Current Documents
School Governance Council Meeting Documents
Each meeting of the School Governance Council typically generates three public documents: an agenda; a brief summary of action items that occurred during the meeting; and a detailed set of meeting minutes. We will display these documents on our website for the current school year, along with those from the previous year. If you need to view older documents, please contact our School Governance & Flexibility Department at schoolgovernance@fultonschools.org.
2025-26 SGC Meeting Documents
August
Agenda
August Agenda
School: Northwood Elementary School
Date: 08/20/25
Time: 7:00AM
Location: Team Planning
TEAMS Link (if applicable):
SGC Members: Sharon Perrin (elected parent) Lindsey Burke (elected parent) Crystal Robinson (elected parent) Andrea Bourgeois (community member) Cary Blumenfeld (community member) Nicole Sickle (appointed staff) Kaleigh Nattrass (elected staff) Rachel Needham (elected staff) Michelle Levine (appointed staff) Heather Rucker (principal)
7:00AM Call to Order (C. Blumenfeld)
7:02AM Action Item: Approve Agenda (C. Blumenfeld)
7:03AM Action Item: Approve June Minutes (C. Blumenfeld)
7:04AM Discussion Item: Member Introductions (All Members)
7:10AM Action Item: Elect New Officers (Chair, Vice Chair, Parliamentarian) (H. Rucker)
7:15AM Action Item: Action Items: Staff Standing Committees (Budget and Finance, Outreach and Communication, Principal Selection) (H. Rucker)
7:25AM Discussion Item: Confirm Parent/Community Superintendent Advisory Council Representative (Chair)
7:30AM Discussion Item: Share Meeting Schedule for SY25-26) (All Members)
7:35AM Discussion Item: Strategic Planning (H. Rucker)
7:40AM Action Item: Star Readers Club (M. Levine)
7:50AM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (H. Rucker)
A. Current & Potential School Staffing Changes
B. Updates in District Policy
C. Calendar of Upcoming School Events
8:00AM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (C. Blumenfeld)
Meeting Norms: Silence Phones, Be Respectful of Others’ Opinions, Work for the good of all Students
Summary
August 20th SGC Summary of Actions
School: Northwood ES
Date: August 20. 2025
Time: 7:00AM
Location: Team Planning
Current SGC Members Present:
Sharon Perrin (elected parent) Lindsey Burke (elected parent) Crystal Robinson (elected parent) Andrea Bourgeois (community member) Cary Blumenfeld (community member) Nicole Sickle (appointed staff) Kaleigh Nattrass (elected staff) Rachel Needham (elected staff) Michelle Levine (appointed staff) Heather Rucker (principal)
Guest member: Katie Lawson (SGC Facilitator)
7:08AM Call to Order (Cary Blumenfeld)
7:08AM Action Item: Approve August Agenda
• Motion: Cary Blumenfeld
• Second: Sharon Perrin
7:08AM Action Item: Approve May Minutes
• Motion: Cary Blumenfeld
• Second: Sharon Perrin
7:24AM Action Item: Elect New Officers (Chair, Vice Chair, Parliamentarian)
• Motion: Cary Blumenfeld
• Second: Kaleigh Nattrass
7:40AM Action Item: Elect Standing Committees (Budget and Finance, Outreach and Communication, Principal Selection)
• Motion: Cary Blumenfeld
• Second: Andrea Bourgeois
8:00AM Action Item: Vote on Budget/Star Readers Club
• Motion: Cary Blumenfeld
• Second: Sharon Perrin
8:16AM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (Cary Blumenfeld)
Meeting Norms: Silence Phones, Be Respectful of Others’ Opinions, Work for the good of all Students
Minutes
August 20th Meeting Minutes
School: Northwood Elementary School
Date: 08/20/25
Time: 7:00AM
Location: Team Planning
TEAMS Link (if applicable):
SGC Members: Sharon Perrin (elected parent) Lindsey Burke (elected parent) Crystal Robinson (elected parent) Andrea Bourgeois (community member) Cary Blumenfeld (community member) Nicole Sickle (appointed staff) Kaleigh Nattrass (elected staff) Rachel Needham (elected staff) Michelle Levine (appointed staff) Heather Rucker (principal)
Guest: Katie Lawson (Facilitator)
7:05AM Call to Order (C. Blumenfeld)
7:08AM Action Item: Approve Agenda (C. Blumenfeld)
· Motion: Cary Blumenfeld
· Second: Sharon Perrin
7:08AM Action Item: Approve May Minutes (C. Blumenfeld)
· Motion: Cary Blumenfeld
· Second: Sharon Perrin
7:09AM Discussion Item: Member Introductions (All Members)
· New members were introduced as well as returning members
· New members: Crystal Robinson (elected parent), Lindsey Burke (elected parent), Kaleigh Nattrass (elected staff), Andrea Bourgeois (community member)
7:10AM Discussion Item: Beanstack (N. Sickle)
· A new program/platform is being introduced to teachers and then pushed out to students.
