The fates of two Fulton County elementary schools, Spalding Drive Elementary in Sandy Springs and Parklane Elementary in East Point, hang in the balance as officials push forward with discussions on potential closures. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, parents are set to learn more about the district's draft redistricting proposal during a community meeting slated for 6 p.m. today at Riverwood High School. Emily Bell, whose children attend Spalding Drive Charter Elementary, voiced her anxiety to FOX 5, stating, "It's very stressful."
Concerns over misinformation have circulated among parents, with some doubting the validity of district claims regarding school enrollment and building conditions. Mike Petchenik, a representative for Spalding Drive Elementary parents, claimed in a statement that the school was initially on the open enrollment list, “School officials have told parents [that Spalding Elementary] will be on the open enrollment list, but should the board choose to close the school and redistrict, it would be removed from the application list, thereby removing it as a choice for parents.” Represented by Petchenik Media Group, these parents contend that the district is overlooking recent improvements to the school, ignoring $1.9 million in building upgrades since 2019, as noted by SaportaReport.
Over in East Point, Parklane Elementary faces a similar situation, as parents speculate the district's closure plans are geared towards populating the upcoming new Conley Hills Elementary School. The new school is poised to open next August, with capacity for 850 students. Parklane's parent Christy Taylor is bracing for a name change for Conley Hills Elementary, which trails in performance according to a U.S. News World Report ranking.
Furthermore, Gabriella Mooney, a Parklane parent, drew attention to the broader implications of the potential closure for her community: "We have a closed hospital right next to us," Mooney revealed in a statement to SaportaReport. She expressed concern over her neighborhood's perceived devaluation, emphasizing, "We’re seeing so much disinvestment in our neighborhood, and [the message is] basically telling our kids, you don’t deserve things in your neighborhood." Parklane, like Spalding, caters to a significant number of special needs students and hosts the homeless liaison office which serves children from nearby extended-stay hotels.
As the discussion over school redistricting evolves, Fulton County parents continue to rally, seeking to influence the final proposal that will be unveiled on January 14. The school board is expected to make the ultimate decision on the schools' fates in February.
