Fulton County Schools are the first-ever recipient of the Charter System of the Year Award for its leadership in supporting school-level governance and innovation, the Charter System Foundation Inc. announced June 24.

The award, which includes a $10,000 prize, recognizes the Georgia charter system that best demonstrates effective, local governance through the empowerment of parents, teachers and community members, leadership in the charter system community, strong community partnerships, and academic progress supported by flexibility and innovation.

This award recognizes Fulton County Schools culture of local school autonomy and the school boards vision to involve parents, teachers and community members in developing their schools strategic direction, said Kenneth Zeff, interim superintendent of the district. We are honored to be recognized and remain committed to the charter system model.