Fulton School Board Elects President, Vice President

SANDY SPRINGS, GA — The first Fulton County School Board meeting of 2019 included members choosing a president and vice president. Linda Bryant was elected to another two-year term as president while Julia Bernath was chosen to serve a one-year term as vice president of the school board.

“It is my pleasure to continue as president of our school board, especially now when strong, steady leadership is needed,” said Bryant. “The board is charged with selecting the district’s next superintendent and this is our highest priority. We will soon be asking our community for input through a survey and seeking feedback through other channels.”

Bryant, who represents District 4, which includes areas in Chattahoochee Hills, College Park, Fairburn, Palmetto, Union City and southwest Atlanta. Bryant, who was first elected to the school board in 1993, is now in her seventh term in office. She is a former teacher, PTA president, local school advisory committee chair, and chair of the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee. In addition, Bryant has more than 20 years of experience with the Georgia probations/corrections department.

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Bernath, who represents District 7 and just began her fifth term, represents parts of Sandy Springs, Roswell, Johns Creek and Alpharetta. She served as school board president from 2007 to 2009 and as vice president from 2009 to 2010. She also has served on the Fulton County Schools Employee Pension Plan board as vice chair and chair. In addition, she has represented the school board on the Fulton Education Foundation's Board of Directors.

“I am happy to serve and delighted to continue in public service as our board’s vice president,” said Bernath. “Thank you for your confidence in me.”

At the state level, Bernath is an active member and previous president of the Georgia School Boards Association, as well as a graduate of Leadership GSBA. She is also a graduate of Leadership Atlanta, Leadership Sandy Springs, Regional Leadership Institute, the Education Policy Fellowship Program and other leadership programs.

Bernath is a member of the Rotary Club of Sandy Springs, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Chapter of the American Cancer Society and the Sandy Springs Education Force.

Photo: from left, Julia Bernath, and Linda Bryant. Credit: Fulton County School System