APS to require teachers to reapply for jobs at struggling elementary

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.

MYAJC.COM: REAL JOURNALISM. REAL LOCAL IMPACT.

The AJC's Vanessa McCray keeps you updated on the latest happenings in the Atlanta Public Schools system. You'll find more on myAJC.com, including these stories:

Never miss a minute of what's happening in state and local education. Subscribe to myAJC.com.

About the Author

Metro Atlanta schools report few teacher vacancies, but shortage isn’t over

It’s a big difference from the start of the school year in recent years. But some positions remain persistently difficult to fill.

Gwinnett elementary school student charged with firing a gun on campus

Several students and a parent reported that the student had brought a firearm to school and threatened to shoot a toilet. The student discharged the gun before classes began.