRPI progress and academic performance (KIPP, Centennial, Kindezi).
APS released performance snapshots for 5th and 8th graders based on the Profile of a Graduate framework: 76% of 5th graders and 67.1% of 8th graders are “on track.”
Department of Exceptional Education audit findings addressed with improved initial evaluation compliance (now 97%) and over 150 school-based audits completed.

Action Items:

Continued support for AIM charter application decision (June 2025).
Budget adjustments approved, including Atlantic Station Tax Allocation Districts revenue and QBE increases.
Commitment to deeper integration of the Profile of a Graduate into student report cards and progress monitoring tools.

Equity

Equity-Focused Decisions:

$25K collaboration grants awarded for cross-school partnerships (e.g., hydroponics program between ANCS & Humphries).
Exceptional Education investments grew to $100.9M, reflecting commitment to student support services (SLP, OT, PT, etc.).
Audit-led reforms now include clearer policies, staff training, and family outreach.

Impact on Students & Families:

Parent C.A.F.E. sessions and revised SOPs building transparency and trust for families with exceptional learners.
Proposal to align community needs with governance by expanding access to decision-making spaces for families.

Access & School Options

School Choice & Options:

Over 4,250 families applied via the Apply APS portal; all participating charter schools have waitlists.
Two new state-approved charters opening in SY25-26: Movement School South Fulton and Cherokee Classical Academy.
Partner school collaboration continues to be a focus with KIPP, Purpose Built, and others.

Program Accessibility:

DEE focusing on instructional quality and community inclusion across all APS clusters.
Addressing over 22K empty seats and consolidating under-enrolled areas will remain a strategic consideration.

Community Engagement Opportunities

Upcoming Public Hearings/Feedback Sessions:

May 5: Tentative Budget Adoption (Board)May 6 & 13: Community Budget Forums (Virtual)
May 15: Budget Commission Review
June 2: Final FY26 Budget Adoption

How to Get Involved:

Attend community dialogues and feedback sessions
Share your story or questions with board members
Stay tuned for public forums on the Lakewood Heights redevelopment and AIM charter application

Next Steps

Approve development phases for Lakewood Heights school site with the AUDC.
Expect continued updates on exceptional education supports, school enrollment planning, and budget strategy.