Atlanta Public Schools will require Perkerson Elementary School teachers to reapply for their jobs in an attempt to improve the struggling school.

The Atlanta school board this week unanimously approved the "reconstitution," a move that allows the district to overhaul staffing at the elementary school. The plan forces 67 school employees, including teachers and paraprofessionals, to reapply and interview for their jobs, according to numbers provided by the district last month.

Superintendent Meria Carstarphen said the move will be combined with continued additional help for students, such as reading and math support specialists and wrap-around services. But, she told board members Monday that Perkerson’s failure to improve its academic performance over the last several years means that “the next level is warranted.”

“We do think that it’s right to find the right people to do some of the programming which will include some dual language immersion and not everyone can teach that not everyone has the skills for that or the interest,” she said.

VIDEO: In other APS news

Atlanta Public Schools allowed a high school principal to resign without telling state authorities he'd been caught in a graphic sexting scandal.

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Board members listen during an Atlanta School Board meeting in Atlanta on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. APS held its first vote on school consolidation plans. (Abbey Cutrer / AJC)

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