· Students will be logging minutes.
· The goal for the school is 75,000 minutes
· Students will be writing their books on book spines for individual recognition. There will be group celebrations as well.
· Ms. Sickle will speak with PTA (Sharon Perrin) about marrying our reading programs/incentives (Reading Counts).
· Ms. Sickle will speak with Cary Blumenfeld (Method Real Estate) and Sharon Perrin (IMPACT Accounting Partners) about funding the celebrations/rewards as NES business partners.
7:24AM Action Item: Elect New Officers (Chair, Vice Chair, Parliamentarian) (H. Rucker)
· Ms. Rucker and Ms. Lawson reviewed the officer position responsibilities and nominations were made.
o Chair: Cary Blumenfeld, Vice Chair: Lindsey Burke, Parliamentarian: Rachel Needham
· Motion: Cary Blumenfeld
· Second: Kaleigh Nattrass
7:25AM Action Item: Action Items: Staff Standing Committees (Budget and Finance, Outreach and Communication, Principal Selection) (H. Rucker)
· Ms. Lawson reviewed the committee opportunities and each member chose their committee.
o Budget & Finance: Heather Rucker (chair), Nicole Sickle, Sharon Perrin, Kaleigh Nattrass, Rachel Needham
o Communication & Outreach: Michelle Levine (chair), Cary Blumenfeld, Lindsey Burke, Crystal Robinson, Andrea Bourgeois
o Principal selection Committee: Cary Blumenfeld (SGC Chair), Sharon Perrin, Rachel Needham, Nicole Sickle
o PTA Council Rep: Sharon Perrin
· Motion: Cary Blumenfeld
· Second: Andrea Bourgeois
7:40AM Discussion Item: Confirm Parent/Community Superintendent Advisory Council Representative (Chair)
· Crystal Robinson volunteered to serve on the parent/community superintendent advisory Council.
7:41AM Discussion Item: Strategic Planning (H. Rucker)
· Ms. Rucker reviewed the 6 components of last year’s strategic plan:
o Increase % of students scoring proficient and distinguished on GMAS from 65.7% to 69.2%. EOY: 75.7% GOAL MET
o Decrease number of office referrals from 37 to 30: EOY: 28 GOAL MET
o Increase % of students with disabilities meeting the GMAS reading indicator from 40% to 45%: EOY: 49% GOAL MET
o Increase % staff to recommend Northwood as a place to work: remained 100% GOAL MET
o Increase % of charter dollar expenditures: remained at 100% GOAL MET
o Increase % of parent/guardians who recommend Northwood: remained at 100%, but increased promoter to 88% and passive down 4.8 GOAL MET
· Ms. Rucker shared that a draft of this years strategic plan will go to team leads and then to SGC for approval at the September meeting
o Schools will be given the goal from FCS based on last years performance.
o We have not received sub group data to determine which group we are choosing.
o We will be adding Math, ELA and Science to the goal of reaching 80% in proficiency on GMAS.
