AGP Executive Report

Education & Demographics: Cobb’s Chalker Elementary reported 43% white enrollment in 2024-25, while Gwinnett’s Meadowcreek (3% Asian) and Walnut Grove (23% white) released fresh enrollment snapshots as Georgia continues to wrestle with post-pandemic chronic absenteeism. Local Governance: DeKalb DA Sherry Boston sued over a new Georgia law making most metro Atlanta county elections nonpartisan, arguing it’s unconstitutional. Public Health & Community: Morehouse School of Medicine is partnering with Atlanta on plans for a major new hospital in Southwest Atlanta aimed at closing emergency and specialty-care gaps. Agriculture: Georgia pecan growers voted to keep the Georgia Pecan Commission marketing assessment through 2029, funding education, promotion, and research. Culture & Pride: Pride Month programming and community events are rolling out across metro Atlanta, with organizers spotlighting queer joy, organizing, and drag/dance gatherings. Sports & Entertainment: Moana’s live-action remake is set to run 120 minutes, and Catholic dioceses are preparing for the World Cup as a pastoral moment of global encounter. Safety & Accountability: Roswell police arrested former Roswell High educator Amanda Katz, accused of improper sexual contact with a 16-year-old student.

Arts & Community (World Cup): Atlanta Cultural Exchange launched as the city’s World Cup cultural platform, aiming to let local creatives tell Atlanta’s story to the world. Public Art: Downtown Atlanta mural push added 11 new works (plus partners), including the Stitch City mural on the Forsyth Street Bridge. Music Loss: Peabo Bryson, the Atlanta-linked voice behind Disney classics “Beauty and the Beast” and “A Whole New World,” died at 75; Mayor Andre Dickens led tributes. Health & Safety (Wildlife): UGA researchers warn snake illnesses could threaten vulnerable species, with multiple pathogens found in Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina snakes. Education (Budget): Bibb County school board tentatively approved a FY27 plan adding literacy coaches while pausing staff step increases and studying possible elementary school consolidations/closures. Education (Workforce): Georgia-Pacific and Diboll High School launched a technical skills course with students earning industry certifications. Policy & Lifestyle (Hunting): Gov. Kemp signed legislation letting grades 6–12 take hunter safety education as part of school curriculum. Local Growth & Planning: Statesboro approved a data center ordinance with size limits and special-permit requirements after public concerns. Sports & Culture: Les Claypool talked “Claypool Gold” and Atlanta-area Caverns plans, while Atlanta’s World Cup season also brings themed fan events and watch parties.

Medicaid & Work Rules: CMS says millions of Medicaid adults in ACA expansion states could face new work, education, or community engagement requirements starting Jan. 1, 2027, with major groups like pregnant people, people with disabilities, and many caregivers exempt. Local Infrastructure: Clayton County shared SPLOST progress, including Fire Station No. 9 nearing completion and updates tied to the Lakeview Events Center Amphitheater and county administration building. Coastal Health: Georgia’s recreational and commercial oyster season closes June 1, 2026 at 6 a.m. and reopens Oct. 1, 2026, as part of a Vibrio control plan. Arts & Community: Atlanta’s Sommlympics returns Jan. 10, 2027 at Hotel Phoenix, and The White Dress Project will host its 2026 Empowerment Experience July 24–26 in Atlanta honoring Lupita Nyong’o. Education Watch: A hearing is set June 9 on the future of the Dublin BOE after years of financial turmoil and accreditation risk. Food & Culture: Slutty Vegan announces new Atlanta franchise deals, and Georgia’s oyster closure is paired with summer-season public health guidance.

Youth Sports & Equity: A new UGA Grady study argues Georgia’s expensive club soccer “pay-to-play” system grew as a market response to unequal school funding, with elite clubs charging roughly $1,000–$10,000 a year for coaching and competition. Education Spotlight: Jones County’s Charm Mapp was named Georgia’s 2027 Teacher of the Year, praised for hands-on math and “number talks.” School Safety Tech: Georgia will pilot drone-based active-shooter response at five metro and statewide high schools this fall, funded in the 2026 budget. World Cup Culture in Atlanta: Walton Street’s “Global Grub Alley” returns during 2026 World Cup matches with a car-free food-truck corridor for locals and visitors. Local Governance & Growth: Jefferson officials held the first hearing for “Project Orchid,” a proposed 158-acre metal manufacturing site that has sparked resident controversy. Community Life: UGA Extension is hosting a winter-insect survival program for gardeners, and Cartersville City Schools was selected for an innovative learning-model initiative. Elections (practical): Bulloch County voters get a short early-voting window for the June 16 primary runoff (Mon–Fri, June 8–12).

