The mission of the Board is two-fold:

1. Provide opportunities for every student to reach his or her full potential.

2. Ensure that all students acquire the skills needed to gain meaningful employment and to become responsible citizens in a highly technological society.

To carry out this mission, the Board will appoint a superintendent who is committed and expected to provide leadership for school system employees in implementing Board policies with professional creativity and dedication.

The mission is based on the following beliefs:

1. Every child, regardless of social or economic status, can learn with the proper help and with sufficient time.
2. An effective school is characterized by strong instructional leadership, capable and appreciated teachers, motivated students, interested and involved parents, high expectations for all students and staff, adequate instruction, and a meaningful curriculum based on specific objectives which meet the needs of each student.
3. The system has a special obligation and challenge to enable disadvantaged students to achieve equal opportunity with other members of society.
4. The Board has an obligation to foster understanding and mutual respect among Board employees, students, and citizens from different racial, cultural and economic backgrounds

Specifically, the goals are:

1. Interpret the educational needs and aspirations of the community.
2. Provide students with opportunities, encouragement, incentives, and support to attain higher levels of achievement and to develop positive attitudes toward the learning process.
3. Enhance student performance in the learning of basic skills.
4. Provide opportunities for students to develop and practice self-discipline, respect for the rights of others, and good citizenship.
5. Improve the system’s overall performance by system-wide planning, program development, and evaluation.
6. Involve parents and the community-at-large in school system activities and to maintain open communication with the general public and within the school system.
7. Secure adequate financial support for the school system and to allocate resources according to the highest priorities.
8. Employ and retain administrators, teachers, and other staff who are effective, competent, and accountable in their areas of responsibility.
9. Assess continuously the achievement of the mission and goals of the Atlanta Board of Education.
10. Be an effective advocate for public education.