8:00AM Action Item: Star Readers Club (M. Levine)
· Ms. Levine discussed the success of the STAR Readers Club and asked members to vote on the budget ($6000) for the full year.
· Ms. Rucker asked members to vote on funding $10,000 towards supplies for school.
· Motion: Cary Blumenfeld
· Second: Sharon Perrin
8:05AM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (H. Rucker)
A. Current & Potential School Staffing Changes
a. The district is looking at the enrollment SEAT process, and Northwood’s 3rd grade might be impacted with a collapse of a class.
b. SGC discussed budge concerns that FCS is facing.
B. Updates in District Policy
C. Calendar of Upcoming School Events
a. Northwood will continue to promote reading.
b. We will be refining a feedback process for teachers and students.
c. We are promoting AVID strategies throughout the school.
8:15AM Discussion Item: Share Meeting Schedule for SY25-26) (All Members)
· The calendar is on our website and posted in our team.
8:16AM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (C. Blumenfeld)
Meeting Norms: Silence Phones, Be Respectful of Others’ Opinions, Work for the good of all Students
September
Agenda
September Agenda
School: Northwood Elementary School
Date: 9/24/25
Time: 7:00AM
Location: Team Planning
TEAMS Link (if applicable):
SGC Members: Sharon Perrin (elected parent) Lindsey Burke (elected parent) Crystal Robinson (elected parent) Andrea Bourgeois (community member) Cary Blumenfeld (community member) Nicole Sickle (appointed staff) Kaleigh Nattrass (elected staff) Rachel Needham (elected staff) Michelle Levine (appointed staff) Heather Rucker (principal)
7:00AM Call to Order (C. Blumenfeld)
7:02AM Action Item: Approve Agenda (C. Blumenfeld)
7:03AM Action Item: Approve August Minutes (C. Blumenfeld)
7:05AM Discussion Item: SGC Council Development Opportunities (In Person Officer Training and Cross Council) ** (All Members)
7:15AM Discussion Item: Review SGC Website for Compliance (M. Levine)
7:18AM Discussion Item: Review 2024 Council Self-Assessment and Create Initiatives (H. Rucker)
7:20AM Discussion Item: Review 2025 Strategic Plan (H. Rucker)
7:40AM Action Item: Approve 2025 Strategic Plan (All members)
7:45AM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (H. Rucker)
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Beanstack Update (N. Sickle)
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Star Readers Update (M. Levine)
8:00AM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (C. Blumenfeld)
Meeting Norms: Silence Phones, Be Respectful of Others’ Opinions, Work for the good of all Students
2025 In Person Officer Training
All SGC Officers (Council Chairs, Vice-Chairs, and Parliamentarians) are required to complete Officer Training (unless completed in previous years). Please note that this will be a more in depth, hands-on training for newly elected officers. This is different from the Officer Training Module found in the Canvas Training.
Click below to register to attend one of the sessions.
In-Person Officer Training Sign Up Genius
Fall 2025 Cross Council Events
The Governance & Flexibility Team is excited to invite all School Governance Councils to our Fall Cross Council events—two engaging mornings designed to connect, collaborate, and inspire.
Dates & Locations
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Monday, September 29 | South Learning Center | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
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Friday, October 3 | North Learning Center | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
These sessions are a unique opportunity for SGC members to learn from district leaders, the Governance & Flexibility Team, and each other. They bring together councils from across the district, creating space for collaboration within feeder patterns and across grade bands.
This year’s theme centers on three key pillars:
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Teamwork – Kicking off the governance year with energy and excitement for our shared work
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Integrity – Defining our goals and committing to action within our schools
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Accountability – Monitoring strategic priorities and sharing progress with our stakeholders
We are asking each school to send at least one representative to one of the two events (both sessions will cover the same material). Once every school has a representative registered, we will open additional spots for other members who would like to join.