Georgia Politics & Policy: State Sen. Greg Dolezal (R-Cumming) argues Georgia’s lieutenant governor runoff should focus on cost pressures and data-center impacts, calling for repeal of the 2018 tax abatement and a broader income-tax cut. Education & Community Demographics: New Georgia Department of Education enrollment snapshots show shifting student populations across metro and statewide schools, including Ola Elementary (113 Hispanic students, down 11%), Sweetwater Middle (1,062 Hispanic students, up 2.6%), and Arcado Elementary (313 Hispanic students, up 5.4%), alongside ongoing concerns about chronic absenteeism (20.7% of students missing 10%+ of days in 2024). Public Health & Outdoors: Georgia’s Alzheimer’s Association invites Statesboro residents to join the Nov. 7 Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Mill Creek Regional Park, while National Fishing and Boating Week runs June 6–14 with two free fishing days on June 6 and June 13. Arts, Culture & Lifestyle: Georgia is set to host the 2027 World Congress of the International Organization of Vine and Wine, a boost for the state’s wine culture and global visibility. Tech & Privacy: A debate over Flock Safety’s license-plate cameras is heating up, with critics warning about warrantless tracking and local privacy tradeoffs. Sports & Local Flavor: Ticket applications for the 2027 Masters open June 1 via a random selection process, and Atlanta’s World Cup season is already driving watch-party and fan-event buzz.

Education & Community Resilience: Atlanta Community Schools’ Class of 2026 celebrated graduation after pandemic-era disruption, major storms, and a push toward volunteering and food drives. Public Health & Foodways: Georgia’s recreational and commercial oyster season closes June 1 at 6 a.m., then reopens Oct. 1—part of the state’s Vibrio control plan. Immigration & Local Legal Fight: Social Circle sued over a proposed ICE “megacenter,” arguing it would strain water, sewage, and emergency services and violate federal decision-making rules. School Demographics Watch: New state enrollment snapshots highlight shifting racial/ethnic counts at multiple Georgia schools, alongside ongoing chronic absenteeism concerns. Arts & Local Makers: Atlanta’s slow-fashion and small-batch craft scene gets a spotlight, from handmade moss art to resin jewelry and a renewed neighborhood butcher culture. Sports & Life Off the Field: Ball State confirmed the death of Georgia-raised freshman Gavin Yates-Lyons after a Florida shooting. Culture & Civic Memory: Thomasville honored historian Jack Hadley on his 90th birthday for founding the Jack Hadley Black History Museum.

School Enrollment Snapshots: New data from the Georgia Department of Education shows shifting demographics across local campuses, including Stripling Elementary (500 Hispanic students, 64% of enrollment) and Mabry Middle (624 white students, 66%), alongside other notable counts like Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary (464 African American students, 96%) and Ola Elementary (411 African American students, 47%). Attendance Pressure: Multiple stories tie the figures to Georgia’s ongoing chronic absenteeism challenge (20.7% missing 10%+ of school days in 2024) and the state’s push for dashboards, outreach, and support. Pop Culture in Atlanta: MomoCon 2026 wrapped with a record 67,277 attendees and a $10,000 donation to Silence the Shame, plus ticket help for 1,400 kids through local nonprofits. Outdoor & Coastal Life: Georgia DNR launched GeorgiaRedSnapper.com to guide anglers through mandatory reporting for the red snapper project season (July 1–Aug. 31). Community Spotlight: A Gwinnett Juneteenth Celebration and Music Festival is set for June 20 at the fairgrounds, with vendors and local artists invited to participate.

