A new school year is nearly here! The 2025-26 year begins on Monday, August 4, and Fayette County Public Schools can’t wait to get started.

New Administrators for New Year

A trio of new principals will lead the way on the first day of school. 

Erik Falkenhagen is the new principal of Crabapple Lane Elementary. Falkenhagen is a veteran educator and school leader with more than 20 years of experience who most recently served as assistant principal at Sara Harp Minter Elementary. 

Jodii Gorski is the new principal of Inman Elementary. She joins the Eagles from her most recent role as assistant principal at Peachtree City Elementary. Gorski brings more than 20 years of experience in public education. 

Dr. Brandi Walker enters her first full year at the helm of Braelinn Elementary. Dr. Walker was named principal in March 2025 upon the retirement of Erinn Angelo. She was previously the assistant principal at Braelinn. 

There will be 11 new assistant principals this fall: 

Bennett’s Mill Middle – Andrea Lakly, previously McIntosh High teacher

Braelinn Elementary – Ashley Brookshaw, previously school system Coordinator of Assessment and Accountability

Fayette County High – Brandon Kunz, previously McIntosh High teacher

Kedron Elementary- Bridget Waters, previously Spring Hill Elementary teacher

McIntosh High – Dr. Jason Carrera, previously Central Gwinnett High assistant principal/athletic director

Oak Grove Elementary- Michelle Shaw, previously Spring Hill Elementary teacher

Peachtree City Elementary- Dr. Melissa Smith, previously school system elementary math coordinator

Sandy Creek High – David High, previously McIntosh High teacher

Sara Harp Minter Elementary – Elaine Wingfield, previously Peeples Elementary teacher

Starr’s Mill High – Amy Evert, previously Starr’s Mill High teacher

Whitewater Middle – Matthew Mundok, previously Whitewater Middle teacher

Clear Bags at Sporting Events

To help ensure safe and speedy entry at all Fayette County Public Schools athletic events, only clear bags will be allowed. 

Backpacks, tote bags, purses, waist bags, clutches, or storage bags are acceptable. As long as they’re clear, they’re good to go! 

Exceptions can be made for diaper bags and medically-necessary items after proper search. 

New Meal Price

The School Nutrition Program has set meal prices. Student breakfast will cost $2, and lunch will cost $3.25. Teacher and staff breakfast will cost $3.25, and lunch will cost $5.50. 

School Day Start Times

The elementary school day begins at 7:40 a.m. and ends at 2:25 p.m. Middle school starts at 8:10 a.m. and ends at 3:10 p.m. High school begins at 8:35 a.m. and ends at 3:45 p.m.

School Bus Service

To ensure accurate bus information for every student, Fayette County Public Schools requires families to formally request transportation services before riding the school bus. 

To signup your student, go to: fcboe.org/departments/transportation/bus-registration. 

Student bus schedules are available on the BusQuest Parent app. For other questions, email [email protected].