Atlanta may close 2 elementary schools, merge 2 others

Atlanta school officials will hold a public hearing tonight to discuss plans to close two elementary schools and merge two others at the end of the school year.

Officials say enrollments at two of the campuses are declining and housing projects near two other schools in the northwest area of the city are closing.

“It is no longer financially viable to keep these schools open the way they are,” district spokesman Joe Manguno said.

Blalock and Williams elementary schools are set to be closed because nearby Bankhead Courts and Bowen Homes housing developments closed and families are being relocated, Manguno said.

The system also proposes the merger of Hope and Hill elementary schools in Midtown and the Old Fourth Ward because of declining student enrollment. Hope currently enrolls 208 students; down from 288 in the 2000-01 school year. Hill enrolls 348 students; down from 526 in the 2000-01 school year.

About 1,300 students attend the four schools.

Manguno said the system has no recommendations on where affected students would attend school next year. Those decisions would be made if the school board approves the changes, he said.

The earliest the school board can vote is February.

Tonight’s hearing will focus on the plan to close Wiliams Elementary and will be held at 6 p.m. at the school, 1065 Wilkes Circle. A second meeting is set Jan. 13 at the same time and location.

Here are the dates for other public hearings:

Recommendation to close Blalock Elementary, Jan. 15 and 22, both at 6 p.m. at the school, 1445 Maynard Road.

Recommendation to merge Hill and Hope elementary schools, Thursday and Jan. 29, both at 6 p.m., at B.E.S.T. Academy, 320 Irwin Street.

Atlanta school officials shut down Waters Elementary and Walden Middle schools at the end of last school year because of declining enrollment at both campuses after nearby housing projects closed.