North Highland, an Atlanta-based global consulting firm, is pleased to announce its partnership with the Fulton Education Foundation and Fulton County Schoolsthrough participation in the Seed Fund.  The Seed Fund is a $7.8 million fund designed to empowerFulton County charter schools to create unique solutions, resulting in improved outcomes for students. As a business partner of the foundation, the firm played an essential role throughout the Seed Fund's creation and launch, providing business acumen and strategic thinking to the review and award processes.  In order to make this initiative successful, North Highland worked alongside of Fulton Education Foundation who served as a bridge between business and Fulton County Schools.  

"We are excited to partner with Fulton County to help make a difference in our community," said Peter Herbert, North Highland principal, Fulton County Foundation board member and Seed Fund committee chair. "Through participation with the Seed Fund, North Highland strives to support the growth of each school involved.  Our goal is to empower leaders within the community, and to inspire and mold future generations to achieve their highest potential."

As the state's largest charter system, Fulton County Schools aim to generate higher academic achievement through flexible, creative and community centric programs.

"Authentic private and public partnerships are essential to moving education forward for the 100,000 students that wake up every morning to attend a Fulton County School; and, this program is a great example of that," said Barbara Ray, North Highland vice president and public sector lead. "We aim to apply that same drive, along with a passion for our local community, to inspire, guide and reward creative thinking through innovative programs like the Seed Fund." 

Each school participating in the program was required to complete a strategic plan outlining long-range goals and areas for flexibility. Twenty Fulton County school leadership teams presented their most innovative and creative ideas at North Highland's Atlanta office in February to a review panel, comprised of Herbert; Donny Merritt, district service manager, Rush Truck Centers; Mike Collins, principal, Cooper, Carusi Architects, Inc.; Walt Bryant, president, eBryIT; and Rodney Turner, president and CEO, Layer3 Communications. Under Herbert's leadership as Seed Fund committee chair and facilitator, the Foundation awarded more than $2.6 million toward transforming teaching and learning inFulton County. In addition to its work with the Seed Fund, North Highland is also supporting Fulton County's transition to a charter system by providing coaching for principals under the Leadership & Innovation Academy initiative as well as providing training for assistant principals and others to support their ability to manage this transition.

North Highland's unique business model provides seamlessly integrated and creative solutions to address client challenges. The firm's mission and values rest on the need to serve and support local communities.   

"Thank you to North Highland for their partnership and expertise during the launch of the Seed Fund. As we transition to the state's largest charter system, supporting creative ideas and innovative practices are essential to customizing each school's program to fit the needs of their community," saidFulton County Schools Superintendent Robert Avossa. "Seed Funds are an investment, directed by our business community, in enriching and innovative projects that are aligned with each school's unique strategic plan."

During the next three years, approximately $2 million will be awarded to each of the district's four learning communities through a structured application process. The Seed Fund application review team will use four main criteria to evaluate proposals, including concept originality, community impact, feasibility and quality of submission. A list of FY 2015 funded projects and additional Seed Fund guidance can be found on the Fulton County Schools' website.