Fulton County Schools named a new director to oversee technology support across all campuses Tuesday, Aug. 4, a hire the district tied to its $300 million Capital Plan 2032 technology investment affecting Alpharetta High, Milton High, Cambridge High and area elementary schools.
Dr. Taylor Barton, most recently principal of the Fulton Academy of Virtual Excellence, will serve as Director of Strategy and Technology Support, reporting to Chief Strategy and Technology Officer Dr. Joe Phillips. In the role, Barton will lead districtwide technology support models, strengthen service structures and improve communication around major technology initiatives, according to the district.
The hire comes as FCS prepares to execute Capital Plan 2032, a $300 million technology investment spanning 2027 to 2032. That plan calls for standardized device refresh cycles, a transition from aging projectors to 4K interactive flat panels, upgraded cybersecurity, a unified student ID card for bus ridership, building entry and meals, and IP-based safety systems across all campuses, according to the district's Capital Plan 2032 technology overview.
In an April 17 presentation to the board, Phillips outlined the conditions Barton's role is meant to address. "Technology systems are aging, experiences are uneven, and support demands are rising," Phillips told the board, citing stakeholder input, IT support trends and external audits.
Barton's background
Barton brings more than 20 years in K–12 education. At FAVE, he raised graduation rates and grew Georgia Milestones performance across grade levels. The school earned Microsoft Showcase School and AP Honors School recognition under his tenure.
Before that, Barton led Lake Forest Elementary School, where the school saw improvements in performance, climate and state and national recognition. He holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Georgia State University.
The district said Barton's school-level background makes him suited to understand how technology, training and access affect students, staff and families daily.
What it means locally
The ESPLOST capital project list approved by the board on June 18 specifically names Milton High School, Alpharetta High School, Cambridge High School, Lake Forest Elementary, Cogburn Woods Elementary, Crabapple Crossing Elementary, Dolvin Elementary, Hembree Springs Elementary and Manning Oaks Elementary as schools eligible for capital improvements. Voters will decide whether to reauthorize the 1 percent sales tax funding those projects on Nov. 3.
If approved, the referendum would generate approximately $1.306 billion for Capital Plan 2032 projects districtwide. The current ESPLOST expires June 30, 2027.
