A new Fulton County Schools technology leader will be shaping how Roswell High School and Centennial High School receive district support this year, after the board promoted Dr. Taylor Barton out of the principal's office at Fulton Academy of Virtual Excellence and into a system-wide strategy role.
The Fulton County Board of Education approved Barton's promotion to Director of Strategy and Technology Support and named Damond Smith as FAVE's new principal at a called meeting on Thursday, July 30, according to the district's board bulletin. Both started their new positions as the 2026-27 school year opened Monday, Aug. 3.
What Barton's new role means
In the district position, Barton will lead support models across all Fulton County Schools, strengthen service structures and improve communication around major technology initiatives, according to the district's announcement. The district said Barton understands the real-world needs of schools and the operational impact that technology, training, communication, access and support have on students, staff, families and school communities.
Barton built his reputation at FAVE, where the school earned recognition as a Microsoft Showcase School and an AP Honors School under his watch. The school also posted increased graduation rates and growth in Georgia Milestones Assessment System performance across grade levels. Before FAVE, he served as principal of Lake Forest Elementary School. He holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Georgia State University and brings more than 20 years of K-12 experience.
Smith takes over
Smith steps in with 24 years of education experience, including more than 14 years of high school leadership. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Florida A&M University.
"I am excited to partner with our students, families, staff, and community as we continue building a culture of excellence at Fulton Academy of Virtual Excellence," Smith said in the district's Aug. 4 announcement.
Enrollment challenge
Smith inherits a school navigating significant enrollment decline. FAVE served 1,276 students in 2021-22 but enrolled just 406 in 2024-25, according to North Fulton Today. The virtual school serves grades 2 through 12.
One potential growth lever: FAVE is among four Fulton County schools opening tuition-based enrollment to out-of-district Georgia students starting this school year, at $11,000 annually. The district approved that rate in June.