Register now via our Sign-up Genius link to secure your spot and join us in shaping another successful year of governance in Fulton County Schools.
2025 Fall Cross Council Sign Up Link
Summary
September 24th SGC Summary of Actions
School: Northwood Elementary School
Date: 9/24/25
Time: 7:00AM
Location: Team Planning
TEAMS Link (if applicable):
SGC Members: Sharon Perrin (elected parent) Lindsey Burke (elected parent) Crystal Robinson (elected parent) Andrea Bourgeois (community member) Cary Blumenfeld (community member) Nicole Sickle (appointed staff) Kaleigh Nattrass (elected staff) Rachel Needham (elected staff) Michelle Levine (appointed staff) Heather Rucker (principal)
Guest member: Frederick Benschine (SGC Facilitator)
7:02AM Call to Order (C. Blumenfeld)
7:02AM Action Item: Approve Agenda
· Motion: Cary Blumenfeld
· Second: Lindsey Burke
7:03AM Action Item: Approve August Minutes (C. Blumenfeld)
· Motion: Cary Blumenfeld
· Second: Nicole Sickle
7:55AM Action Item: Approve 2025 Strategic Plan (All members)
· Motion: Cary Blumenfeld
· Second: Lindsey Burke
8:10AM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (C. Blumenfeld)
· Motion: Cary Blumenfeld
· Second: Nicole Sickle
Minutes
November
Agenda
November Agenda
School: Northwood Elementary School
Date: 11/19/25
Time: 7:00AM
Location: Team Planning
TEAMS Link (if applicable):
SGC Members: Sharon Perrin (elected parent) Lindsey Burke (elected parent) Crystal Robinson (elected parent) Andrea Bourgeois (community member) Cary Blumenfeld (community member) Nicole Sickle (appointed staff) Kaleigh Nattrass (elected staff) Rachel Needham (elected staff) Michelle Levine (appointed staff) Heather Rucker (principal)
7:00AM Call to Order (C. Blumenfeld)
7:02AM Action Item: Approve Agenda (C. Blumenfeld)
7:03AM Action Item: Approve September 24th Minutes (C. Blumenfeld)
7:05AM Discussion Item: Superintendent Advisory Council Update (C. Robinson)
7:15AM Discussion Item: Review SGC Website for Compliance (M. Levine)
7:20AM Discussion Item: Update 2025 Strategic Plan (H. Rucker)
7:30AM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (H. Rucker)
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Beanstack Update (N. Sickle)
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Star Readers Update (M. Levine)
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CAREingPaws Update (H Rucker/R Imhulse)
7:50AM Action Item: Proposed Budget Allocation
8:00AM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (C. Blumenfeld)
Meeting Norms: Silence Phones, Be Respectful of Others’ Opinions, Work for the good of all Students
Summary
November 19th SGC Summary of Actions
School: Northwood Elementary School
Date: 11/19/25
Time: 7:00AM
Location: Team Planning
TEAMS Link (if applicable):
SGC Members: Sharon Perrin (elected parent) Lindsey Burke (elected parent) Crystal Robinson (elected parent) Andrea Bourgeois (community member) Cary Blumenfeld (community member) Nicole Sickle (appointed staff) Kaleigh Nattrass (elected staff) Rachel Needham (elected staff) Michelle Levine (appointed staff) Heather Rucker (principal)
Guest member: Frederick Benschine (SGC Facilitator)
7:08AM Call to Order (C. Blumenfeld)
7:09AM Action Item: Approve Agenda (C. Blumenfeld)
Motion: Nicole Sickle
Second: Sharon Perrin
7:09AM Action Item: Approve September 24th Minutes (C. Blumenfeld)
Motion: Cary Blumenfeld
Second: Andrea Bourgeois
7:37AM Action Item: Proposed Budget Allocation
A: $3,000 for 95 Phonics Lesson Library for intervention work
Motion: Cary Blumenfeld
Second: Nicole Sickle
B: $10,000 for classroom materials and supplies for remainder of year
Motion: Cary Blumenfeld
Second: Kayleigh Nattrass
C: $1,000- for front atrium monitor/projector
Motion: Nicole Sickle
Second: Lindsey Burke
7:59AM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (C. Blumenfeld)
Motion: Cary B
Second: Nicole Sickle
Minutes
November 19th SGC Minutes
School: Northwood Elementary School
Date: 11/19/25
Time: 7:00AM
Location: Team Planning
