New Fulton Schools Superintendent Talks Goals

Fulton County's new school superintendent, Robert Avossa, introduced himself to the Johns Creek City Council on Monday.

On the job for six weeks, he said it's "clear to me this city takes education very seriously."

"We've got to provide opportunities for children to become well-rounded," Avossa added, whether it's through cultural arts, music or parks and recreation.

He said the school board can't do the job alone, and that communities must work to "develop and attract top talent." Avossa told the council that it would soon learn that he focuses on building "creative capital."

Avossa also addressed a future Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, explaining that he's asked staff to come up with ideas for SPLOST 4. He said that the first three focused on growth, but schools are caught up and now must look to technology and reinvesting in older buildings.

Avossa was hired to replace the retiring Cindy Loe. He started his new position on June 11 following a stint as chief strategy and accountability officer for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina. The school board unanimously approved his hiring after a nationwide search for candidates yielded 41 possibilities.

Avossa and his wife, Kellee, have two children who will enroll in the Fulton County School System.