a $1.4 million investment

ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Public Schools (APS) announced today a $1.4 million investment from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support its effort to improve high school graduation rates. This investment will fund APS' planning effort to design a district-wide strategy aimed at ensuring that all students have the skills they need to be successful in college and work.

The Atlanta Public Schools has a student enrollment of 51,000 who attend 88 traditional schools; 71 percent of the students qualify for free and reduced meals. The district employs 6,261 personnel, including over 4,100 teachers. The mission of APS is to be accountable for focusing talents and resources on ensuring that Atlanta Public Schools' students are successful in school and in life. Dr. Beverly L. Hall has served as Superintendent since July 1999.