TEAMS Link (if applicable):
SGC Members: Sharon Perrin (elected parent) Lindsey Burke (elected parent) Crystal Robinson (elected parent) Andrea Bourgeois (community member) Cary Blumenfeld (community member) Nicole Sickle (appointed staff) Kaleigh Nattrass (elected staff) Rachel Needham (elected staff) Michelle Levine (appointed staff) Heather Rucker (principal)
7:08AM Call to Order (C. Blumenfeld)
7:09AM Action Item: Approve Agenda (C. Blumenfeld)
Motion: Nicole Sickle
Second: Sharon Perrin
7:09AM Action Item: Approve September 24th Minutes (C. Blumenfeld)
Motion: Cary Blumenfeld
Second: Andrea Bourgeois
7:10AM Discussion Item: Superintendent Advisory Council Update (C. Robinson)
o Robinson went to the Fall Strategic Action Plan meeting (everyone submitted)
o topics mentioned at meeting:
o Passing of the Homestead Exemption decision and the future impact on schools
o Starting to look at school budget for next year (will be very different)
o New tool: Custodial: allows parents to monitor student devices
o Parent Safety Summit: to discuss online safety, mental health, nutrition, physical safety etc.
o Discussion on how to get more partnerships with the Engagement Committee
o Robinson had a chance to listen to what other people from different schools are concerned about (color guard using the rifles etc.)
o It was stated there should be at least one representative from each neighborhood on the PTA or Foundation Committee
o It was shared that many people do not understand that we are a Charter System and what that means (some schools shared in the meeting that they have had people go on Facebook Live to explain all about the Charter System
o Introduced the Glide Website ( where people can share suggestions or ideas on how to better the school)
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7:18AM Discussion Item: Review SGC Website for Compliance (M. Levine)
o everything is compliant
7:19AM Discussion Item: Update 2025 Strategic Plan (H. Rucker)
o Zone Superintendent approved Strategic Plan
o There is going to be a continued heavy emphasis on monitoring subgroups
o There is an increase in referrals than in previous years
7:22AM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (H. Rucker)
A. Beanstack Update (N. Sickle)
o Northwood has a total of 96,651 so far this school year.
o Northwood earned Beanstack district trophy for having the highest student participation rate in October.
o The school also met the Back to School Beanstack-Challenge of 75K minutes.
o Teachers and students celebrated meeting our goal with DEAR Days and a dance party.
o A class from every grade that logged the most minutes was able to celebrate with an outdoor lunch during the month of October.
o The Beanstack Bulletin Boards are being added to by students and teachers (sharing what they are reading)
B. Star Readers Update (M. Levine)
o The program started on November 3rd and meets two times a week.
o The program uses interactive games and outdoor activities to help re-enforce or teach skills.
o There are currently 14 participants (first and second graders). Some students that tested out are asking to go back in they love the program so much
o There are a handful of ESOL students in the program that are able to work with the ESOL paraprofessionals. These teachers are able to use their strategies when working with the students and know how to best support them in trying to close gaps.
o Parents are aware of the program, and the students really enjoy it.
C. CAREingPaws Update (H Rucker/R Imhulse)
o Sadie and her handler Teresa will come read with four students for 15 minutes (10:00-11:30) on Tuesdays.
o There is data that shows that students reading to a dog is very successful in grades 1-3 (especially for students that know how to read but need a boost of confidence)
o Sadie and Teresa would also like to become a part of the Northwood community by joining on Read Across America, Book Fair etc.
o Sadie will come on November 20th to visit Beanstack winners across the school.
