District 1 & At-Large Seat 7 Community Meeting - Friday, March 13, 2026

This was a joint community meeting held by the Atlanta Board of Education (ABOE) on March 13, 2026, involving representatives from District 1 and At-Large Seat 7. The meeting focused on updates related to education policy, student engagement, and budgetary challenges facing the district. Key procurement-related discussions centered on the district's budget, highlighting an anticipated $50 million gap for the 2027 fiscal year and the need to allocate $7.5 million to support a $2,000 one-time supplement for teachers as mandated by the state legislature. Board members emphasized the importance of zero-based budgeting to prioritize spending on programs with the most impact on literacy, numeracy, and post-graduation readiness. They also discussed the unwinding of emergency ESSER funding commitments and the restructuring of district operations, including the transition of Carver school to full district control and the conclusion of the Purpose Built contract for STEAM programs. Community members raised concerns about school closures, equitable funding for students with disabilities, and the transparency of budget allocations. The board committed to ongoing evaluation of budget priorities and maintaining fiscal responsibility while addressing educational needs. Additionally, there were discussions about improving accessibility to board meetings and retreats through virtual streaming.