Fulton County could close two schools. Parents are fighting back
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Parents at two Fulton County schools are fighting to keep their children's classrooms open amid a district proposal to close them and relocate students.
Why it matters: Schools are key parts of communities and neighborhoods where parents and students form tight bonds with classmates and teachers.
Driving the news: As part of an effort to consolidate elementary schools, Fulton County School System leaders want to close Spalding Drive Charter Elementary in Sandy Springs and Parklane Elementary in East Point.
Zoom in: The district's process began with a presentation at the board's Sept. 10 meeting that outlined three factors they are considering for consolidation: the age and condition of a school building, if enrollment is declining and expected to keep falling, and whether there is enough room at nearby schools to accommodate more students.
- Fulton school officials considered elementary schools where the enrollment is below 450 students, the threshold outlined in its policy.
By the numbers: Both Parklane and Spalding Drive have around 350 students, according to district numbers.
- By the 2028-29 school year, each school is projected to have around 343 students, Fulton County Schools says.
- In its facilities assessment, the district contended Spalding's conditions were fair, while Parklane's were graded poor.
What they're saying: Gabriella Mooney, whose oldest child attends Parklane, told Axios that the district's projections show schools in North Fulton having bigger enrollment drops over the next five years, but none of them are being considered for consolidation.
- Mooney said anytime a school invests in a community, it creates a "symbiotic relationship" between that neighborhood and its families.
- "We're showing these kids that they are worth us investing in their neighborhood, the place where they live, and that can't be understated, from my point of view," she said.
- Parents have created websites and petitions for both Spalding Drive and Parklane to get the word out about the situation.
- "I think they should consider taking additional time to listen, to truly listen, to the community," said Nora Robb, a Spalding Drive parent.
The other side: Fulton County Schools spokesperson Brian Noyes told Axios the district has held seven community input meetings over the last few months since the consolidation plan was put forth and continues to receive feedback from the public.
- "We're responding to questions," he said. "We're learning from their concerns, and we're trying to address all those things in what … can be a very difficult process for folks."
The intrigue: Fulton's proposal is also drawing notice from local elected officials from both sides of the political aisle.
- Elected officials in East Point and Sandy Springs are in support of keeping schools in their cities open.
- Republican state Rep. Deborah Silcox, Democratic state Sen. Josh McLaurin and Fulton County District 2 Commissioner Bob Ellis have said they support parents' work to keep their schools open as well.
What's next: A final recommendation will be brought before the school board in January, and the board could finalize that recommendation as early as February, Noyes said.