Atlanta school superintendent Meria Carstarphen has exceeded the school board's expectations in her first year, board chairman Courtney English said Monday evening.

Carstarphen began work as Atlanta’s new superintendent last summer.

The school board conducted Carstarphen’s evaluation Monday behind closed doors, as allowed by state law, to get an “unvarnished view” of the district’s status, English said.

Under Carstarphen's leadership, Atlanta Public Schools submitted its application for charter system status on time, increased the number of students graduating and reformed the district's budget process, English said. Carstarphen also improved how the district hires educators and finds substitutes, he said.

“We are pleased with her progress after the first year,” English said.

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Aerial photo shows part of the Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area, Thursday, January 31, 2025, in Dawsonville. Atlanta's 10,000-acre tract of forest is one part of the 25,500 acre WMA managed by the state as public recreation land. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC