Archived: Cynthia Briscoe Brown for ABOE District 8

12 years. 133 Board of Education Legislative Meetings. 167 commencement ceremonies. 40,000+ kindergarteners. 30,000+ graduates. 900+ school visits. 5 Superintendents. 19 different Board colleagues. Countless committee meetings, fundraisers, speeches, recognitions, concerts, plays, games, fairs, groundbreakings, ribbon-cuttings. So. Many. Photos.

APS has come so far since January 2014 when I was first sworn in. While there’s always lots to do, we’ve achieved so much in the past 12 years – from Signature Programs and Dual Language Immersion, to the Equity Policy and the Student Advisory Council, to paying down the unfunded pension liability and compensating our teachers fairly. And most important of all, APS’ graduation rate has improved by almost 40 POINTS. Each of those points represents children who will be more successful adults because of all of us.

Thank you for everything you (yes, you!) did to build our APS community. Today this role comes to an end for me, but the work continues. Please support the new Board of Education, carry on the good work, and do it, as always, FOR ALL OUR KIDS.

Approximately 40,000 students in Atlanta Public Schools qualify for free or reduced lunch. These precious kids and their families, our neighbors, are in danger of starving because Trump refuses to feed them.

There. I can’t say it any more plainly than that. Read this for details.

… including NAHS alumnus Adam White.

Today, we pause to remember and honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001. Atlanta Public Schools stands united in reflection and respect for the heroes and victims of this tragic day. May we continue to teach our students about resilience, unity, and the importance of community in the face of adversity.

Morris Brandon ES Bees are buzzing with excitement for the new school year! As I enjoyed lunch with these girls all in pink, I remembered joining my own daughter in the same cafeteria many years ago. I never dreamed my experience here would lead me to serve 12 years on the BOE! I still learn something new every day: today, it was how to turn a straight chair into a recliner!

Visiting Sutton MS is always a treat! Sutton’s diversity — of students, staff, curriculum, extracurriculars, and opportunities for growth — has long been its greatest strength. Sutton reflects the world and helps each student find their own special place in it!

Frederick Douglass HS students took charge of our visit today! SGA leaders took us on a tour of the building, answered all our questions, and then led a very robust discussion of their concerns, issues and ideas. This is a great example of why I try to visit every school every year: I learn so much!

This imaginative and welcoming classroom door is at Harper-Archer ES, where every kid is a VIP! We also got to talk with teachers during their planning time, which gave me a deeper understanding of how curriculum gets translated to learning.

Mary Lin ES just makes me feel good when I walk in the door! With teachers who are both challenging and nurturing, students who are curious and creative, and lots of support from families and partners, it’s a true learning community.

Students at Virginia-Highland ES learn all over the place! A variety of colors, seating, decor, and sound make the environment part of the learning!