Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Bryan Johnson has been spearheading the district since August 2024. Under his leadership, the district that serves just under 50,000 K-12 students has focused on improving student achievement. Johnson talks with “Closer Look” program host Rose Scott about the current state of public education. He also talked about his top priorities, including closing a $130 million budget gap this budget cycle,  APS’s Comprehensive Long-Range Facilities Plan, boosting community engagement, and more.

Plus, under mandates from President Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., thousands of employees at the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have been fired or furloughed. Some of those employees are now banding together to support one another through the CDC Mutual Aid Network. Scott talks with guests about the mission of the newly formed network. Guests include: 

Dr. Stephanie Salyer, the co-founder of the CDC Mutual Aid Network

Aryn Melton Bakus, a founding member of Fired but Fighting

Dr. Barbara Marston, a co-founder and coordinator of the CDC Mutual Aid Network

Guest 1, an anonymous guest