Education & Attendance: Georgia’s post-pandemic attendance push is back in focus as the state reports 20.7% of students missed at least 10% of school days in 2024, alongside a statewide plan featuring an attendance dashboard, public awareness, and targeted help; new 2025 rules also bar expulsion based solely on absenteeism. School Demographics (Clayton to Gwinnett): Recent Georgia Department of Education enrollment snapshots show shifting representation across metro schools, from Lake Ridge Elementary’s 2% multiracial enrollment (down 30.8%) to Mason Elementary’s 13% white enrollment, plus multiple updates across Asian, Hispanic, and African American counts in schools like Poole’s Mill, Sara Harp Minter, and Timothy. Public Health (HIV): A CDC-linked update highlights slight improvements in HIV care outcomes, with 83% of 2024 diagnoses linked to care within a month and 69% reaching viral suppression, while stressing the need for expanded testing and prevention. World Cup Culture: FIFA unveiled music lineups for the 2026 World Cup opening ceremonies, including Atlanta rapper Future in the U.S. show and a halftime performance planned for the final.

Education & Philanthropy: Griffin’s ABWA Iris Chapter raised $19,462 through its “Drive the Runway” fashion show, splitting proceeds between college scholarships and the Salvation Army’s After School Program. Community Grants: The Community Foundation of West Georgia opens its 2026 Community Impact Grant cycle June 1, funding arts, education, environment, and human services across Carroll, Haralson, and Heard counties. Youth & Learning: Dunwoody sixth grader Sarv Dharavane placed third at the Scripps National Spelling Bee, while Second Lady Usha Vance announced a Georgia winner in the America’s 250 bookmark design challenge. Arts & Entertainment: Atlanta’s LEGO Discovery Center is building a World Cup trophy-inspired display, and the Savannah Bananas’ dance-driven game-day show continues to turn baseball into a full-on spectacle. Food & Local Economy: “Global Grub Alley” is coming to downtown Atlanta during 2026 World Cup match days, and Georgia’s Shrimp Transparency Act will require restaurants to label local vs. imported shrimp starting Jan. 1, 2027. Public Safety & Policy: Atlanta’s World Cup planning includes new safety efforts, while SNAP cuts are flagged as worsening food insecurity for vulnerable communities.

Community Calendar: Atlanta Streets Alive returns May 31 with a West End to Grant Park route, car-free streets, live music, and family-friendly activities along Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard. Education & Demographics: Georgia Department of Education enrollment snapshots show shifting student populations at local schools, including Frey Elementary (393 white students), Smyrna Elementary (31% Hispanic), and Lake Ridge Elementary (186 Hispanic students, up 23%). School Safety Tech: Metro Atlanta high schools will pilot “less-lethal” drone responses to active shooter situations, aiming for rapid identification and intervention before law enforcement arrives. Public Health & Travel: The U.S., Mexico, and Canada announced new World Cup travel restrictions tied to an Ebola outbreak, adding extra screening for travelers from higher-risk African regions. Local Achievement: A University of Georgia student from Hull received a $1,000 Phi Kappa Phi study abroad grant for France. Sports Culture: The 2026 North America’s 50 Best Restaurants list highlights Smyth in Chicago as No. 1 and features 14 Canadian spots.

School Safety Tech: Five Georgia high schools will test pepper-spray tactical drones this fall as part of a state-backed pilot aimed at stopping active shooters. Local Governance & Equity: City Schools of Decatur is launching an investigation after comments by the superintendent’s husband mocked transgender people and Muslims. Public Safety & Community Trust: Zoo Atlanta evacuated after a bomb hoax threat; officials say the threat wasn’t credible. Education Snapshot: New Georgia Department of Education enrollment figures show shifting demographics at individual schools, including multiracial counts at Hightower Trail Middle and Tussahaw Elementary, plus Hispanic enrollment updates at Pharr Elementary. Utilities & Cost of Living: The Georgia Public Service Commission approved Georgia Power’s fuel-cost recovery plan that keeps costs flowing to ratepayers. Outdoor Lifestyle: Georgia’s free fishing days return June 6 and June 13 during National Fishing and Boating Week. Arts & Learning: UGA School of Law earned a top-10 national moot court ranking.

World Cup Culture in Atlanta: Metro Atlanta is rolling out FIFA World Cup watch parties, festivals, and family-friendly soccer events, including Ashford Lane’s June 6 kickoff and Pittsburgh Yards’ two-day Atlanta Beltline Fest in June. STEM in the Classroom: CNTA educator grants are funding hands-on STEM kits for teachers across Georgia, including Aiken Scholars Academy’s Amanda Hewett Waymer. Student Support & Scholarships: Carrollton High School’s Class of 2026 racked up about $15.5M in scholarships, while Love Beyond Walls and HBCUConnect launched the Forever Forward Scholarship for Fall 2026. School Safety Tech: Georgia is funding a drone-based active shooter pilot in five schools this fall, with $550,000 in the 2026 budget for Campus Guardian Angel. Health & Learning: UWG is adding a course to help student-athletes talk about mental health, and Bartow County reports a big drop in chronic absenteeism this year. Arts & Community: Gloria Estefan’s Alliance Theatre production “Basura” brings the Cateura Recycled Instruments Orchestra story to Atlanta. Local Business Spotlight: Palmetto Moon is hosting a June 6 grand opening in Columbus.

