In a news release Thursday, the Fulton County Board of Education announced it approved its fiscal 2013 millage rates at its called meeting Thursday. For the third consecutive year, the total rate of 18.502 remains the same.

“Today we are pleased to adopt a millage rate that doesn’t increase taxes for our citizens while still providing the superior education that our system is known for,” said District 3 board member Gail Dean, who represents Sandy Springs schools. “Over the years, our board had difficult funding decisions to make, but it put the district in a much better position for where we are now.”

Fulton County’s millage consists of two combined millage rates – a maintenance and operations (M&O) rate and a debt service rate. The school board adopted an 18.502 M&O rate and a 0.0 mill debt service rate, keeping the total – 18.502 mills – at the same rate as last year. The rate is expected to remain the lowest in metro Atlanta.

“The school board really is to be commended for their hard work during this budget season,” said Superintendent Robert Avossa, Ed.D. “While other school systems contemplated raising millage rates, adding furlough days and cutting programs, Fulton County hasn’t had those same worries thanks to the tough decisions made early on.”