Forsyth County Board of Education: A Comprehensive Overview

Forsyth County Schools (FCS), a prominent public school district in Forsyth County, Georgia, based in Cumming, plays a vital role in the community. Established in 1873, FCS is the largest employer in the county, boasting over 8,000 full-time employees and substitutes. This article provides an overview of the Forsyth County Board of Education, its structure, responsibilities, and the school district it governs.

Forsyth County Public Schools: An Overview

Forsyth County Public Schools encompasses 42 schools and serves 54,984 students. The district's minority enrollment is 60%, reflecting a diverse student population. Furthermore, 15.5% of students are economically disadvantaged, highlighting the district's commitment to supporting students from all backgrounds.

School Demographics

The student body at Forsyth County Public Schools is diverse, comprising:

44.4% White
4.4% Black
32.9% Asian or Asian/Pacific Islander
14.2% Hispanic/Latino
0.5% American Indian or Alaska Native
0% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
3.6% Two or more races
0% Not specified

The student population is nearly evenly split by gender, with 49% female and 51% male students.

Free and Reduced-Price Lunch Program

At schools in Forsyth County Public Schools, 15.5% of students are eligible to participate in the federal free and reduced-price meal program, indicating the district's efforts to address food insecurity among its students.

Read also: Tuition Costs at Forsyth Tech

Academic Performance

Forsyth County Public Schools demonstrates strong academic performance across various grade levels. Test scores reveal that:

61% of elementary students tested at or above the proficient level for reading.
70% of elementary students tested at or above the proficient level for math.
60% of middle school students tested at or above the proficient level for reading.
64% of middle school students tested at or above the proficient level for math.
66% of high school students tested at or above the proficient level for reading.
45% of high school students tested at or above the proficient level for math.

The high school graduation rate is 100.0%, and the high school college readiness is 52.7.

Financial Overview

Forsyth County Public Schools spends $10,486 per student each year. It has an annual revenue of $719,850,000.

School Structure

Forsyth County Public Schools operates a comprehensive network of schools, including:

23 Elementary Schools
11 Middle Schools
8 High Schools

Preschools

Forsyth County Public Schools also includes preschool programs, such as those located at Big Creek Elementary School and Brandywine Elementary School.

The Forsyth County Board of Education

The Forsyth County Board of Education is the governing body of the school system. The board's primary role is to legislate school district policies, which are then executed under the direction of the school superintendent.

Board Composition and Structure

The Forsyth County Board of Education consists of five members who are elected by district to staggered, four-year terms. For 2025, Mike Valdes serves as Chairman, and Wes McCall is the Vice Chairman.

Board Meetings

The Board meets monthly at the Forsyth County Board of Education and Professional Development Center, located at 1120 Dahlonega Highway in Cumming.

Key Initiatives and Programs

FCS provides various learning opportunities for students, including:

The opportunity to earn high school credit in middle school.
AP credits and college dual enrollment courses in high school.
The STEM Academy at Forsyth Central High School.
An International Baccalaureate program at South Forsyth High School.

Technological Advancement

FCS is internationally recognized for its leadership in instructional and operational technology. This includes 1:1 computing ratios and internal broadcasting systems in all schools, as well as each classroom being equipped with permanent interactive boards. The district was among the first in the nation to utilize BYOT (Bring Your Own Technology), which allows students to bring their own technology to use in the classroom.

Read also: High School STEM Internship

Parent Communication

Parents are provided with online communication tools so that they may monitor students' assignments and grades 24 hours a day.

Leadership

James Mitchell Young is the Forsyth County Schools superintendent. He assumed the role in July 2024.

Elections

Members of the Forsyth County Schools school board are elected to four-year terms. Two of the five seats on the Forsyth County Schools school board in Georgia are up for general election on November 3, 2026. A primary is scheduled for May 19, 2026. A general runoff election is scheduled for December 1, 2026.

Teacher Information

As of the 2023-2024 school year, Forsyth County Schools had 3,432.70 full-time classroom teachers.

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