The Marietta City school board indicated they are happy with the performance of Superintendent Grant Rivera by approving a contract extension through 2021 Tuesday night. He took over the position from Dr. Emily Lembeck who retired in December 2016. Prior to this, he was chief of staff for Cobb County Schools. Rivera also received a $10,000 bonus but arranged for it to go to the Marietta City Schools Foundation to benefit students and teachers.

Student receives perfect ACT score

The board recognized Andy Chinuntdet for his perfect score on the ACT. He hopes to go to MIT, but Rivera joked that he should go to his alma mater Northwestern University.

“The first time he took the official ACT he got a perfect score,” said Rivera. “You are not only a success story for Marietta, Andy, but you are an inspiration for every single kid who comes through and says I can be just like him.”

Student of the month Michael Poche and his family were recognized by the board. (photo by Rebecca Gaunt)

The board also recognized Michael Poche, a fifth-grader at Hickory Hills Elementary, as the student of the month and Maren Roedenbeck, a pre-k teacher at the Emily Lembeck Early Learning Center, as the employee of the month.

Representatives from First Presbyterian Church presented the board with a $15,000 donation to benefit the Early Learning Center.

First Presbyterian Church presented a check for $15,000 dollars for the Emily Lembeck Early Learning Center to the board and employee of the month Maren Roedenbeck (far right). (photo by Rebecca Gaunt)

The board voted to continue a partnership between Columbia University Teachers College and Hickory Hills Elementary. The literacy program provides 10 staff development days for K-5 teachers with a certified trainer and virtual coaching support at a cost of $29,000.

The board also approved the charter funding school allocation for 2018-19 for $415,640. MCS renewed its charter system contract with the Georgia Department of Education in July, which allows “broad flexibility from state laws and state and local policies, while maximizing school-level governance at each of its schools.”

If approved for the state’s capital outlay program, in which school districts apply for partial reimbursement on facility improvements, Dunleith Elementary, Lockheed Elementary and Marietta Middle Schools will receive millions in renovations. The application was approved by the board.