The Georgia Department of Education required Atlanta Public Schools to pay $50,739 following an investigation of how the city school system managed federal money for disadvantaged students.

A Jan. 13 letter from DOE Title Programs Director Margo DeLaune said the city school system showed a lack of oversight of federal Title I expenditures when it didn't comply with a requirement to ensure student services were comparable to those provided in schools that didn't receive Title I funds.

The fine represents the salary of one teacher at Coretta Scott King Academy whose funding source shouldn’t have been changed. Atlanta Public Schools has made the payment to the state, said DOE spokesman Matt Cardoza.

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A man puts his head in his hands during an Atlanta school board meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. Atlanta Public Schools held its final vote on school consolidation plans, approving several school closures. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

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Managing Partner at Atlantica Properties, Darion Dunn (center) talks with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a tour following the ribbon cutting of Waterworks Village as part of the third phase of the city’s Rapid Housing Initiative on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
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