🌱 New Branwell Principal + Fulton County Schools Reap Tax Benefits

Morning, friends! It's me, Dan Casarella, your host of the Johns Creek Daily — back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening locally. Here we go...

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First, today's weather:

Sunshine and patchy clouds. High: 84 Low: 66.

Here are the top three stories today in Johns Creek:

1. Barnwell Elementary School has announced its new principal: Takisha Benning. Benning has over 20 years of education experience, including most recently at Northview High School as Assistant Principal. Benning will be available to meet community members at the New Principal Meet & Greet on Tuesday, Aug. 16 at 8:00 a.m. in the Media Center. The Barnwell PTO credited Zone Superintendent Brian Downey with the rapid placement of Principal Benning. (Barnwell Elementary PTO via Facebook)
2. The Fulton County School system will be benefiting from more than half of a property owner’s tax bill. Although the budget anticipated $735 million in revenue from property taxes,
   the number is closer to $768 million. The extra funds will include a partial reduction in the tax millage rate for property owners, along with raises for most school district employees and “flexible” funds for schools. (AppenMedia)
3. Nearby in Alpharetta, the India American Cultural Association and the Alpharetta Arts Center have partnered to put on a new art exhibit. Artist Malika Garrett, featured in the show, is grateful for "Colors of India," an art exhibit showcasing the work of Indian artists. Garrett said, “There’s a whole lot more to India than IT." "Colors of India" will be open through Sep. 23. In the past 10-15 years, around 50,000 Indians have migrated to Alpharetta, Cumming, and Johns Creek. (AppenMedia)

Today in Johns Creek:

• Suwanee Farmers Market At Suwannee Town Center Park (8:00 AM)
• August Concert At Suwanee Town Center Park (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• A portion of the Newtown Park walking/jogging trail (from the playgrounds to Park Place) will be closed for repaving on Aug. 16 and 17. The playgrounds will also be closed due to their proximity to the trail. (City of Johns Creek, Georgia - Government via Facebook)
• If you've watched Hulu's new movie, Prey, you may have spotted a Fulton County local. Coco, who played the dog Sarii, was specially adopted for the role. (11Alive)
• The City Council will meet for its work session and regular meeting on Monday, Aug. 15. This meeting will address the 2022 millage rate at 7:00 p.m. (City of Johns Creek, Georgia - Government via Facebook)

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That's it for today! See you all tomorrow morning for your next update.

— Dan Casarella

About me: Dan Casarella is a writer, podcast producer, and small business development specialist who formerly worked in late-night television. He’s produced many talk segments, including with President Joe Biden, Kobe Bryant, and Chadwick Boseman. Dan studied Media Studies and Production at Temple University. He also enjoys running, painting, and the highs and lows of Philadelphia’s sports teams.