Georgia CommonsSenate · Passed · 2025-2026 Regular Session
SR 278: Looney, Dr. Mike; recognize
Last action February 27, 2025 · Senate Read and Adopted
A Georgia Senate resolution formally recognizes Dr. Mike Looney, superintendent of Fulton County Schools, as Georgia's 2025 Superintendent of the Year for his leadership of the district.
The summaries below were written by an AI model (claude-sonnet-5) from the text of the resolution and are not part of it. Quote the text, not the summary. The stored text is the Enrolled version, the latest the General Assembly's website lists.
In plain language
This resolution is a ceremonial honor from the Georgia Senate rather than a change to state law. It recognizes Dr. Mike Looney, who has led Fulton County Schools, Georgia's fourth-largest school district, since June 2019, overseeing more than 87,000 students across 104 schools. The resolution cites his work on academic achievement, career readiness, dropout prevention, literacy, and financial management, including maintaining the district's AAA credit rating. It also credits him with guiding the district through Georgia's first school-related COVID-19 case and launching the post-pandemic 'Bridge to Success' plan, which the resolution says helped the district reach a 90.7 percent graduation rate in 2023. The Senate directs that a copy of the resolution be given to Dr. Looney.
What the bill does
- Formally recognizes and commends Dr. Mike Looney as Georgia's 2025 Superintendent of the Year through a Senate resolution.
- States the Senate's praise for his leadership of Fulton County Schools since 2019, including his handling of the district's first COVID-19 case.
- Credits him with launching the 'Bridge to Success' initiative and achieving a 90.7 percent graduation rate in 2023, according to the resolution's text.
- Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute an official copy of the resolution to Dr. Looney.
Who it affects
The resolution directly names Dr. Mike Looney and Fulton County Schools, Georgia's fourth-largest school district with more than 87,000 students. It also references the Secretary of the Senate, who must prepare and distribute the honorary document.
Why it matters
This resolution does not change Georgia law, funding, or school policy. Its practical effect is a formal, on-the-record honor from the Senate for one school leader, along with an official document presented to him, rather than any binding action affecting schools or students statewide.
Key provisions
- The whereas clauses describe Dr. Looney's tenure, achievements, and background, including his AAA credit rating record and pandemic-era leadership.
- The resolved clause formally states the Senate's recognition and commendation of Dr. Looney and extends best wishes for his continued success.
- The final clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy of the resolution available for distribution to Dr. Looney.
From the bill
“the members of this body recognize and commend Dr. Mike Looney, Georgia's 2025 Superintendent of the Year, for his years of service on behalf of the students of Fulton County”
Status timeline
- Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
- Senate Hopper (Senate)
Sponsors
- Sonya Halpern (D, SD-39)
- RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-38)
- John Albers (R, SD-56)
- Shawn Still (R, SD-48)
- Nan Orrock (D, SD-36)
- Josh McLaurin (D, SD-14)
- Jason Esteves (D, SD-35)
- Donzella James (D, SD-28)
- Brandon Beach (R, SD-21)
- Matt Brass (R, SD-6)
Topics
- Fulton County Schools
- education leadership
- Georgia Senate resolutions
- Superintendent of the Year