7:37AM Action Item: Proposed Budget Allocation
Remaining Funds Proposals:
A: $3,000 for 95 Phonics Lesson Library for intervention work
o The Lesson Library would be available to four teachers to use (two for EIP teachers and two for Extended Learning teachers)
Motion: Cary Blumenfeld
Second: Nicole Sickle
B: $10,000 for classroom materials and supplies for remainder of year
Motion: Cary Blumenfeld
Second: Kayleigh Nattress
C: $1,000 for front atrium monitor/projector
o The idea is that there would be a rolling slideshow of students and the wonderful things that are happening in classrooms. (Phil Chaffer (VanGuard) has stepped up to help make it happen. It is$180 for the display.
o There is an idea of a photo link being shared with TeamLeads and Specials teachers so that they can help share pictures.
Motion: Nicole Sickle
Second: Lindsey Burke
Discussion Item:
o The district is working on finding the initiative that this group will support, having flexibility in enhanced performance. There has been massive growth around the district of the Charter System. The Charter System gets assessed every year.
7:59AM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (C. Blumenfeld)
Motion: Cary Blumenfeld
Second: Nicole Sickle
December
January
February
Agenda
February Agenda
School: Northwood Elementary School
Date: 2-4-26
Time: 7:00 AM
Location: Team Planning
TEAMS Link (if applicable):
SGC Members: Sharon Perrin (elected parent) Lindsey Burke (elected parent) Crystal Robinson (elected parent) Andrea Bourgeois (community member) Cary Blumenfeld (community member) Nicole Sickle (appointed staff) Kaleigh Nattrass (elected staff) Rachel Needham (elected staff) Michelle Levine (appointed staff) Heather Rucker (principal)
7:00AM Call to Order (C. Blumenfeld)
7:02AM Action Item: Approve February Agenda (C. Blumenfeld)
7:03AM Action Item: Approve November 19th Minutes (C. Blumenfeld)
7:05AM Discussion Item: Superintendent Advisory Council Update (C. Robinson)
7:15AM Discussion Item: Review SGC Website for Compliance (M. Levine)
7:20AM Discussion Item: Update 2025 Strategic Plan (H. Rucker)
7:30AM Informational Item: Principal’s Update (H. Rucker)
A. CCRPI Information from 2025
B. Family CCRPI Survey for 2026
C. Reading Focus Updates
D. Upcoming Elections - discussion
8:00AM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (C. Blumenfeld)
Meeting Norms: Silence Phones, Be Respectful of Others’ Opinions, Work for the good of all Students
Summary
February 4th SGC Summary of Actions
School: Northwood Elementary School
Date: 02/04/26
Time: 7:00AM
Location: Science Lab
TEAMS Link (if applicable):
SGC Members: Sharon Perrin (elected parent) Lindsey Burke (elected parent) Crystal Robinson (elected parent) Andrea Bourgeois (community member) Cary Blumenfeld (community member) Nicole Sickle (appointed staff) Kaleigh Nattrass (elected staff) Rachel Needham (elected staff) Michelle Levine (appointed staff) Heather Rucker (principal)
Guest member: Allion Bauer (Reading Initiatives)
7:05AM Call to Order (C. Blumenfeld)
7:06AM Action Item: Approve Amended Agenda (C. Blumenfeld)
Motion: Cary Blumenfeld
Second: Kaleigh Nattrass
7:06AM Action Item: Approve the November Minutes (C. Blumenfeld)
Motion: Cary Blumenfeld
Second: Kaleigh Nattrass
7: 43 Action Item: Approve presented budget. (H. Rucker)
o Budget was presented for approval with changes for FY 27
Motion: Nicole Sickle
Second: Crystal Robinson
8:13AM Action Item: Meeting Adjournment (C. Blumenfeld)
Motion: Lindsey Burke
Second: Nicole Sickle