Fulton County's new school

superintendent was sworn in yesterday, just a week after former superintendent

John Haro resigned.

Michael Vanairsdale took office

yesterday and pledged to continue the system's focus on student achievement

and continual improvement.

"My philosophy is focused

on one goal," says Mr. Vanairsdale. "We will make Fulton County

the best school system in the United States. We will do this by closing

the achievement gap, while continuing to make great strides in student

achievement at all levels."

Vanairsdale has been with the

Fulton County School System since 1996, most recently serving as Assistant

Superintendent of Operations. This division includes school construction

and facilities management, school nutrition, records management, purchasing,

warehousing, and student transportation.

Officials at the Fulton County

School System said since Vanairsdale's took over as assistant superintendent,

all new schools have opened on time and under budget, saving Fulton taxpayers

money and relieving overcrowded schools. The process for community involvement

in school construction has earned national recognition under his direction,

and the system has received awards for its proactive environmental practices

and innovative purchasing methods, and for operating one of the most efficient

school bus fleets in the nation.

Dr. Haro resigned October 23

from his position as superintendent, citing personal reasons. Haro moved

to Fulton County from Minnesota, and said he wanted to spend more time

with his family as one of the reasons for leaving Fulton County. The staff

and community are invited to meet Interim Superintendent Michael J. Vanairsdale

at five community forums. The meetings will allow staff and community

members to learn more about Vanairsdale and his direction for leading

the school system.

The public is invited and encouraged

to attend. Opportunities to ask questions to the interim superintendent

will be provided. South Fulton residents can meet the superintendent Tuesday

at 7 p.m. at Creekside High School in Fairburn.