World Cup Prep: Atlanta restaurants are adding a 20% mandatory gratuity ahead of FIFA World Cup crowds, aiming to keep service staff paid when international visitors aren’t used to tipping. Public Health Access: Georgia pharmacists can prescribe HIV prevention meds (PrEP/PEP) starting July 1, a move public health leaders say could expand care in rural areas. Local Government & Parks: DeKalb County is restarting Intrenchment Creek Park with Phase 1 construction beginning May 18 after years of legal delays tied to a land swap. Education & Community: Parents in Decatur are demanding a superintendent’s resignation after her husband’s podcast comments about Muslims and transgender people surfaced. Culture & Arts: Mason Fine Art hosts a group show running through May 29–30 featuring major photographers and artists, including John Simmons in conversation. Health & Design: Georgia Tech research highlights how “positive distraction” in pediatric spaces can support kids’ emotional well-being during care. Local Loss: Macon mourns longtime civic figure Ed DeFore Sr., remembered for decades of public service and community projects.

Education Spotlight: Georgia spellers Sarv Dharavane and Sreeya Lakkimsetti advanced to the semifinals of the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, DC, with Dharavane spelling “vivificate” and Lakkimsetti nailing “jurimetrician.” Local Schools & Demographics: New state enrollment snapshots show shifting student mixes across metro Atlanta and beyond, including Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary’s multiracial enrollment rising to 30 (510 total) and Woodstock Middle School’s Hispanic share at 27% (284 students). Arts & Culture: Spelman professor Cheryl Finley won the High Museum of Art’s 2026 David C. Driskell Prize, spotlighting her impact on Black art scholarship and curatorial leadership. Food & Lifestyle: Southern Living crowned St. Simons Island the best beach town in the South, and it also named NFA Burger in a Dunwoody Chevron as Georgia’s top burger for National Burger Day. Community & Faith: The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage continued through Georgia, with worshipers gathering in Brunswick ahead of upcoming beatification plans. Sports & Inspiration: Dr. Phillips teen Grace Gordon reached American Ninja Warrior semifinals, then returned to train for the show’s June 8 premiere.

World Cup Readiness: Atlanta is gearing up for FIFA World Cup 2026 with a major public-safety push—750 extra police officers and 300 firefighters, plus upgraded 911 capabilities and new checkered uniforms—while chiefs stress one message: “If you see something, say something.” Public Safety & Policy: A woman’s family is pushing for changes to Georgia State Patrol pursuit policy after her death during a chase, arguing that high-speed pursuits can’t be worth the risk. Community & Learning: Valdosta opened the $8.5M Meta Shaw Coleman Children’s Imagination Station, a hands-on STEAM hub built to spark career dreams. Local History: A new historical marker honors Dr. John Henry Jordan, the first Black doctor in Coweta County and founder of the first Black hospital there. Calendar Picks: Jefferson’s summer Farmers Market starts May 26, and Jefferson Community Theatre closes its season with “Yours, Anne” June 4–7.

Police Leadership Shake-Up: College Park named Sharis McCrary as its new police chief, a 25-year veteran who takes over after former Chief Connie Rogers resigned abruptly in December. Historic Preservation Milestone: The Ridge Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 28, 1976—marking 50 years of recognition for a long-standing community. Local Success Stories: A Johns Creek man who fled Iran as a baby is now a physician and business owner, turning survival into service. Education & Access: Gov. Kemp signed SB 556, codifying the Georgia DREAMS scholarship and expanding HOPE GPA eligibility to include AP Fine Arts. Health Watch: Georgia Medicaid now covers lactation care via telehealth, while national headlines keep spotlighting outbreaks and coverage gaps. Culture & Community: Atlanta’s event economy and connectivity are in focus, and Francophone “Underground FR” music is gaining momentum online.