Atlanta parents, residents object to plans to close some schools
The Atlanta Board of Education got an earful from community members at a public hearing Wednesday evening about the school district’s long-range facilities plan.
Declining enrollment and rising costs led Atlanta Public Schools officials to develop a plan that would “repurpose” 16 school buildings. Some schools would close, including Cleveland Avenue, Dunbar and Stanton elementary schools. Those students would be rezoned to other schools. Some school buildings, such as the Frederick Douglass 9th Grade STEAM Academy, would close, but those students would join the main Douglass High campus.
Carver Early College would become a School of the Arts for grades 6-12. Washington High would become a districtwide school for career and technical education. Both plans would depend on whether voters extend a penny sales tax, because of needed updates and renovations. If approved, the changes could begin during the 2027-28 school year.
Atlanta’s enrollment has declined by more than 2,000 students over the last decade. School districts across the U.S. and metro Atlanta have been struggling with lower enrollments and stretched resources. Fulton County closed two schools earlier this year, citing declining enrollment and aging building conditions.
APS hired consulting firm HPM to guide it through the school consolidation process. HPM Vice President of Planning Services Tracy Richter said the school system will have to make some tough choices.
“It’s not always going to be a popular decision in some cases, and I understand that too, but the idea that the district will continue to spend money when they don’t have money will only harm children in the long run,” Richter said.
APS estimates it has 70,000 seats but currently fewer than 50,000 students. Officials say if spending continues at its current rate, the district will face a $548 million deficit over the next five years.
APS Chief Financial Officer Lisa Bracken said the facilities proposal would save the school system $25 million annually and would avoid $65 million in future repairs.
Of course, a process that rearranges school communities is emotional. Families filled the hearing room in the APS central office downtown and urged board members to save their school.
Parent Laura Hawk made a case for not closing the Douglass STEAM Academy, citing improved attendance and fewer suspensions since the campus opened in 2022.
“Perhaps most importantly, school culture has transformed,” she said. “Our students proudly call themselves Astros (the school mascot). They feel seen.”
Giana Hawkins, a sophomore at Spelman College, pleaded with board members to keep Dunbar Elementary School in Mechanicsville open. The pre-med student volunteers at the school and said it’s the heart of the community.
“Education is supposed to be the great equalizer, the tool that opens doors and builds futures,” she said. “When a school like Dunbar Elementary is left behind, we send a message that some children’s futures are worth less than others.”
State data show 94% of Dunbar students are African American and 96% are economically disadvantaged. Both statistics are above the district’s and statewide average.
Atlanta Superintendent Bryan Johnson said none of the district’s recommendations are being made lightly.
“We know that it will and does have an impact, and we’re extremely sensitive to that,” said Johnson, who was hired last year as superintendent. “But we also know that we’re absolutely better together, and if we use this as an opportunity to lean in, that we can come out on the other side as a much stronger school district.”
Wednesday’s hearing was the school board’s first reading of the proposal. A vote is scheduled after a second hearing on Dec. 3.
About the Author
Martha Dalton is a journalist for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, writing about K-12 education. She was previously a senior education reporter at WABE, Atlanta's NPR affiliate. Before that, she was a general assignment reporter at CNN Radio. Martha has worked in media for more than 20 years. She taught elementary school in a previous life.
