Board Of Education Member Erika Y. Mitchell

Proud to see Atlanta Public Schools recognized nationally as a 2026 “District on the Rise” by Harvard and Stanford’s Education Recovery Scorecard. This recognition reflects the hard work, resilience, and commitment of our students, educators, staff, families, and community partners across Atlanta.

During my tenure as Board Chair, our focus remained clear: putting students first, returning to the fundamentals of strong teaching and learning, and ensuring every decision centered around academic achievement and long-term student success. Under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson, APS embraced a “Back to the Basics” approach that prioritized literacy, math acceleration, instructional alignment, educator support, and data-driven strategies that are now producing measurable results.

The data tells a powerful story. APS students are recovering academically faster than similar districts in both math and reading, demonstrating that intentional leadership, strategic investments, and high expectations truly matter. More importantly, this work is creating lasting impact for the future of children across our city.

I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together as a Board and district leadership team. This recognition is not about one person — it is about a collective commitment to ensuring that every child in Atlanta Public Schools has access to opportunity, excellence, and a brighter future.

The work continues, but today we celebrate progress, purpose, and proof that when you keep students at the center, transformation happens.

https://www.cbsnews.com/atlanta/news/atlanta-public-schools-named-a-2026-district-on-the-rise-by-harvard-and-stanford-for-pandemic-recovery-efforts/

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Join us tomorrow for a Joint Community Meeting with District 5 and District 6 at Therrell High School. We look forward to engaging with families, community members, and stakeholders as we discuss important updates, hear your feedback, and continue working together to support our students and schools. We hope to see you there!

Atlanta Public Schools invites the community to come together, be heard, and stay informed.

Join Atlanta Board of Education members Erika Y. Mitchell (District 5) and Patreece Hutcherson (District 6) for an impactful Community Meeting at Therrell High School on May 28 at 6:30 p.m.

This is more than a meeting—it’s an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation, share your voice, and help shape the future of our schools and community. Your presence matters, and your voice makes a difference.

It’s my birthday today! 🎂💙

I’m thankful for another year to serve, lead, and advocate for students and families. The work continues, and I’m excited about what’s ahead for our schools and community.

If you’d like to celebrate with me today, please consider supporting my re-election campaign:
https://secure.anedot.com/campaign-for-erika-y-mitchell/d5

Thank you for your love, support, and commitment to public education!

Today, I had the honor of attending the grand opening of the new Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center, a truly historic moment not only for Atlanta, but for the future of soccer in the United States. ⚽🇺🇸

As an Atlanta native and proud representative of Atlanta Public Schools, it was inspiring to witness a transformational investment that will impact our students, families, athletes, and communities for generations to come. This facility places Georgia and the City of Atlanta at the center of the global soccer conversation as we prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and continue building pathways for youth development, leadership, wellness, and economic opportunity.

The impact of this moment extends far beyond sports. Facilities and partnerships like this create opportunities for exposure, mentorship, workforce development, health and wellness initiatives, and educational engagement for young people across Atlanta Public Schools and throughout the state of Georgia. Our students deserve to see what is possible and today was a powerful example of vision becoming reality.

Thank you to Arthur Blank, Dan Cathy and everyone involved in bringing this incredible vision to life and creating a legacy that will inspire future generations.

A special thank you as well to Lexx, JT Boston, and the CEO of U.S. Soccer for the opportunity to be present and witness such an important moment in history. The future is bright for Atlanta, Georgia, and soccer in America.



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Today, we reflect on the life and legacy of Ted Turner, a visionary whose impact on the City of Atlanta transformed our skyline, our economy, our media presence, and our global identity.

From building CNN into the world’s first 24-hour news network to helping position Atlanta as an international city, Ted Turner’s leadership and philanthropy changed the trajectory of generations. His commitment to civic engagement, environmental stewardship, journalism, and community investment helped Atlanta emerge as a center for innovation and opportunity.

His influence also touched education and the lives of countless students across Atlanta Public Schools. Through his support of community initiatives, youth opportunities, and Atlanta’s continued growth, students were able to see firsthand what bold leadership, creativity, and vision could accomplish.

Atlanta would not be the global city it is today without the foundation that Ted Turner helped build.

Sending prayers and condolences to his family, friends, and all who were inspired by his remarkable life and legacy.

May we continue to lead boldly, dream fearlessly, and invest in future generations the way he invested in Atlanta.

BREAKING: Ted Turner has died. He was 87.

We’ve lost a transformational leader in Atlanta with the passing of Erroll B. Davis Jr..

During one of the most challenging periods in the history of Atlanta Public Schools. Mr. Davis stepped in with courage, integrity, and a steady hand. At a time when trust was broken and the path forward was uncertain, he led with clarity and conviction.

His leadership was grounded in accountability, transparency, and an unwavering belief that every student deserved a high-quality education. He made difficult decisions, restored confidence in the district, and laid the foundation for long-term progress. More importantly, he reminded our city what principled leadership looks like in the face of adversity.

The impact of his work continues to be felt today—in our governance, in our culture, and in our commitment to student outcomes.

We honor his legacy and extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his leadership.

May we continue to build on the foundation he helped restore.

Congratulations to Atlanta Public Schools for earning one of the highest numbers of Single Statewide Accountability System Awards for the 2025–2026 school year—an incredible recognition from the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement.

This achievement reflects what is possible when strong leadership, dedicated educators, engaged families, and determined students come together with a shared commitment to excellence.

A special recognition to the 11 outstanding schools whose hard work and results made this honor possible:

• Barack and Michelle Obama Academy (Silver Award)
• Bolton Academy Elementary (Gold Award)
• Charles R. Drew Charter School (Silver & Bronze Awards)
• Garden Hills Elementary (Silver Award)
• L. O. Kimberly Elementary (Silver Award)
• Mary Lin Elementary (Gold & Platinum Awards)
• Midtown High School (Bronze Award)
• Morningside Elementary School (Platinum Award)
• Morris Brandon Elementary School (Silver Awards)
• Springdale Park Elementary School (Platinum & Gold Awards)
• Warren Jackson Elementary School (Silver & Gold Awards)

These honors are more than awards—they represent student growth, academic excellence, and a continued focus on outcomes that matter.

Proud to see the continued progress across APS and the impact of intentional strategy, high-quality instruction, and strong community partnerships.

Too many districts are asking the wrong question about the so-called “Mississippi Miracle.”

After reading the Mississippi education miracle Atlantic article, one thing is clear:

Student outcomes don’t improve because of programs. They improve because of policy, alignment, and accountability.

In 2023, working alongside former Atlanta Board of Education member Tamara Jones, we had the opportunity to co-author the Atlanta Public Schools Literacy Policy.

And we were intentional about one thing:

This was not about adopting another initiative. This was about building a system.

Here’s what strong board governance looks like in literacy:

* Setting clear, non-negotiable expectations around early literacy
* Aligning curriculum, instruction, and intervention across every school
* Investing in teacher capacity and support
* Holding the system accountable for student outcomes—not activity

Since adoption, we are seeing early indicators of progress:
* Growth in ELA performance across grades 3–8
* Strengthening of CCRPI indicators like Content Mastery and Readiness
* More consistent, systemwide focus on literacy instruction and intervention

Let’s be clear, this work takes time.
There are no shortcuts. No quick fixes. No “miracles.”

But there is a path forward:
* Policy that drives coherence
* Leadership that demands alignment
* Governance that stays focused on outcomes

That’s the difference between chasing trends… and creating lasting change.

States Are Learning the Wrong Lesson From the ‘Mississippi Miracle’ By Rachel Canter