Parents and community members gathered at the recent Atlanta Board of Education meeting to oppose the proposed closure of 16 schools under Atlanta Public Schools’ plan to address a $57 million budget deficit. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, the district expects the closures could save about $20 million annually and an additional $65 million in maintenance costs.
One of the schools facing closure is Dunbar Elementary, located in a predominantly Black neighborhood. As reported by FOX 5 Atlanta, parents expressed concerns that shutting down the school would negatively impact the community and fail to address the district’s larger issues.
APS consultant Tracy Richter said financial considerations are guiding the proposal. Meanwhile, parent advocate Claire Dozier, who is working to keep Dunbar Elementary open, expressed concern that the closures would have an unequal impact on some communities.
According to WSB-TV, the 16 schools proposed for closure represent about 5,200 student seats across the district. A final public meeting is scheduled for December 3 before the Atlanta Board of Education votes on the proposal.
