The Atlanta school board has approved construction contracts totaling $22 million to renovate two elementary schools.

The board this month approved spending up to $11 million at each school to pay for the building upgrades at Barack and Michelle Obama Academy and West Manor Elementary School.

The money comes from a one-cent sales tax that voters approved in 2016.

Parrish Construction Group was awarded the job of renovating the academy, while Balfour Beatty Construction will do the work at West Manor.

Although Atlanta Public Schools began the year with virtual learning because of the coronavirus pandemic, the two schools have moved into temporary sites while construction takes place.

Barack and Michelle Obama Academy is using the former Bethune Elementary School location. West Manor is using the former Fain Elementary School site.

District documents state that the completion dates for the projects are to be determined.

About the Author

Keep Reading

A bicyclist rides on the Beltline by Atlanta’s Krog Street Market on Sept. 16, just before the start of what experts projected would be an unseasonably warm fall. This week’s temperatures are in line with that prediction, as highs are expected to tie or break records. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

Featured

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones — pictured at an August rally in Peachtree City that also featured Vice President JD Vance — appears to have scored another legal victory over gubernatorial rival Attorney General Chris Carr in their battle over campaign finance issues. (Arvin Temkar/AJC 2025)

Credit: Arvin Temkar / AJC