Fulton County Schools employees, including teachers at North Springs High School and Riverwood International Charter School, could avoid losing a day's pay this school year if the Board of Education approves Superintendent Mike Looney's recommendation to raise property taxes by one mill on Thursday, Aug. 20.

The increase, from 17.08 to 18.08 mills, would also mean higher school tax bills for Sandy Springs homeowners. A homeowner with a property valued near the city's median of roughly $715,000 would pay about $286 more per year in school taxes, based on Georgia's 40% assessment ratio and before homestead exemptions.

Looney formally notified the board at an Aug. 11 work session held at the FCS North Learning Center on Northridge Parkway in Sandy Springs, according to the district's board bulletin. The district cited rising healthcare and retirement costs, inflation and declining revenue from two senior property-tax exemptions Fulton County voters approved last year, which are projected to reduce school funding by approximately $50 million.

It is the first proposed millage increase in seven years.

The district adopted a $2.3 billion budget for 2026-27 in June with a $57 million deficit, planning to draw down reserves. A district-wide furlough day was built into that budget to save roughly $4.5 million. If the board approves the higher rate, the district said the additional revenue would eliminate that furlough day and open the door to future salary increases for employees.

Chief Financial Officer Marvin Dereef told the board in June that staff had narrowed the deficit from an initial $95 million projection while maintaining core services. Separately, Looney said at the Aug. 11 work session that the district cut approximately $50 million over the past year through its G.L.I.D.E. cost-reduction initiative, as reported by Rough Draft Atlanta.

"If something changes in the interim … then I will gladly work with staff to reduce that increase to something less," Looney said at the Aug. 11 session, as reported by Appen Media, referring to the possibility that the final certified tax digest could support a smaller hike.

Fulton County's current school millage rate is the lowest by more than one mill compared to surrounding districts. DeKalb County recently approved 22.78 mills, and Cobb County tentatively adopted 18.70.

The board must adopt a final rate by Sept. 1. If members advance the tentative rate Thursday, three public hearings are required before a final vote. Public comment is permitted at board meetings, though the comment period is neither broadcast nor recorded on the district's livestream.

Thursday's meeting begins at the FCS South Learning Center, 4025 Flat Shoals Road, Union City, and will be streamed on the Fulton County Schools homepage.