Leadership of New Century School in question

The Web site for a private school in downtown Atlanta on Tuesday announced the Atlanta New Century School would be restructured with a new name and "new leadership [but] the same great teachers, curriculum and location."

Angela Edmond, who led New Century, was listed as the president and head of school of the new Atlanta International Preparatory Academy. No other administrators or board members were listed.

But a board member for Atlanta New Century School said Tuesday evening that Edmond was no longer with New Century and that the school is not affiliated with Edmond's new school.

"We are moving forward as best we can and are looking forward to sharing our future plans and being open about those plans," said the unidentified board member.

The statement on the new Web site gave Edmond's credentials and contact information. It also said classes would start Aug. 17 as planned, adding "and we are still accepting limited applications for enrollment."

Edmond, who early Tuesday said she would issue a statement later in the day through her attorney, did not return subsequent phone calls and e-mails for comment.

Administrators of New Century School broke the news to parents last week about its financial problems, which founder Cole Walker attributed to its move last year to a new facility on Ralph McGill Boulevard that "wound up being more expensive than anticipated."

Walker, who moved to Huntsville, Ala., four years ago to work in his family's real estate business, is no longer involved in the school's day-to-day operations but said he was aware of its struggle.

School administrators Monday held a private meeting to discuss the future of the school, which enrolls about 100 students and has about 20 staffers.

Only parents and staff were allowed inside the meeting, but in earlier interviews, the school's principal and Walker both sounded a hopeful note and said the school remains open until further notice. Parents who left the meeting said the discussion was confidential, but they remained upbeat.

Walker opened New Century in 1995 with 22 students in the basement of the Healey Building in the Fairlie Poplar district. It found an academic niche offering multi-age classes that allow children to move at their own pace.